Magazine Brothers CMM 2016/2 by CMM Brothers

BROTHERS CMM 2/16

Inhoud

CONVERSATION WITH THE SUPERIOR GENERAL

CONCERNING BROTHER ANDREAS

MISSION STATEMENT

Colofon

Mercy belongs to all times and places.

Brothers CMM {formerly Ontmoetingen (Encounters)} is a quarterly publication of the Congregation of the Brothers of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy (Brothers CMM). A subscription is free of charge (available on request at the address below). ISSN 1877-6256

Mercy is at the centre of all world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The movement of mercy has left traces throughout history. The various forms in which mercy appears, are expressions of the society in which it arose, and of the spirituality that carries it. The Congregation of the Brothers of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy, is rooted in Christian mercy.

Editorial Board: Mr. Rien Vissers (editor in chief), Br. Edward Gresnigt, Br. Ad de Kok, Ms. Nathalie Bastiaansen, Mr. Peter van Zoest (executive editor) Translation: Br. Edward Gresnigt, Mr. Peter Huybers, Fr. Jan van der Kaa AA, Mr. Tony Verhallen Original design and layout: Heldergroen (www.heldergroen.nl) Printing: Franciscan Kolbe Press, Limuru, Kenya, press@ofmconvkenya.org Contact: Brothers CMM, Rhapta Road, P.O.Box 14916 Nairobi, Westlands 00800, Kenya E-mail: magazine@cmmbrothers.nl Website: www.cmmbrothers.org A voluntary contribution to meet the costs of the magazine is appreciated: ING Bank Account 106 85 17 for Fraters CMM Tilburg. For international transfer, please use: IBAN: NL30INGB0001068517 BIC: INGBNL2A

Photograph front cover: entrance to the polyclinic ‘St. Lukas’ in Aek Tolang, Indonesia. See pages 21-22. The Prodigal Son, Rembrandt.

Photograph back cover: the Dolomites, Italy (photo: Brother Ad de Kok).

YEAR OF MERCY

ST. JUSTINO CHANGES LIVES

BROTHER ALBERTUS FAU

BROTHERHOOD AND MERCY

LETTER FROM MOTHER TERESA

VISITING THE SICK

FROM THE EDITORIAL BOARD At the time this edition of Brothers CMM appears, the ‘Year of Mercy’ is in full swing. For the Congregation of the Brothers CMM, for whom ‘mercy’ is of paramount importance, this particular year within the Catholic Church, there is reason to ask extra attention for this. The magazine makes a contribution with a special section dedicated to this mercy year. In order to highlight the efforts of those who are inspired by the CMM mission and who support the Congregation in word and deed, the present edition initiates a new feature ‘United in Mercy’. In addition, news items are highlighted that are connected with the Year of Mercy. Within this framework a meeting was organized for the personnel and staff of Colégio Padre Eustáquio in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. For two postulants in Kenya, one of the seven works of mercy, visiting the sick, received a special dimension of mercy when they took care of a fellow postulant in hospital. Caring for patients with a strong emphasis on ‘mercy’ is also the motto of the polyclinic ‘St. Lukas’ in Aek Tolang, Indonesia. In the section ‘Images of Apostolate’, you can view pictures about it. Finally, unique is a 1979 letter from Mother Teresa addressed to Brother Jan Koppens, that proved to have a particular impact. The foundress of the Missionaries of Charity who died in 1997 will be canonized on 4 September. At present the Congregation has 4,500 members in 133 countries. The canonization is one of the important events in the Year of Mercy.

KI TOV

BISHOP VISITS TARAKAN

A HELPFUL FAMILY

IMAGES OF APOSTOLATE

IN MEMORIAM

‘HIS GRACE IS NEAR’

23 3

CONVERSATION WITH THE SUPERIOR GENERAL

Together with General Board member, Brother Rofinus Banunaek, I made a working visit in Indonesia from April 12 till May 8, 2016. We spoke with boys in Aek Tolang. They live in a hostel that the brothers manage. About fifty boys live there. They come from that area and take classes close to the hostel.

They asked me if I thought whether the living conditions of the hostel were acceptable. We did know for some time already that the accommodations were insufficient. I was happy that I could tell them that we were close to a solution. We had consulted with the bishop who would make grounds available for the hostel. The hostel will soon have more land so that the brothers can start with new construction. The boys definitely will feel more at home after its completion. In Yogyakarta we met the counselor of a little group of eight students who want to spend their free time assisting poor children with food, with education, and with religious instruction. She asked the brothers to give them spiritual guidance. The brothers responded enthusiastically; her question fit perfectly with their own mission. Two brothers will take on this guidance. The students themselves, in response to our request, wish to join the Marian Youth Movement, which is part of the Vincentian Family. In this way the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; initiative finds a place within the spiritual tradition that also belongs to the Congregation of the Brothers CMM tradition. This way, while the student body keeps changing, a simple structure grows that allows for the continuation of their project.

