BROTHERS CMM 3/16
| AGAINST INDIFFERENCE | WORLD YOUTH DAYS KRAKOW: ‘BLESSED THE MERCIFUL, FOR THEY WILL BE SHOWN MERCY’
CONTENTS
CONVERSATION WITH THE SUPERIOR GENERAL
4
CONCERNING BROTHER ANDREAS
5
Colofon Mission statement Mercy belongs to all times and places. 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.
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 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. Email: Brother Leo van de Weijer: brotherscmmkenyapb@gmail.com Contact: Brothers CMM, P.O.Box 89, Windhoek, Namibia. E-mail: Brother Athanasius Onyoni: aonyoni@gmail.com 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: ‘Ambassadors of a Worldwide Brotherhood’ during a celebration as one of the elements of the preparation for their participation in the World Youth Days in Krakow. See pages 10-14.
The Prodigal Son, Rembrandt. Photograph back cover: Flower island Mainu, Lake Constance, Germany (photo: Brother Ad de Kok). 2
YEAR OF MERCY
6
UNITED IN MERCY
7
8
AGAINST INDIFFERENCE
FROM THE EDITORIAL BOARD ‘A picture is worth a thousand words.’ This well-known saying certainly fits this issue of Brothers CMM. Pictures of enthusiastic young people who with the youth network of the ‘Ambassadors of a Worldwide Brotherhood’, initiated by the Brothers CMM, went to the Catholic World Youth Days in Krakow, speak volumes. The rubric ‘Images of Apostolate’ consists practically completely of pictures. This time the community of Udenhout ‘The Fireplace’ is in the spotlight. Reactions to the first two issues indicated that readers greatly appreciated this visual way getting an impression of the diverse initiatives that originated from within the Congregation. A careful choice of pictures is of crucial importance to get the message of the Brothers CMM across. ‘Mercy’ plays a central role in it and in the Year of Mercy that is being celebrated at this moment, the mission of the Congregation gets an extra dimension, as is evident in the rubric that is dedicated to this year. Brother Harrie van Geene also pointed that out in his reflection on the title-feast of the Brothers CMM. On that day he quoted Pope Francis: “Now is the favourable time to return to the essence and to transform every Christian community into an oasis of mercy, to eradicate indifference and practice corporal and spiritual works of mercy.” Strengthened by this special year that ends on 20 November, the Congregation continues full force putting mercy into practice.
‘BLESSED THE MERCIFUL’
10
YEAR OF MERCY
15
IMAGES OF APOSTOLATE
16
NEWS IN BRIEF
19
IN MEMORIAM
21
‘HIS GRACE IS NEAR’
23 3
CONVERSATION WITH THE SUPERIOR GENERAL
The Year of Mercy is drawing to a close. It was a year with a special focus! And it was a year with a full program and with activities that demanded total attention. Particularly in those, mercy had to become tangible. From the perspective of mercy what has this year brought us?
Again and again I saw how mercy has been a key concept this year. The media show us a world of violence, of wounded people, and of refugees. Close by as well, often barely noticeable, we see the consequences of lives that are devoid of mercy. People often look out for themselves at the cost of others and, in the words of the Bible “harden their hearts”. In this regard, are we sufficiently aware of our own attitude? The Brothers CMM and the Sisters SCMM published a series of meditation booklets together, entitled Mercy Today!. They presented a helping hand for meditation and reflection. The series contained a wide variety of inspiring texts. I really hope that they were and still are an inspiration every single day of our lives. As the title says, mercy has to happen ‘Today!’. We do that in downright simplicity and vulnerability. As a small community modesty is appropriate for us, as our Rule of Life also points out. Besides the sometimes persistent problems that confronted me this year, I also faced many that made me think gratefully of Vincent de Paul’s words: “Remember how it pleases God when we contribute even a little to so many holy initiatives.”
Repeatedly, when I browse through this series on mercy, I encounter Pope Francis’ words: “All places where Christians gather must be oases of mercy: for everyone!” About the religious he said: “They are like prophets. The charism of religious works like yeast: it represents a prophecy that proclaims the spirit of the Gospel.” Having the sick in mind the Pope said: “Every hospital or care facility can be a visible sign and a place to promote a culture of encounter and peace”. And addressing those who work with young people: “Education is not an occupation, it is an attitude, a way of life.” One can also say: mercy is a way of life. It represents the search for reconciliation, for acceptance and mutual support. At the close of the Year of Mercy I invite everyone to reflect on all of this. What did we learn? What did this year mean for you personally? How will we continue to give shape to mercy personally and as a community? Providence places you in a concrete reality and invites you to be merciful in that reality.
