A layman, Pierre Goursat founded the community in Paris, France, in 1976. In 1998, the Vatican officially recognized the community statutes.

Members share the desire to live out, in a radical way, a call to holiness, which is their vocation as baptized Catholics. They share the certitude that God is present in the life of every person and that He loves us. The mission of the Community is to reveal to every man and woman the presence of the God of Love in their lives, Jesus Christ, who is "Emmanuel", "God with us".

The Emmanuel Community works with youth, with married and engaged couples and families, with people in the working world and with artists. Approximately 150,000 people participate every year in the activities of the Community. The Emmanuel has a missionary branch, Fidesco, and many formation programs. Worldwide 16 parishes have been confided to its care.

Every summer, the Emmanuel Community organizes a series of
International Sessions on Christian Life in Paray-le-Monial, France. One of the sessions is dedicated to the Family; and the last session, the International Forum for Young People, is an opportunity for young people to enter more deeply into a living experience of their Catholic faith.

The Emmanuel Community is already established in the following countries: USA, Canada, Nicaragua, Brazil, Peru, Martinique, Ireland, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Poland, Russia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Burkina-Faso, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Cape Verde, Benin, Cameroon, Gabon, Rwanda, Singapore, Democratic Republic of Congo, Togo, Madagascar, India, Indonesia, Taiwan, Japan and Australia.

Go to the homepage for links to international websites of the Emmanuel Community.