Visiting these two projects inspired us. Many of the things we observed during our working visit impressed us immensely. I only mention these two very concrete initiatives. In this world, filled with insecurity and threats, they show us things that can fill us with hope. The world we so often see is not the world as God intended it to be. It can have an overpowering effect on us. In reflecting on all of this I finally ask myself the questions: Who is my neighbour? Am I open to the needs of others and how do I show that? At those working visits I see the importance of remaining close to my neighbour. Often spectacular deeds do not matter, finding out how to progress together with your fellow men does. Rien Vissersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; interview with Brother Lawrence Obiko

CONCERNING BROTHER ANDREAS

NOT FEARING DEATH Brother Frumentius said that Brother Andreas did not fear death. On his sickbed he was “as calm and tranquil as always” and he faced his approaching death with great trust in God’s goodness”. During his entire life he had been “calm of mind”, never “fearful, agitated, or low-spirited”.

His fellow brothers considered it special that Brother Andreas remained at ease with the thought of having to die. In his lifetime most people feared death immensely. Fear of death permeated society. Death appeared unexpectedly in all kind of manners. We must not forget that Andreas lived in a century when many epidemics broke out, people could succumb to a contagious illness within a few days, and medical knowledge was still limited. In the Netherlands of 1860 the average life expectancy, maybe we should call it ‘death expectancy’, was age 37. Ruwenberg cemetery. Religious were very fearful of death as well. Bishop Zwijsen addressed it extensively in his Familiar Discourses. “What does it matter whether a religious dies earlier or later? … Sisters, if heaven is not there for a religious, for whom then will it be?” It was easy for the bishop to talk about this. But in reality the sisters and brothers definitely feared death, often very much so. This showed in various rather scrupulous practices and panicky behaviour in dangerous situations. Many prayers incorporated the fear of death. In the brother houses and convents one could often hear ejaculatory prayers and prayers of supplication to fight distress as well as specific prayers for a gentle death. The religious too had valid reasons to fear death. They often did dangerous work. Many of them had direct contact with the sick and dying. In the early years of the Congregation the sisters and brothers took a fourth vow: the vow to practice mercy and compassion. It reflected their willingness to help patients with infectious diseases. It showed their courage, mercy, and trust in God. Schools and boarding schools also represented dangerous working places. Contagious illnesses could spread there quite rapidly. Even one suspicious illness would arouse grave concern and at times cause panic.

At the Ruwenberg boarding school, where Brother Andreas worked for a long time, fear of death was palpable. The chronicles often mention it. Brother Cosmas, for example, who did housekeeping work, made a sign of the cross a hundred times a day. Everyone knew him as “the worst kind of scrupulant”. The tailor Brother Romualdus was also known for his intense fear of death. He kept on talking about death. His fellow brothers teased him about it: after a funeral they would place a bier right in front of the door to his workplace. It would get Romualdus severely distressed. The brothers and students needed much pastoral guidance for their fear and angst. We need to understand Brother Andreas’ calmness in the context of the spirit of the age. It gave evidence of his deep and authentic trust in God. The fact that Brother Andreas had absolutely no fear of death comforted his fellow brothers and the students. Charles van Leeuwen

YEAR OF MERCY

THE CALL FOR MERCY ‘Mercy’ is a core concept in the spirituality of the Brothers CMM. The ‘Year of Mercy’ that is being celebrated in the Catholic Church from 8 December 2015 till 20 November 2016, offers a unique opportunity to bring this to the attention of the readers of ‘Brothers CMM’. Former Superior General Brother Harrie van Geene took that task upon him. His third contribution deals with the worldwide need for mercy.

Books about mercy love to describe at the beginning, how much our world is in need of mercy. In those books I read much what I often experience as too big for me. It is about two world wars, concentration camps, waves of refugees, terrorism, human trafficking and natural disasters. It is also about hunger, abuse and having no shelter. It is about pollution and exploitation. It deals - and then I come a little closer to home - even with loneliness, disease and insecurity; it is also about the experience of meaninglessness and lack of human warmth. Nevertheless: the call for mercy, the cry for mercy, is very real for all of us. We all experience that the need for mercy is great, far away but also very close by. With the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis directs himself of course primarily to Catholics and other Christians. That is also the case in the bull on the Year of Mercy. He emphasizes that mercy has become alive and visible in JESUS OF NAZARETH, having reached its culmination in him. JESUS is the icon of mercy. Mercy has been revealed as a fundamental aspect of JESUS’ mission, the heartbeat of the Gospel. Mercy is a key word in the Bible. But the Pope also addresses himself to a wider audience. That is why he stressed: mercy is the fundamental law that dwells in the heart of EVERY PERSON who looks sincerely into the eyes of his brothers and sisters on the path of life. And he also indicates that it connects us with JUDAISM and ISLAM, both of which consider mercy to be one of God’s most important attributes. That openness and expansion is magnificent. Enzo Bianchi began his monastery on December 8, 1965, at the day the Second Vatican Council closed. He is the prior of the Community of Bose in Italy. 6

Logo of the Year of Mercy. The translation of the Latin text reads: ‘Merciful like the Father’. Recently he spoke emphatically of “the great need of mercy” and about “a culture of mercy”. He indicated that strong criticism is needed. The neighbour, the fellow human being, the other has increasingly become a virtual reality. Very often virtual, global contacts go quickly at the expense of actual closeness. What follows is that also our feelings become virtual and illusory. This places mercy under a serious threat. I am fortunate that I encounter many people in my world who have an eye, a heart and hands for those who are weak and wounded. That encourages me. It is fortunate too that there are also really great thinkers about mercy, who keep me awake: for example, Emmanuel Levinas, Paul Ricoeur, Karen Armstrong, Joseph Ratzinger, Gordon R. Clark. I need that. Brother Harrie van Geene

YEAR OF MERCY

JOYFUL IN GOD’S MERCY In February 2016 the first issue in the series ‘Mercy Now!’ reflection materials were published for the Brothers and Associate members of CMM and the Sisters SCMM for the Year of Mercy. This year is being celebrated in the Catholic Church from 8 December 2015 till 20 November 2016. In April and June the second and third issue appear.

In the first edition, Joyful in God’s Mercy, the encounter with the mercy of God the Father stood central. The title of the April issue was: A merciful Church; and the one of June: A merciful hospital. Every publication contains short reflective texts, especially from Scripture, the Constitutions of the Brothers CMM or the Sisters SCMM, Vincent de Paul and of Pope Francis. Besides that there is always a longer text of the Pope “for deepening and meditation”. The one in the first issue is taken from the bull Misericordiae vultus, The Face of Mercy, for

the Year of Mercy. With it the following questions are asked: “The text of Pope Francis opens with the statement: ‘Jesus Christ is the face of the Father’s mercy.’ What Gospel text is for you personally the most important text about mercy? Explain why. Which people in your whereabouts are for you ‘a face of mercy’? Explain why. ‘God considers himself responsible for us. That means that he desires our wellbeing and he wants to see us happy, full of joy, and peaceful.’ Do you agree with this statement of Pope Francis? Look at this moment of your life: how true this statement?”

Solidarity The April issue quotes from an interview with the Pope. “I see the Church as a field hospital after battle. It is useless to ask a seriously injured person if he has high cholesterol and about the level of his blood sugars! You have to heal his wounds. Then we can talk about everything else. Heal the wounds, heal the wounds.... And you have to start from the ground up.” The June issue refers back to the papal message for the 2016 World Day of the Sick. Pope Francis puts the spotlight on the ‘wisdom of the heart’: being in solidarity with the sick. “Occasionally our world forgets the special value of time spent at the bedside of the sick, since we are in such a rush; caught up as we are in a frenzy of doing, of producing, we forget about giving ourselves freely, taking care of others, being responsible for others.”

The logo ‘Mater Misericordiae’, ‘Mother of Mercy’, is being used in the various CMM publications within the context of the Year of Mercy, along with the official Vatican logo for this year (see page 6). ‘Our Lady, Mother of Mercy’ is the name of the Congregations of the Brothers CMM and the Sisters SCMM.

The publications of Mercy now! are being published in Dutch, English, Indonesian and Portuguese and can be found at www.cmmbrothers.org. Peter van Zoest

KENYA

ST. JUSTINO CHANGES LIVES On September 28, 2007 a festive event took place in the slums of Soweto in Nairobi, Kenya. The almost twentyyear old school constructed of wood and zinc sheeting had been moved to different locations four times. Now the brothers’ newly built St. Justino High School was solemnly opened. The Papal Nuncio in Kenya, Alain Paul Lebeaupin, blessed the high school. The brothers of the Kenyan Province, the then Superior General of the Brothers CMM, Broer Huitema, and General Board member, Jan Koppens, attended the ceremony. Several speakers told how they hoped that after receiving a good spiritual and intellectual education the students would enrich school, Church, and society. Now, nine years later, four of them tell how the school influenced their lives.

important role. We thank the St. Justino community for the help it provided. Because of this, I myself can see some light at the end of the tunnel. The world needs to know how St. Justino has changed our lives for the better.”

Happiness

St. Justino on opening day in 2007. Collins Oduor: “I grew up in the center of the slums of Soweto, a place known for its many hardships. Every day is marred by violence. And yet, there is a spark of hope thanks to St. Justino. The school offers many promises for a better life. After a very difficult start during the first years of this century the school has become a success story. St. Justino’s outstanding curriculum and educational activities helped develop and expand our talents. The school also built the students’ faith and discipline. Students who were cutting corners became more serious. Particularly the brothers offer spiritual guidance, which helped many students to get their lives in perspective and find more trust in God than in material and worldly things. These beautiful developments would not have occurred if the teachers, notably the brothers, had not played such an 8

John King’ara: “St. Justino taught me very clearly the true meaning of happiness. One doesn’t find it in gold or silver; true happiness one finds in God only. The spirituality of the Brothers CMM showed me the meaning of sacrifice and humility. Dealing with 21st century students proves to be quite a challenge. If the school had been a government institution, many of us would have been expelled. But the brothers’ heartfelt mercy did forgive us and accepted us the way we were. As a result many of us got a chance to study and learn from our mistakes. I had very negative expectations during my freshman year at St. Justino. I wondered how one could eat ‘githeri’ (a mix of beans and corn) every single day and how one could study so close to open sewers. But I lived with it every day and slowly learned to accept the situation. Because of the brothers I came to understand the value of humility and simplicity. I learned to put myself in the last place and to be present to one another and to be a guardian of my brothers. St. Justino has taught me that the years of a teenager are like a bridge, which enabled me to cross over and reach maturity. The bridge crosses over drugs, alcohol, peer pressure, and more dangers. If strong, I’ll manage to not fall into disaster. In case I would fall, St. Justino taught me how to gain courage

Papal Nuncio Alain Paul Lebeaupin blesses the school. Brother Leo van de Weijer walks behind him. Left, holding papers: school director Paul Barasa.

and climb back onto the bridge. The brothers showed me how Christ loves me and how He gave his life to save me. They taught me how to treasure my Christian values. They had trust in me, which meant that because of this school I have come to know what I can achieve. Only when I am totally committed will I truly know what I can achieve. You will never know what you are capable of until you try.

Dream Titus and Rollins: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our dream became reality on February 25, 2014. It was our heartfelt wish to become students at St. Justino. Great academic achievements and the praises by the community inspired us. Since we came to the school we have grown, spiritually and morally. Our school is located in the middle of the slums of Soweto. In spite of the intense poverty that is rampant there, St. Justino managed to change the lives of the people who live in the district. It did so, not only through good education, but especially through moral and spiritual guidance. Thanks to St. Justino life in Soweto has been clearly improved. In addition, St. Justino has become very important for society as a whole. Successful engineers, doctors, teachers and even political and civil leaders would not have reached that achievement without the high school education they received at St. Justino. The school not only changed our lives, it also improved the society around it and even our country.â&#x20AC;?

The commemorative plaque that was unveiled at the opening of St. Justino. It mentions St. Joris College in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, which, through various activities, made significant financial contributions for the construction and furnishings of the school.

INDONESIA

BROTHER ALBERTUS FAUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MESSAGE TO US In 2015 at the age of 75, the Indonesian Brother Albertus Fau died in Aek Tolang. He was known for his religious motivation and his sacrificial love. The special way in which he practiced the CMM spirit of brotherhood and mercy made a deep impression both within the Congregation and outside of it. For the brothers in Indonesia the Year of Mercy - celebrated in the Catholic Church at this time - is a reason to pause a moment at this remarkable personality. Brother Ad Hems recorded stories about him from family members, friends, people who knew him, but also from his fellow brothers and other religious.

His younger sister, Mama Sona Fau, stressed that Albert was a hard worker. He lived soberly and wanted very much to help others. Albert enjoyed developing the skills of children, especially in the area of sports, like soccer, table tennis and cycling. He also committed himself to the art of singing. Some thirty years ago a group of children from the island Nias was sent to Medan for recordings in a real studio.

Enthusiasm Brother Albert enjoyed helping others. It often meant not paying enough attention to himself. It happened especially when poor children and/or the sick were involved, but also those who were marginalized. It occurred quite often that close family members would transfer money for his mobile phone so he could keep in touch with them regularly. What happened? Brother Albert would pass it on to people who were struggling financially. Many children in primary schools would get his special attention, because they could not study at night, as there was no electricity. Brother Albert bought a number of small lamps and gave them to the children. Quite often the children would then return them to Brother Albert who would make them ready for use again. Brother Albertus Fau.

Brother house in Aek Tolang.

During the past ten years Brother Albert occasionally received an invitation from his family in Jakarta to be present at important family festivities. His family then sent him the money for the plane ticket to make sure he would come. What did he do? He took the bus from Sibolga to Jakarta – about 24 hours. The money he saved he could then use for the poor. Brother Albert kept a beautiful large machete adorned with wood carvings in his sister’s house. True antique! He asked his sister to sell it for him so he would have some money again for the really poor. There was a very poor family that was allowed to keep pigs behind the boarding school. Day after day Brother Albert searched for firewood to boil the food for the swine. When there was no firewood left some trees were felled. And all that wood he chopped up and took to the piggeries. It was heavy work. His fellow brothers would tell him then: “Take it easy, you’re no longer twenty any more!” He would reply laughingly: “But I am still strong!” And his enthusiasm would even get stronger as a result! There were even a few widows who received some extra attention from Brother Albert. Brother Ciprianus Angkadai told the story: “He bought some young chickens at the market place. After caring for them for a about a week he called some widows and they were

allowed to take five chickens home to look after them.” Brother Albert had taken on the job to take charge of providing water for the boarding school, the brother house, a polyclinic and even some schools. It implied that in the evening the taps were opened and all the water containers were filled for the next day. As a great deal of water was used, the bills were considerably high, especially at the boarding school, where about 70 children would take a bath twice a day. Brother Albert got the following idea: at three places where the water meters were located, he put at 9 o’clock in the evening some strong magnets, causing the meters to run very slowly. In the morning at 5 o’clock when all the containers were full, he removed the magnets again. That trick worked for several years, until he was found out. I better not tell you what happened then …

His death Apart from the above there are quite a few occurrences worth mentioning. A day before his death Brother Albert told the woman who did the cooking in the kitchen: “From tomorrow onward you will have to cook the rice.” Albert always cooked the rice, day after day … and he told her this a day before his death! Incredible!

INDONESIA

Brother Albert also told Mrs. Marwan who looked after the pigs: “Mother Marwan, look … near the pigsties there are three piles of firewood: one pile for the boarding school, one for the youth group and a third pile for you, Mother Marwan.” Straightaway she said: “Why are you telling me – or is someone going to be transferred?” Brother Albert answered: “Who knows, I might die.” The evening before his death, Brother Albert said to the brothers who were playing cards: “In this photo frame of our former Provincial Superior Brother Martinus Leni you have to place my photo at the time of my passing away.” The card playing brothers burst out laughing loudly and one of them replied: “Come on … you better wait a while longer.” May his remarkable life of service be recorded in heaven and may thousands of new seedlings sprout, bringing new vocations from the spirituality of mercy during the ‘Year of Mercy’. Brother Ad Hems

Brother Albertus Fau working in the kitchen of the community in Aek Tolang.

The brothers in Aek Tolang at the dining table. From left to right: Albertus Fau, Johannes Kojongian, Benediktus Suri, Marten Rukka.

BRAZIL

Brother Henrique Cristiano José Matos presenting his introduction.

MEETING ABOUT BROTHERHOOD AND MERCY On 30 April 2016 personnel and staff of Colégio Padre Eustáquio in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, met for a day of reflection on the theme: ‘Brotherhood and Mercy’. The day had been organized by the school management within the framework of the Year of Mercy.

After the opening by one of the teachers, Brother Henrique Cristiano José Matos took the floor. His introduction was entitled: ‘Mercy, the heartbeat of the Gospel’. The choice of this theme relates to the Year of Mercy. This year the entire Church is inspired by reflecting on mercy. Brother Henrique extensively explained the meaning of mercy for the times we are living in. He spoke about the dynamics of mercy: ‘seeing, being moved and getting into action’. He also discussed how this dynamic can play an important role in the life of personnel and staff of the school.

‘Unity in diversity’

organization that takes on violence in schools and in society. The last item on the program was conducted by the pastoral team of the school. A few teachers and members of staff were given a statue of Our Lady, a statue of Padre Eustáquio or a statue of Jesus. All participants were given a sheet of paper with the logo of the Year of Mercy on it, a quote referring to one of the seven corporal works of mercy or one of the seven spiritual works of mercy, and a prayer to Mary, Mother of Mercy. Brother Damasus Dobat

In the afternoon there was a workshop on the theme ‘Unity in Diversity’, conducted by Mrs. Beatriz, a former student of the school. She represents an

An impression of the workshop ‘Unity in Diversity’.

INDONESIA

WHAT A LETTER OF MOTHER TERESA BROUGHT ABOUT Mother Teresa’s canonization on September 4, 2016 belongs to one of the most important events in the Year of Mercy. Brother Jan Koppens, Provincial Superior in the Netherlands, cherishes a special memory of her. In a letter she wrote him in 1979 she urged to pray for vocations. Indonesia had two independent regions in last century’s late seventies: Sulawesi-Maluku and Sumatra-Nias. At the time I was superior of the Region Sumatra-Nias. Several questions preoccupied me. How can we get more members for the Congregation in this area? Have we, as brothers, truly become rooted into the local community? Does the fact that we see such a small increase relate to the character of the local population? Did we give them the right inviting signs? Did we really pray enough for vocations? One evening in September 1978 I wrote a letter to Mother Teresa of Calcutta. I had read a lot

Mother Teresa’s letter.

about her and by her. I had also listened to various conferences of her on cassette tapes. My letter had only one intention: I wanted Mother Teresa to know about my concern and ask her to pray for the Congregation. Months later, in January 1979, came a totally unexpected response. Her letter inspired a prayer campaign in all the communities of the Sumatra-Nias Region. The Indonesian Province now has a number of brothers from Sumatra and Nias … Brother Jan Koppens

KENYA

VISITING THE SICK During the Year of Mercy the Church spends much attention to the ‘seven works of mercy’: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, care for the sick, visit the imprisoned, bury the dead. They are derived from the Gospel of Matthew (25: 35-36). For two postulants in Kenya ‘mercy’ received a special dimension when they visited a fellow candidate in the hospital. Calvin Mairura: “The first time I met Chrispinus Mokokha, one of the candidates in our postulancy, he was a happy and healthy young man. After a few days, however, he started to complain about stomach problems. The next day it got worse and he needed to go to hospital. Something was terribly wrong. Since that evening I started to look upon illness from a different perspective. As postulants and aspirants we were asked to visit him in hospital and give a helping hand: a call to perseverance and humility. Inspired by the Year of Mercy we not only assisted Chrispinus, but other patients in hospital as well. At times I myself felt blessed when I had been able to do something for a patient, and thus I learned, as the Gospel teaches us that everyone who needs help is your neighbour. As a result of this experience I really learned what it is to be of service. Being of service means being courageous and frank. Before that time it always frightened me somewhat to go to hospital, but this experience confronted me with the reality and gave me courage. And as far as prayer is concerned, I have learned that we should not focus too much on ourselves, meaning that we should not only pray for ourselves and our friends, but that also we can pray for everybody else.” Rodgers Odhiambo: “I visited Chrispinus several times in hospital. I also met other patients who were seriously ill and needed attention. ‘All you did to one of the least of my brothers and sisters you did it to Me.’ The Gospel of Matthew asks us as Christians to start doing simple things for people who need our attention. We always have to be willing of course to assist when people need our help. But initially I found it difficult to deal with the illness and to visit and take care of the sick. Gradually, however, I came to the realization that it is our duty and responsibility to serve others. Just as Jesus was our example: we are there to serve and not to be served. You really do not need much in order to

serve others. Whatever we have, however little it may seem: that’s what we can use to help others. I also started to realize that being a listening ear is often more valuable than the most expensive linen.”

Care for the sick, Rijksmuseum Amsterdam. Panel, painted in 1504 by the ‘Master of Alkmaar’. It is part of a series of seven about the works of mercy.

THE NETHERLANDS

Building on the Grave van Solmsstraat where Ki Tov is located.

Ki Tov For more than ten years a small Christian community, by the name of ‘Ki Tov’, Hebrew for ‘it is good’, has been living in a former brother house on the Grave van Solmsstraat in Utrecht. One of the residents, Bram van Dijk, 24 years old and almost finished with his studies as a philosopher major, shares with us his thoughts about this community which maintains a good relationship with the Brothers CMM.

From diverse Christian traditions we wanted to create a hospitable community. I myself come from a Protestant-Christian background. When I started my studies in Utrecht I joined a Christian student association which saw the Bible as the guide for life. There I met my girlfriend, and she too was raised a Christian. It gives us a mutual bond: we attend church regularly and find it important to do something for others. My girlfriend’s brother lived here in Ki Tov and in this way I attended already earlier some of their prayer services. I liked the spirit, just as much as the Taizé songs which we sang. When a place opened up for a couple we submitted a letter to ask if we could join, and in the meantime we live here already for a year.

Ecumenical Our community is ecumenical and is made up of Catholics, Protestants and Anglicans. The Protestants make up the majority in the core group (seven of the nine). Core membership implies that you also assist in making our hospitality a reality. The members of the core group are mostly around 30 years old and 16

work among others as speech therapist, policy staff member for the Salvation Army, childcare provider, theologian, lawyer, daycare assistant, and as an remedial educational expert. We make a conscious effort to include some students from foreign nations as our fellow members. Currently we have a Dutchman who has travelled all over the world and a young woman from Finland. The oldest resident turns forty this year. There is not much room for couples with children. Previously some children did live here and that worked charmingly as long as they were young, but ultimately that does not have our preference, because it changes the focus of the group. Frank van Vredendaal has been a member of Ki Tov since day one. He reflected extensively with the brothers about the possible use of the building after the brothers withdrew from Utrecht. It was decided to start a community for young Christians. Frank maintains the contact with the brothers. The brothers are the owners and when we plan for example to build solar installations or other projects we discuss it with them. The rent for the building is reasonable and fair, relative to location and space. In contrast to the situation in

the student housing complex where I lived before, you do not find empty beer crates or scampering mice when you lift up a bench. During the past two years several new core group members have joined which has led to a new dynamic within the group. Generally speaking, people leave the community because their personal circumstances have changed and not really because they do not like it here. My girlfriendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brother had to move due to his transfer at work. It also happens that students from the top floor move down and become core group members. Most of us live here now six or seven years. Due to the constant change in membership it is doubly important to get to know each other and to do things together.

Involvement Each morning and evening we have celebrations and as far as I am concerned the singing is the best part. TaizĂŠ speaks to young people anyway, as do the Bible passages and the silence. On Thursdays the core group members prepare dinner for the entire group. Dinners are always vegan; as a matter of fact the members are mostly vegetarian. Often we work with organic products and with vegetables out of our own yard. It is my experience that the longer you live in this community the more you reflect on what you eat. The seven Dutch students who reside on the top floor are less involved. They have their own rooms, bathrooms and kitchens. About once every six weeks we eat together downstairs. Once a week, on Thursday, we have a community evening with the core group members and the international students. We have dinner together and during dessert time we have an inspirational moment and afterward we practice our singing, watch a movie together, share our ups and downs, and reflect on the Bible. Every two months we

Prayer room in the former chapel of the brother house. have a house meeting. Its purpose is to discuss the practical concerns, e.g. progress of the house chores, the projects we want to organize and the continuity; what is the energy level, are we heading the right direction? The chores are divided well and we all know from each other that we are there for the wellbeing of the group. I am responsible for mowing the grass (a gigantic lawn), and taking care of the rabbits (Boa, Professor Neinstein, and Bam) and cleaning the laundry room. We, the core group members, have every year a two-day weekend retreat together in order to be able to speak more deeply about our life of faith, to walk, eat well and have a lot of fun together.

A look in the kitchen.

Nederland

Barbecue in the garden. Regularly we have open house and we have good contacts with our neighbours. A growing number of outsiders know where we live and in the context of Come and eat a few refugees have been our guests. Last year we celebrated our tenth anniversary in the St. Joseph Church nearby and afterward we had a get-together with invited guests in the house and in the yard. The brothers enjoy walking around here and to share their stories about the tiny rooms in which they lived. We have here on the one hand sufficient freedom and on the other hand ample contacts with each other and that leads to the fact that I hope to stay here for a while. I agree with what the community has posted on its website (www.kitov.nl) and find inspiration in the words of Psalm 133: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! For there the Lord commanded the blessing: life forever.” Bram van Dijk

(Taken from ‘KNR-bulletin’ 1, 2016, a quarterly publication of the communication division of the umbrella organization Conference of Dutch Religious). Nederlandse Religieuzen)

Bram van Dijk. 18

The Superior General of the Brothers CMM at the time, Brother Broer Huitema announced in 2005, in number 4 of Brothers CMM, to be happy that the brother house had found a new purpose with Ki Tov. “The decline in the number of brothers made it necessary to close the community. Then the question arises: what to do with the facility? The general board of the brothers wrestled for a while with that question. The most simple solution would have been to sell the house. We chose another option and asked ourselves how we could find a destination for this facility which would do justice to our own tradition, our own mission, but at the same time one that would be contemporary and connect with the needs and wants of our time. Without any advertising several organizations and groups approached us. It was amazing how much interest there was in this facility, mostly by idealistic groups. We also got in touch with a small group of young people who were looking for a home where they would be able to realize their dream of a community centered around daily prayer. The young people had met each other through the ecumenical community in Taizé and through the Nikola community in Utrecht and recognized in each other their desire for a prayerful life in community. We discussed their plans and became enthusiastic. After a number of intensive talks we went ahead. … The foundation Ki Tov rents the house from the Congregation.”

INDONESIA

AUSTRALIAN AUXILIARY BISHOP VISITS SCHOOLS OF THE BROTHERS IN TARAKAN On 3 January 2016 Mark Stuart Edwards OMI, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Melbourne in Australia, visited the schools of the brothers in Tarakan, North Kalimantan, Indonesia. The schools were founded by the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) and were transferred to the Brothers CMM in 2012.

The auxiliary bishop met with the teachers and students at the Frater Don Bosco Senior High School. He shared the story of his life and explained that his father worked as an engineer for Australian oil companies. Due to his work his parents lived at many different places in the world, including Indonesia. While the family was stationed in Balikpapan he was born there in 1959. Later on the family returned to Australia. In 2012 Mark Stuart Edwards became the auxiliary bishop of Melbourne.

Calling The students had the opportunity to ask the bishop all kinds of questions. Two of them asked him if he was happy with his vocation as bishop or not really? He answered: “I was very glad to become a priest and later on also to become a bishop. I do not question the choice to live my life as a servant of God. This calling to be a bishop is a gift from God to me. I never asked for it, but God gave me this task. I want to do

The auxiliary bishop teaches a math class. beautiful things for God.” He also said: “All of us are called to do beautiful things for God, whether you are a student, teacher, husband, wife, sister, brother, or priest and bishop.” After the talk the auxiliary bishop taught a math class for the students of the third year. He had been a math teacher in the past in Melbourne.

‘Proud’ After his visit to the Frater Don Bosco Senior High School, the bishop visited the brother house, the church, an elementary and a secondary school. He encouraged the students and especially the teachers with the following words: “I am very proud of you for you do important work here. You do not just transmit knowledge to the students; you contribute to the formation of their character so that they may develop a good heart and enjoy a good life.” Brother Agustinus Nai Aki Bishop Mark Stuart Edwards with students of the Frater Don Bosco Senior High School. 19

UNITED IN MERCY

A FAMILY THAT’S ALWAYS READY TO HELP “We see it as our task to work courageously together with others towards a better future”; we read this in the Rule of Life of the Brothers CMM. This goal is realized in the commitment of many who are united with the Congregation in the mission of brotherhood and mercy. In Tarakan, Indonesia, for instance, the brothers receive the assistance of the Gunawan family.

birthdays of the brothers. In 2009 they were part of the committee responsible for the celebration of the profession for life of six brothers. Even now the Gunawan family helps with birthday parties, days of reflection and the annual retreat by preparing delicious meals. Whenever the brothers ask the whole family is always ready to help.

Sharing

Brother house in Tarakan. In 2007 the brothers formally established themselves in Tarakan, in the Province of North-Kalimantan, Indonesia. The building that was to become their house was in a poor state of repair. The rooms needed to be renovated, some old things needed replacing and the garden too demanded attention. To realize all this the brothers decided to ask the help of the Gunawan family in Tarakan.

Mrs. Gunawan says that the family is inspired by a passage from the letter of St. Paul to the Galatians (6: 10): “So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all, but especially to those who belong to the family of the faith.” “It is good to share our love and friendliness with everyone, as long as we live in this world, as long as we have the chance to be merciful and to act mercifully”, she says. “My family and I feel called to do this. We are happy to thank God, He who is always with us in our lives. It is meaningful for us what we can do for Him and our neighbour.” Brother Agustinus Nai Aki

Helping Hand The Chinese-Indonesian family Gunawan is actively involved with the Church and they were happy to respond to the request of the brothers to offer a helping hand. Together with the brothers the house became habitable and Mr. and Mrs. Gunawan made sure the brothers got to know the local community. They took the brothers along in their car to pick up material for the renovation and whatever was needed for house and garden. They offered transport to the church and they visited the community at the 20

The Guanawan family at a celebration in Tarakan.

IMAGES OF APOSTOLATE

POLYCLINIC ‘ST LUKAS’ IN INDONESIA Entrance to the polyclinic.

Worldwide the Congregation is being confronted with all sorts of material and spiritual needs. The brothers, together with others, are trying to alleviate these. The third issue of this feature showcases ‘St. Lukas’, the polyclinic in Aek Tolang, Indonesia. A foundation of the brothers administers it. The polyclinic started as a small wooden building near a boarding house where the brothers were working. In 2013 a new building was constructed. At the moment it is an important provision where on a yearly basis some 17,000 persons are being treated. ‘Mercy’ is at the heart of the clinic’s policy: people are not treated as ‘patients’, but first and foremost as ‘neighbours’. The lobby.

Medicine magazine.

Members of the staff. Left back: Brother Eduardus Senu; right back: Brother Aron Sihombing. 21

IN MEMORIAM

Backside of the clinic.

BROTHER

Gerardius (G.C.P.) Straathof

Courtyard.

Examination room.

Ward. 22

He was born in Haarlem on 22 December 1925 and entered the Congregation of the Brothers of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy in Tilburg on 19 March 1946. He made his profession for life on 15 August 1951. He died on 5 March 2016 in the community of Joannes Zwijsen in Tilburg and was buried at the brothers’ cemetery at the estate Steenwijk in Vught, the Netherlands. After Gerard had finished his vocational training with the Brothers of Amsterdam, he wanted to join the Brothers CMM. He entered the Congregation as a novice in 1946 and received the name Gerardius. In the Netherlands he worked in Tilburg, St. Michielsgestel and Oss. He was sacristan, worked in various kitchens, became a supervisor at boarding schools and was in charge of the laundry facilities. In 1958 he was asked to dedicate himself to the mission of the Congregation at Curaçao. He taught the young people the skills of upholstery and worked in the kitchen and the bookstore. In 1986 he returned to the Netherlands and became the receptionist at the Generalate. In that function he was friendly, discreet and hospitable in his service. In 2007 he became a member of the Joannes Zwijsen community in Tilburg. Brother Gerardius was a religious man. Besides his attendance at the community’s prayer services and Eucharistic celebrations, he could be found at set times in the chapel, or with a rosary in his hands in his room. In this ‘Year of Mercy’ we have to let go of Brother Gerardius and entrust him to the Merciful Father. We do this in immense gratitude for everything he has meant to each one of us.

‘HIS GRACE IS NEAR’ (From the Rule of Life of the Brothers CMM)

PRAYER TO THE MERCIFUL ONE Pope Francis gives us three reasons why he called for a Year of Mercy. This in order to clarify that the Church is no Church of commandments judging people, but that our world is in great need of mercy. As the first objective, however, he indicates: in order to witness to the merciful love of God. Yes, that God is love. And that we, if we want to know what that means, have to look at Jesus, the icon of mercy.

The call of Pope Francis has been accepted in many places. New initiatives are created. It is not so very often that the Merciful One is being talked about. And yet this is what differentiates us from those who live their lives of mercy from another source. We believe that there is a SOURCE of mercy, from which we may refresh ourselves. In the book of meditation texts and prayers ‘God’s Way: an Invitation to Mercy’, published at the 150th anniversary of the Congregation of the Brothers CMM in 1994, there is a prayer of Paul Bruggeman, that expresses in such a striking way that God is love and mercy: You, ineffable mystery, ground of our being, You, who show concern for me, You, who want to hold me and keep me,

I implore You: surround me with the tenderness of your mercy, clothe me with the dew of your compassion, carry me through the strength of your faithfulness. Keep me upright when I am about to fall, hug me when I get confused, keep me going in times of crisis, look after me when I am about to get lost. Touch me when I am fleeing from myself. Turn me around when I degrade myself to violence. O You, dear Blessed One, You, ineffable mystery of my life, be there, so that I may live. Be there, so that I may share my life with those nearest to me. Amen.

Brother Wim Verschuren

WE ACCEPT THE INVITATION TO WITHDRAW IN OURSELVES AND TO PRAY TO THE FATHER IN SECRET. (from the Rule of Life of the Brothers CMM)

Magazine of the Congregation of the Brothers of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy