A.J.E.F.

A.J.E.F. was established in Havana on February 9, 1936, by Fernando Suárez Núñez. The first local organization was named Esperanza. The body was designed for young people associated with Masonic ideals but was not itself intended to function as a Masonic lodge. Its early expansion was rapid, with reported membership reaching about 5,000 by 1938. The organization began extending beyond Cuba soon afterward. In 1939, the first documented Mexican A.J.E.F. organization was created under the United Mexican Grand Lodge of Veracruz. It was named after Benito Juárez and its establishment was encouraged in part by Martin Dihigo Llanos. A second early Mexican organization was formed in Mexico City by the Mexican Valley Grand Lodge and received the name Fernando Suárez Núñez. Local A.J.E.F. units were originally called lodges, but the term Taller, or workshop, came to be preferred. This terminology distinguishes A.J.E.F. from Freemasonry proper and reflects the organization's role as an appendant youth institution. Each Taller depends on a sponsoring Masonic lodge and on the applicable grand lodge rules and support. In Mexico, the institution has been promoted by many regular grand lodges, giving it a more systematic relationship with Freemasonry than exists in some parts of the United States and Latin America. A central coordinating structure known as the Consejo Central AJEF, or AJEF Central Council, was originally composed of active A.J.E.F. members. Although such councils became less widespread in Mexico, they have continued in some jurisdictions, including Tamaulipas and Chiapas. Individual chapters remain the principal operating units, while inter-chapter events provide opportunities for communication and broader fraternal work. The organization's ritual system originated with Suárez Núñez. Mexican Masonic bodies later worked on adapting the ritual for Mexican youth. In 1991, the United Mexican Grand Lodge of Veracruz produced the Vademécum del AJEF, a compilation of ceremonies, theory, symbols, and philosophical principles. The Mexican Valley Grand Lodge subsequently produced the Prontuario del AJEF in 1994. These publications helped organize and standardize the ceremonial and instructional framework used by Mexican A.J.E.F. groups. A.J.E.F. teaching and ritual work are directed toward moral values, fraternity, civic consciousness, and practical social abilities. The initials A.J.E.F. are associated with Amor, Justicia, Esperanza y Fraternidad: Love, Justice, Hope, and Fraternity. Official essays and papers traditionally carry the motto Por la patria y la humanidad, or For the nation and humanity. The organization is comparable in broad purpose to the Order of DeMolay, although A.J.E.F. has especially close links with sponsoring Masonic lodges in its principal areas of activity.

• 1994

  Prontuario del AJEF created

  [1]A. J. E. F.en.wikipedia.org

  The Mexican Valley Grand Lodge produced the Prontuario del AJEF, building on earlier Mexican ritual and instructional material.

• 1991

  Vademécum del AJEF published

  [1]A. J. E. F.en.wikipedia.org

  The United Mexican Grand Lodge of Veracruz produced a compilation of A.J.E.F. ceremonials, theory, symbols, and philosophical principles.

• 1939

  First documented Mexican chapter

  [1]A. J. E. F.en.wikipedia.org

  The United Mexican Grand Lodge of Veracruz established a Mexican A.J.E.F. body named after Benito Juárez, with Martin Dihigo Llanos associated with its encouragement.

• 1938

  Early membership expansion

  [1]A. J. E. F.en.wikipedia.org

  The organization was reported to have reached approximately 5,000 members, supporting the development of chapters outside Cuba.

• 1936

  A.J.E.F. founded in Havana

  [1]A. J. E. F.en.wikipedia.org

  Fernando Suárez Núñez founded A.J.E.F. in Havana, Cuba, on February 9. The first local body was named Esperanza.

A youth-focused Masonic appendant body emphasizing fraternity, moral development, civic responsibility, and social skills for participants generally aged 14 to 21.

1. 1A. J. E. F.en.wikipedia.org