Brother Lawrence Obiko in an interview with Rien Visser
4
CONCERNING BROTHER ANDREAS
THE LITTLE VIRTUES What vision did Brother Andreas have of education? What pedagogical ideals did he hold? We hear about them in the stories his students and fellow brothers told about him. We also can find his vision in what he wrote. Brother Andreas spoke about it in ‘Catholic Children’s Garden’, a book that he translated and edited in 1886 especially for his students. Brother Frumentius recalled that he sat in the study hall working, “always industriously and seriously” on the translation as if he had to get ready for an examination. And with good results: it became an amusing and successful little book that saw reprints for decades. It was the result of the entertaining narratives by the Austrian Jesuit Franz Hattler (18291907), but certainly also on account of the fine illustrations, and the translation’s warm and lively writing style. The typically modest and unassuming Brother Andreas took here center stage. He wrote a welcoming preface. On almost every page he shared his enthusiasm with his readers. In this booklet it feels like we hear Brother Andreas himself talking to his students. What belongs to the core of good education? Not only do children have to gain more knowledge at school, but they have to be educated to become good Christians. That will happen when the following basic attitudes remain central: Christian charity; meekness and patience; kindness; obedience; accuracy of conscience; love of truth. Those who know Brother Andreas realize that this is a familiar list. Like no other, he tried to radiate these values through his profession as a teacher. It is also essential that children find themselves in by good company and read good literature. “No matter how honest and innocent you may be, when you interact with evil and wicked children, you will not be able to keep your honesty and innocence.
Title page ‘Catholic Children’s Garden’.
… If you read books about industrious and devout people, you will end up slowly adopting what is good.” Of course, order and discipline play a role as well. The Catholic Children’s Garden made the following observation about a model pupil at a boarding school: “His strict observance of the house rules always inspired me and they included details, which, because of their apparent insignificance, would otherwise never have drawn my attention. … Never, as far as I know, did he transgress one single item of the school regulations.” Often small things determine the quality of one’s life. That applies clearly for religious life in the boarding school. Brother Andreas: “The lifestyle of a student at a well-regulated Catholic educational institution presents little opportunity for conspicuous practices of virtue. It compares more to the hidden life of the beloved Jesus of Nazareth. Yet it offers much more of an opportunity to practice, what Saint Francis de Sales calls, the ‘little virtues’. … One who is great in the eyes of God is the one who practices steadfastly these little virtues, because faithfulness in small matters is of greatest importance.” Daily Brother Andreas reminded his students not to forget the small things and he modelled that by the way he lived. Charles van Leeuwen 5
YEAR OF MERCY
A MERCIFUL SCHOOL In February 2016 the first issue in the series ‘Mercy Now!’ with reflection materials was 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 appeared. The fourth issue appeared in August.
In the first edition, Joyful in God’s Mercy, the encounter with the mercy of God the Father took center stage. The title of the April issue was: A merciful Church; and the one of June: A merciful hospital. The August publication was entitled: A merciful school.
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
‘Essential questions’ Just like in the three previous issues, this fourth one also opens with short reflective texts from a variety of sources. There is e.g. a quote of Brother Wim Verschuren about mercy from a 2006 report about the Movement of Movement: “When we think about mercy in education, we encounter fundamental questions. Not only questions dealing with meaning like: ‘What do we aim at with our education?’ and ‘What keeps us going?’ Even questions like: ‘How do we do our work well?’ and ‘How do we do our work in a merciful way?’ You could throw a slice of bread at people: of course you do not do that. You can also sit next to them and share the bread. Something similar goes for education. ‘Teaching, instructing the ignorant’ is regarded as a work of mercy. But one has to do it in the right way and with an attitude of mercy.”
‘Being of service’ A significant part of the talk Pope Francis gave to students and teachers of Albanian and Italian schools in 2013 has also been included. In one of the quotes the Pope deals with the importance of ‘being of service’: “In your schools you take part in various activities that accustom you not to retreat into yourselves or into your own small world, but rather to being open to others, especially the poorest and neediest. They accustom you to working hard to improve the world in which we live. Be men and women with others and for others: true champions at the service of others.”
6
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 15). ‘Our Lady, Mother of Mercy’ is the name of the Congregations of the Brothers CMM and the Sisters SCMM.
UNITED IN MERCY
A BETTER FUTURE FOR ORPHANS In the Rule of Life of the Brothers CMM we read: “We see it as our task to work courageously together with others towards a better future.” Many commit themselves in concrete ways to this call in solidarity with the mission of CMM, the mission of mercy and brotherhood. Christianne and Henk van de Wal of Oirschot, the Netherlands, are intimately involved in the work of the brothers in Kenya.
In the late nineties of the last century, the couple, together with others, set up a foundation to support the Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP) of the Brothers CMM. Both are associate members of the Congregation and are connected with the community of the residential care facility Joannes Zwijsen in Tilburg, the Netherlands. Henk van de Wal works there as assistant-superior and Christianne provides caregiving.
Christianne and Henk van de Wal in Oyugis. In the middle Brother Francis Otieno Odoyo, who for years worked with Brother Anthony Koning, founder of the Oyugis Integrated Project.
Aids “Oyugis is a small town in the western part of Kenya. Many people there suffer severely from aids and its effects,” Christianne tells us. “The number of orphans in that area increases dramatically because of it. Since 1996 OIP works here to prevent aids and to fight its results. It does that by providing information, supplying medical and social care, building community, fostering education, fighting poverty, and improving farming. It is an initiative of the Brothers CMM. Brother Anthony Koning (1939-2005) started the project. Among other programs, OIP supports schools in setting up anti-aids teams. This helps pupils, gives support to family members of infected patients and trains and guides the population in improving farm practices so that the harvests of the land can support them and that surplus yields can be sold.”
in school. They need our help,” declares Henk. “That is why we created the Oyugis School Fund so that school uniforms, books, and other learning materials can be acquired. The school fund also uses the money to provide a simple meal for the children every day.” Christianne and Henk organize all kinds of activities to get financial contributions for this assistance fund. They include activities such as reaching out to sponsors and setting up various presentations to clubs and associations throughout the Netherlands. “We constantly think of children and young people in danger of getting derailed,” Christianne says. “We are thrilled when we hear that because of our contributions children do well in school and because of it they can have a better future. It makes us happy that we could contribute to that.”
Financial assistance
Peter van Zoest
“Since almost one-fifth of the communities consist of orphans, financial means are lacking to keep them all
For more information: www.oip-nederland.nl.
7
THE NETHERLANDS
Stained-glass window, Generalate CMM, Tilburg. ‘Hail, Queen, Mother of Mercy’ (Coat of arms of the Congregation).
AGAINST INDIFFERENCE On 4 June 2016 we celebrated the title-feast feast of the Congregation. Brother Harrie van Geene presented on the occasion of this feast in the community of the residential care facility Joannes Zwijsen in Tilburg a reflection titled: ‘Against Indifference’. Today we celebrate the title-feast of the Congregation. Mary with the title ‘Mother of Mercy’ was given intentionally by the founder Zwijsen to the congregations of his sisters and brothers; his choice of names for the two congregations illustrates this clearly. Today, the day after the feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Church celebrates the feast of the Sacred Heart of Mary. We brothers celebrate precisely on this day the title-feast of the Congregation: the feast of Mary, Mother of Mercy.
Devotions It struck me that the nineteenth century leaders of the Catholic Church, both the bishops and the many founders of congregations, speak remarkably often about ‘indifference’ and apathy in the Church and in society. That is the reason why the founders of the nineteenth century paid so much attention to the world of the poor and the re-building of the Church community. Zwijsen too is critical in word and action of this indifference in society for the plight of the poor and uneducated. The indifference in the Church concerns him as well. There is much more superficiality 8
than true involvement by many Catholics. Are the people really committed? Do they really believe with all their heart? Often indifference seems to prevail. In this way there is no real concern for the poor, no real heart for the Gospel. Compassion is missing. Precisely in this context of indifference the religious leaders of the nineteenth century encouraged the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Sacred Heart of Mary. They often speak about the ‘Sacred Hearts’. They appeal strongly to ‘HEART-felt Mercy’. They want to fire up the commitment to neighbour and increase the warmth of the relationship with God.
Essence That was the situation during the nineteenth century. In many ways our times are different. But the Catholic religious leaders of today confront me and all of us with the indifference among us: in our Church and in our society. Our Pope Francis focusses our attention in word and deed on merciful love. He proclaimed this year as a ‘Year of Mercy’. He himself bears witness to the warm and cordial side of our faith. He writes: ‘Now is the favourable time to return to the essential
and to reform every Christian community into an oasis of mercy, to reject indifference, to perform corporal and spiritual works of mercy, to discover the beauty of forgiveness and reconciliation, and to build up our lives, to be open to meet men and women of other faiths… yes, to allow God to surprise us.” Quite remarkable to read this in the twenty-first century! Mercy is at the essence, the heart of the matter. Indifference must be rejected. In the desert of our life and the living together with others, oases are needed: oases of mercy.
‘Heart-felt Catholic’ Our new local bishop too works on the same wavelength. Bishop Gerard de Korte selected as the title of one of his books: ‘Heart-felt Catholic’ and he keeps on repeating this slogan: ‘I plead for clarity and cordiality’. It struck me this year in Lourdes, while in the midst of much suffering and poignant sorrow, that Mary was addressed in word and song more often as the ‘Mother of Mercy’ than as Mary the ‘Immaculate Conception’. I was happy with that. The attention shifted to the essence.
Popular piety The title-feast of the celebration of the Sacred Heart of Mary is for us the feast of the ‘Mother of Mercy’. If you want to know what the title ‘Mother of Mercy’ implies, you must call to mind the image of the Coated Madonna: the mother who keeps all people under her care, under her protection: rich and poor, young and old, black and white, healthy or sick. Many of us in the Netherlands are familiar with this image from our Eleousa community in Vught. Or if you are more familiar with icons you must focus your eyes on the ‘Mother of Perpetual Help’. If you want to know what the title Mother of Mercy implies, pray then again the litany of Mary and notice what Mary’s attention is focused on: the sick, the sinners, the sorrowful, the dying. If you want to know what the title Mother of Mercy implies, then sing the well-known songs of Mary: solace in all bitterness, joy, hope, yes life. The Mother of Mercy is strongly present in popular religion. Mary as the Mother of Mercy challenges us to be engaged and even more so, not to be indifferent on our life’s journey. We do not have to be embarrassed about all those popular devotional expressions regarding the Mother of Mercy. Indeed, the connection between Mary and mercy has strong biblical roots. With unanimity exegetes like to point out that God’s mercy is the core of the Magnificat, Mary’s well-known hymn of praise. At the end of each verse this idea is expressed: “God has always been mindful of his people, has always shown mercy toward Israel, his servant.”
Time of Grace This year has been proclaimed as a Year of Mercy. This can be for me, for our Congregation, yes for all of us, a time of grace. Hopefully, as brothers of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy, regardless of our age and limitations, we can be of influence: through our kindness, our empathy with people in need, our care for each other, our compassionate attitude and our mild judgment. For our name is not just a label, our title stands for a plan of action. For this, Pope Francis uses a beautiful image: ‘oases of mercy’. Indeed, ‘oases of mercy’ in the desert of our society. Brother Harrie van Geene
‘Our Lady, Mother of Mercy’, watercolour by Jan Verhallen, 1994; created on the occasion of the 150 years’ jubilee of the Congregation.
9
INTERNATIONAL
Logo of the World Youth Days in Krakow.
‘BLESSED THE MERCIFUL’ The CMM youth network ‘Ambassadors of a Worldwide Brotherhood’ was represented with 71 participants at the Catholic World Youth Days which took place from 26-31 July in Krakow, Poland. The ambassadors came from Brazil (15), Indonesia (12), Kenya (10), Namibia (9) East Timor (10) and Tanzania (10). They were accompanied by five members of the staff of the organization. The ambassadors followed an intensive preparation program working towards the World Youth Days. With approximately 1.5 million youths they were there at the concluding Mass celebrated by Pope Francis.
Ambassadors at Sparrenhof.
Ambassadors during a celebration in Tilburg.
10
Ambassadors gathered together at the city center in Utrecht. In the background the famous Dom Tower. Page 12: The six country groups have their pictures taken in the ‘Pandhof’ (monastery garden) of the Dom Church in Utrecht.
The Catholic World Youth Days take place since 1986 every two or three years in different host countries. The events were an initiative of Pope John Paul II. Over the years they developed into the largest events for youth in the world, each time with several hundred thousand visitors and with the Pope’s presence. Anticipating the World Youth Days in Sydney (2008) the Congregation began an ‘Ambassadors Project’ in the countries where the brothers are working to inspire young people to commit themselves to a worldwide ‘movement of mercy and brotherhood’, thus promoting the CMM charism amongst young people. In 2008 a preparatory meeting took place of one hundred ambassadors in Tomohon, on the Indonesian Island of Sulawesi. In 2011 ninety ambassadors from Brazil, Indonesia, Kenya, Namibia, the Netherlands, East Timor and Tanzania met in Tilburg on the eve of the World Youth Days in Madrid, from 16-21 August of that year. Among the roughly 3 million youths who attended the concluding celebration in Rio de Janeiro (28 July 2013) ninety-five ambassadors were present. Preceding the events in the Brazilian metropolis the group met in Belo Horizonte. They were from Brazil, Indonesia, Kenya, Namibia, the Netherlands, East Timor and Tanzania.
Theme The theme for the World Youth Days in Krakow, chosen by Pope Francis, was a citation from the Gospel of Matthew (5:7): ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.’ Not only does it match the Year of Mercy, announced by the Pope, celebrated in the Catholic Church from 8 December 2015 till 20 November 2016, but also the spirituality of the Congregation of the Brothers CMM with the key words ‘brotherhood’ and ‘mercy’. From January till July of this year monthly meetings of the ambassadors took place in their own countries. From 13 till 21 July they met at the youth center Sparrenhof, Tilburg, for an intensive program of getting to know one another and for reflection. On 16 July they went to Utrecht visiting the ecumenical community ‘Ki Tov’, established in the former brother house. From there they were given a guided tour around the city. From 22 to 25 July they took part in a preparation program in Poland which included a visit to the concentration camp Auschwitz. Next they followed the World Youth Days program in Krakow from 25 July till 1 August 2016. Back in the Netherlands there was a final program at the reflection center Emmaus at Helvoirt, from 2 till 6 August 2016.
11
Internationaal
Brazil.
Indonesia.
Kenya.
Namibia.
East Timor.
Tanzania.
12
Pope Francis is welcomed at the World Youth Days (photo: Ramon Mangold).
Pope Francis’ homily Pope Francis attended the World Youth Days in Krakow from 27 till 31 July. During the Mass at the culmination of the event he reflected on the Gospel reading of the day about the meeting between Jesus and the tax collector, Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10). What follows is a summary of Pope Francis’ homily. “You have come to Krakow to meet Jesus. Today’s Gospel speaks to us of just such a meeting between Jesus and a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief publican, a tax collector. Thus he was a wealthy collaborator of the hated Roman occupiers, someone who exploited his own people, someone who, because of his ill repute, could not even approach the Master. His encounter with Jesus changed his life, just as it has changed, and still can change daily, each of our lives. But Zacchaeus had to face a number of obstacles in order to meet Jesus.” “The first obstacle is smallness of stature. Zacchaeus couldn’t see the Master because he was little. Even today we can risk not getting close to Jesus because we don’t feel big enough, because we don’t think ourselves worthy. This is a great temptation; it has to do not only with self-esteem, but with faith itself. For faith tells us that we are ‘children of God’ (1 John 3:1). We are God’s beloved children, always. So you can see that not to accept ourselves, to live glumly, to be negative, means not to recognize our deepest identity. It is like walking away when God wants to look at me, trying to spoil his dream for me. God loves us the way we are, and no sin, fault or mistake of ours makes him change his mind. As far as Jesus is concerned - as the Gospel shows - no one is unworthy of, or far from, his thoughts. No one is insignificant. He loves all of us with a special love; for him all of us are important: you are important! In his eyes, you are precious, and your value is inestimable. It is sad to see young people depressed. Always know that we are his beloved sons and daughters.”
Luke 19: 1-10: “He came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” And he came down quickly and received him with joy. When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.”
“Zacchaeus faced a second obstacle in meeting Jesus: the paralysis of shame. We can imagine what was going on in his heart before he climbed that sycamore. It must have been quite a struggle - on the one hand, a healthy curiosity and desire to know Jesus; on the other, the risk of appearing completely ridiculous. Zacchaeus was a public figure, a man of power. He knew that, in trying to climb that tree, he would have become a laughingstock to all. Yet he mastered his shame, because the attraction of Jesus was more powerful. You know what happens when someone is so attractive that we fall in love with them: we end up ready to do things we would never have even thought of doing. Something similar took place in the heart
13
INTERNATIONAL of Zacchaeus, when he realized that Jesus was so important that he would do anything for him, since Jesus alone could pull him out of the mire of sin and discontent. He took a risk, he put his life on the line. For us too, this is the secret of joy: not to stifle a healthy curiosity, but to take a risk. We cannot sit around waiting for Jesus with arms folded.” “There was a third obstacle that Zacchaeus had to face. It was the grumbling of the crowd, who first blocked him and then criticized him: How could Jesus have entered his house, the house of a sinner! That day the crowd judged Zacchaeus; they looked him over, up and down. But Jesus did otherwise: he gazed up at him. Jesus looks beyond the faults and sees the person. He does not halt before bygone evil, but sees future good. With this gaze of Jesus, you can help bring about another humanity. Don’t stop at the surface of things; distrust the worldly cult of appearances. Instead, “download” the best “link” of all, that of a heart which sees and transmits goodness without growing weary.” “Finally let us listen to the words that Jesus spoke to Zacchaeus, which seem to be meant for us today: “Come down, for I must stay at your house today”. We can say that the World Youth Days begin today and continue tomorrow, in your homes, since that is where Jesus wants to meet you from now on. The Lord Jesus calls you, as he did Zacchaeus, by name. Your name is precious to him. Let us listen once more to the voice of Jesus as he calls us by name. So let us now pray silently, remembering and thanking the Lord who wanted us to be here and who has come here to meet us.”
God, merciful Father, in your Son, Jesus Christ, you have revealed your love and poured it out upon us in the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, we entrust to you today the destiny of the world and of every man and woman. We entrust to you in a special way young people of every language, people and nation: guide and protect them as they walk the complex paths of the world today and give them the grace to reap abundant fruits from their experience of the Krakow World Youth Days. Heavenly Father, grant that we may bear witness to your mercy. Teach us how to convey the faith to those in doubt, hope to those who are discouraged, love to those who feel indifferent, forgiveness to those who have done wrong and joy to those who are unhappy. Allow the spark of merciful love that you have enkindled within us become a fire that can transform hearts and renew the face of the earth. Mary, Mother of Mercy, pray for us. Saint John Paul II, pray for us. Amen!
Peter van Zoest
Ambassadors gathered on the ‘Field of Mercy’ in Krakow, where Pope Francis celebrated the concluding Mass. 14
YEAR OF MERCY
OASES OF 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 fourth contribution deals with the communities of the Brothers CMM as ‘oases of mercy’.
Pope Francis says about the Year of Mercy: “Now is the favourable time to return to the essential and every Christian community to transform into an oasis of mercy.” The Pope calls us as communities to practice mercy. Not in the first place to become action groups of mercy. The Pope invites us to become especially oases of mercy. Yes, the table where we eat: an oasis of mercy. The peace of our chapel: an oasis of mercy. My room with its silence, its TV and activity: an oasis of mercy. Our living room with residents and guests: an oasis of mercy. Yes we are invited, in all areas of our lives for that beneficent wind to blows: a spirit of merciful love, that atmosphere of kindness, that mentality of generous love, that holy spirit of compassion, of empathy and attention to the little ones.
Perhaps as CMM communities we should in the coming years on a daily basis take the word of the Pope “oasis of mercy” with us. The more so since as communities and as a province, we probably still will be going to experience large and uncomfortable organizational changes. Maybe it is not a bad idea on the way to 2019 (the 175th anniversary of the Congregation) to cultivate especially above all the spiritual idea of oases of mercy as our most precious heritage. Brother Harrie van Geene
Sometimes we say: “A brother never retires.” I understand the purpose of that statement. And as far as I am concerned, nothing bad about hard work, your commitment and being of service. As long as I just stay aware of the great danger of activism, fanatical service and especially the danger of not being aware of the feelings of the other. Rather than “A brother never retires”, I would like to say: “The mission of a brother never ends.” For a brother does not live for himself only. My works of mercy may change in my life as a brother, decrease and even stop. My mission of mercy continues till the end. Remain present in the oasis of mercy. Do not sit in judgement over others. Do not compare others with your gifts, with your style. But grant others generously everything that is good, grant them generously the space and the freedom, give others new opportunities. Not because of the fact that I am such a powerful figure. Quite the contrary. Because I myself have experienced the compassion conferred upon me, and what that does to you. Logo of the Year of Mercy. The translation of the Latin text reads: ‘Merciful like the Father’. 15
IMAGES OF APOSTOLATE
Façade of the brother house The Fireplace.
‘THE FIREPLACE’ IN THE NETHERLANDS Worldwide the Congregation is being confronted with all sorts of material and spiritual needs. In their apostolate, the brothers, together with others, are trying to alleviate these. The fourth issue of this feature showcases the community ‘The Fireplace’ in Udenhout, the Netherlands. More than one hundred years ago the parish built the house for the brothers so they could work on the school located behind the brother house. In 1999 there were only three brothers left. The Brothers Kees Mateijsen and Ad de Kok moved from Scheveningen to Udenhout and started taking care of refugees who had been rejected for asylum, but who still had some perspective of returning or receiving a residence permit. There is room for eight refugees in the brother house. An important activity is the weekly dinner, where about fifty people can enjoy a meal, prepared by the refugees with recipes of their own country. In the preparation they are assisted by volunteers of ‘The Fireplace Circle’, volunteers who assist the Brothers 16
Ger Oomens, Kees Mateijsen, Ad de Kok, Rinus Romme and Johannes Kojongian, in their care for the refugees.
Garden.
The brothers of the community. From left to right the Brothers Rinus Romme, Kees Mateijsen, Johannes Kojongian, Ger Oomens and Ad de Kok.
Refectory.
Living-room. The table is set for dinner.
Preparing for the dinner.
Preparing for the dinner. 17
IMAGES OF APOSTOLATE
Dinner with Mayor Peter Noordanus of Tilburg as guest. Udenhout is part of the municipality of Tilburg
Mother with child.
A refugee in conversation with a volunteer.
A volunteer playing with some refugees.
Outing to entertainment park De Efteling in Kaatsheuvel.
Young and old at The Fireplace.
18
NEWS IN BRIEF
LITTLE CHAPEL IN BRAZIL FOR BROTHER ANDREAS In Igarapé, Brazil, Brother Henrique Matos manages a reflection center ‘Retiro Vicente de Paulo’. In the context of the commemoration of the one hundred year of the death of candidate-blessed Brother Andreas van den Boer in 2017, a little chapel was built in the center in his honour. It was blessed on 3 August 2016.
Brothers pose in the little chapel after the blessing. From left to right the Brothers Adriano van den Berg, Nicácio Huiskamp, Theo Adams, Henrique Matos, Lukas Betekeneng.
The little chapel in the reflection center ‘Retiro Vicente de Paulo is dedicated to Brother Andreas.
BISHOP GERARD DE KORTE VISITS THE GENERALATE
Bishop Gerard de Korte of ’s-Hertogenbosch in conversation with Brother Edward Gresnigt.
On 24 May 2016 the new bishop of ’s-Hertogenbosch, Bishop Gerard de Korte, visited the Generalate of the Brothers CMM and met with the religious of the Tilburg Deanery. Some 60 religious of various congregations were assembled in the Chapter Hall. Bishop De Korte was installed on 14 May 2016 and succeeded Bishop Antoon Hurkmans. With a short word of welcome Brother Edward Gresnigt addressed the bishop. This was done on behalf of the Superior General Brother Lawrence Obiko and the brothers of the general board Benyamin Tunggu and Niek Hanckmann who on account of their congregational responsibilities were out of the country. “In 1832 Bishop Zwijsen founded 19
NEWS IN BRIEF
the Sisters of Charity and us twelve years later”, he said. “We are currently working in seven countries, and although we are getting smaller and older in the Netherlands and Belgium, like all religious in the deanery, we like to continue contributing to the realization of the Kingdom of God. Our Congregation has a clear Vincentian spirituality in which Jesus’ word and example give the direction for our entire life, and in which charity and evangelization are central. The brothers play an important role in the Vincentian Family in the Netherlands, but also internationally.
In our service to the people we are, as a papal Congregation open, with particular sensitivity to the leadership of the local Church. And our involvement with spirituality and Church we try to carry out as dynamic as possible in our communities. General Board member Brother Rofinus Banunaek presented Bishop De Korte a book written by our study secretary Charles van Leeuwen, titled: Bishop Zwijsen and his first brothers as well as the Report of the General Chapter of 2014 called: Hopeful and Faithful on the Way of Brotherhood and Mercy.
FORMATION PROGRAM, ‘ZWIJSEN JOURNEY’ AND ‘VINCENTIAN PILGRIMAGE’
The participants of the Vincentian pilgrimage pose in front of the statue of Vincent de Paul at the mother house of the Daughters of Charity in Rue du Bac, Paris.
Eucharistic celebration in the baptismal church of Vincent de Paul.
From 13 June till 9 July 2016 eight brothers from three countries attended the yearly Formation Program in the Netherlands. The history, spirituality and the charism of the Congregation were the core subjects of this program. The brothers, together with a number of sisters SCMM made the ‘Zwijsen Journey’ in the Netherlands, visiting places where Joannes Zwijsen, the founder of the sisters and the brothers, lived and worked. From 27 June till 9 July the brothers and sisters participated in the ‘Vincentian Pilgrimage’ to places in France where Vincent de Paul lived and worked. He is the patron saint of both congregations. The Brothers Donatus Kabiti, Martinus Leni, Lukas Mandagi, Nicolaus Mendröfa, Fransiskus Telaumbanua from Indonesia, the Brothers Peter Chiori and John Kirui from Kenya and Brother Flavianus Febri Moningka from East Timor participated in the formation program.
Visit to Lourdes. 20
NEWS IN BRIEF
IN MEMORIAM
OPENING ‘BROTHER HERMENEGILDUS HIGHER CENTRE’ On April 8, 2016 a new building at St. Paul’s College in Windhoek, Namibia, was blessed and opened: ‘Brother Hermenegildus Higher Centre’. The new wing was named after Brother Hermenegildus Beris CMM, who until the early 90s of the previous century, had been the principal of this school for 25 years. Until 2015 he was a member of the board of directors. St. Paul’s College, founded in 1962 is now internationally recognized for its high academic standard. St. Paul’s College aims to send young men and women well-equipped into the world, not only with a diploma, but also with a sincere faith and trust, a good work ethic, and a compassionate attitude that turns into action. The motto of St. Paul’s College (classes 1 to 12) is: ‘Caritate fundati’ - ‘Established in love’ (based on Ephesians 3:17: ‘Rooted and grounded in love’).
Students at the opening of the new wing of St. Paul’s College.
Brother Hermenegildus Beris expresses his gratitude at the opening of the new wing of St. Paul’s College.
BROTHER
ALOYSIO (M.M.J.) Lijnen He was born in Zonhoven (Belgium) on 7 December 1925 and entered the Congregation of the Brothers of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy in Tilburg on 19 March 1945. He made his profession for life on 15 August 1949. He died on 22 June 2016 in the community of the brothers at Zonhoven and was buried at the cemetery Zonhoven-Centrum. The life of Brother Aloysio is inseparably connected with the brothers. It started already at the primary school in Zonhoven. The religious formation in the Family Lijnen-Goris and the ambience at school awakened in him the desire to become a brother. In a spontaneous and natural manner Marcel took steps into the direction of religious life. On account of circumstances of war he had to postpone his entry. In 1945 he could enter and took the name Aloysio. Brother Aloysio showed what leadership was all about. In the Congregation he was a servant-leader and served as a community superior, provincial and regional superior. He was a fellow brother, concerned about his confreres. Brother Aloysio was a servant leader at places where the Congregation sent him as a teacher, as director of the renowned Royal Institute for the Deaf and Hearing-impaired in Hasselt, and as member of the schoolboard. He believed that his whole life was carried by God. His surrender to God expressed itself in his love for the other. He carried out his service in the world from out of his faith. At an advanced age a veil covered his spirit and he had to allow that others were close in serving him. May we know now that Brother Alysio is forever safe in the hands of the Servant par excellence.
21
IN MEMORIAM
BROTHER
BROTHER
Egidius (B.A.M.) de Laat
Nico (N.G.) Nijst
He was born in Tilburg on 20 July 1928 and entered the Congregation of the Brothers of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy in Tilburg on 29 August 1946. He made his profession for life on 15 August 1951. He died on 23 July 2016 in the community of Joannes Zwijsen in Tilburg and was buried at the brothers’ cemetery at the estate Steenwijk in Vught, the Netherlands.
He was born in Waltwilder (Belgium) on 2 December 1934 and entered the Congregation of the Brothers of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy in Tilburg on 29 August 1952. He made his profession for life on 15 August 1957. He died on 19 August 2016 in the community of Joannes Zwijsen in Tilburg and was buried at the brothers’ cemetery at the estate Steenwijk in Vught, the Netherlands.
Ben was born in the large De Laat-Geven family. He wanted to become a brother and was educated in Goirle and in Tilburg. On 29 August 1946 Ben entered the novitiate and chose the name Brother Egidius. After completing his studies at St. Stanislaus Teaching Training College he worked as a teacher in Tilburg and in ’s-Hertogenbosch. In 1963 he set out with three fellow-brothers for South-West Africa, present-day Namibia. His natural discipline made it possible for him to have a profound influence on the young people for whom he was responsible at St. Paul’s College (Windhoek). Boy Scouts and soccer were important activities at the school in which Brother Egidius played a leading role. He also took care of the disadvantaged students who had problems paying their tuition. Within the region of Namibia he was often called upon to serve as superior of a community or as a member of the regional board. Unfortunately, due to health issues he had to return to the Netherlands in 2001 and became a member of the Joannes Zwijsen community in Tilburg. Slowly he started losing his memory. Special care by one of the associated members enabled him to remain within the group of his fellow-brothers until shortly before his death.
22
Growing up in the Nijst-Schoubben family and in the faith community of Waltwilder as a young boy, Nico came in contact at an early age with the things related to God. In him grew the desire to become a brother. Reflecting on the life of Brother Nico one sees a man who was involved in service inside and outside of his community, first in Belgium and later on in the Netherlands. He considered the years that he was a group leader at the Royal Institute for the Blind and Hearing-impaired in Hasselt as his golden age. Brother Nico demonstrated within the community of brothers that a vocation besides social aspects also has very personal ones. He lived his life in his own manner and rendered service to the many people who made an appeal on him. Since 2008 Brother Nico lived in the Joannes Zwijsen community in Tilburg. During these last years his strength diminished greatly. In the morning of 19 August the life of Brother Nico ended. We may be confident that he is in the hands of his merciful Father, who opened his door widely for him who completed his life’s journey.
‘HIS GRACE IS NEAR’ (From the Rule of Life of the Brothers CMM)
HOLDING ON DIFFERENTLY During winter and summer Zin in Werk offers on certain days the opportunity to unwind. They are called ‘Slowdowndays’. There is an opportunity for meditation, yoga, walking the labyrinth, Chi Kung.
You do not have to let go
One evening I am busy with the topic of mercy. And there is an opportunity for a personal talk. Unique is, that there is no leadership, no retreat leader, no mentor with a program. At one of those evenings I mentioned somewhat irritated: in the Netherlands you constantly hear: you have to let go. Pointing with their index finger they tell you: “You cannot let go.” It is not, I said, about letting go, but about holding on differently. Among the participants there was a designer, Yon Prüst, who was touched by this. She has beautifully designed that statement. A few weeks later she brought me a box with three hundred cards with the following text: You do not have to let go You may also hold on differently
You m ay a lso hold on di f f er en t ly
I was really pleasantly surprised. In the meantime the card does its work. People are glad with it. Parents for example are made feel guilty by saying that they cannot let go of the children. Yet, that is really impossible?! Fact is that you have to hold on to them differently.
Brother Wim Verschuren
23
WE TAKE CARE THAT OUR MENTALITY IS NOT A PLANT WITHOUT ROOTS. THEREFORE WE READ HIS WORDS EVERY DAY WHEN WE ARE TOGETHER. (from the Rule of Life of the Brothers CMM)
Magazine of the Congregation of the Brothers of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy