Magazine Brothers CMM 2016/4 by CMM Brothers

BROTHERS CMM 4/16

CONTENTS

CONVERSATION WITH THE SUPERIOR GENERAL

CONCERNING BROTHER ANDREAS

COLOPHON 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: Nathalie Bastiaansen (chief editor), Br. Edward Gresnigt, Br. Ad de Kok, 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@kenyafriars.org Contact: Brothers CMM, Rhapta Road, P.O.Box 14916 Nairobi, Westlands 00800, Kenya. Email: Brother Leo van de Weijer: brotherleo42@gmail.com Contact: Brothers CMM, P.O.Box 89, Windhoek, Namibia. E-mail: Brother Athanasius Onyoni: atonyoni@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: Participants at the international meeting ‘Accountable Brothers - Good Stewardship in CMM’. See pages 6-9.

The Prodigal Son, Rembrandt.

Photograph back cover: ‘The Baron’, amusement park De Efteling, Kaatsheuvel, the Netherlands (photo: Brother Ad de Kok).

GOOD STEWARDSHIP

BROTHERS AT CURAÇAO

MERCY AT BALIGE

FROM THE EDITORIAL BOARD When this edition appears, the ‘Year of Mercy’ has ended. The Congregation of the Brothers CMM for which mercy has great priority, joined in with several initiatives during this mercy year. Brothers CMM had a special section focusing on the publications Mercy now! and contributions from former Superior General Brother Harrie van Geene. At various times this year gave rise to organize special meetings within the context of CMM, such as a celebration in Balige, Indonesia, that is reported on in this edition. ‘All good things come to an end’, says the well-known proverb. This winter issue of Brothers CMM also ends the highly rated section ‘His grace is near’ by Brother Wim Verschuren. In three volumes he filled page 23 of each edition with contemplative thoughts on the lesser known aspects of mercy. The editorship of Rien Vissers has also ended. He handed over the baton to Nathalie Bastiaansen. She is the first woman to stand at the helm of the congregational magazine! Read more about it on page 21. 2017 will be for the Brothers CMM the year of the centenary year of the death of Candidate-Blessed Brother Andreas van den Boer. Brothers CMM reflects on this extensively. That will not happen again in four issues per year, but in three. The number of pages will be reduced in the new frequency from 24 to 20. The Congregation wants to cut costs in order to be future-proof. In this way Brothers CMM wants to make a contribution.

‘The signs of the times’

YEAR OF MERCY

A SPECIAL VOCATION

IMAGES OF APOSTOLATE

NEWS IN BRIEF

IN MEMORIAM

‘HIS GRACE IS NEAR’

23 3

CONVERSATION WITH THE SUPERIOR GENERAL

In the International Meeting ‘Accountable Brothers - Good Stewardship in CMM’ from October 9 till October 21, 2016, the focus was on the management of congregational assets and resources. This is not the first thing you think of in the context of religious brothers. Then, why this topic?

We have taken to heart the Vatican’s Guidelines for Management of Ecclesiastical Goods of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. This was already an important discussion topic during the General Chapter of 2014. In the Chapter Report 20142020 we read: “When we discuss finances, we talk about our lifestyle and the way of living together and therefore, in particular, about the credibility of our religious life.” And also: “At the same time we reflect upon the way in which we establish our mission: the importance of our vocation to be close to the poor.”

We live in a reality that is often far removed from our ideal. We face corruption, abuse of resources, lack of transparency, or just indifference to others around us and the world we live in. What is our own role in this? How do we bring this reality closer to the ideal? How to build this bridge? Pope Francis calls us to become good stewards. We should be a model to society. This applies to all brothers. How are you managing the responsibilities that have been entrusted to you? This is a big question, nevertheless we have to keep on asking it of ourselves.

There is a worldwide concern about the care for our resources and for the environment. Also in our Congregation we have to build towards the future. Our center is moving from the North (the Netherlands) to the South (our provinces and regions in Africa and Asia). For over 170 years the ideas and support came from the Netherlands, from just like a well that watered the other countries. It is time now for these countries to find their own source, to thrive and grow new fruits. All the participants we invited for the international meeting have a managing role in our Congregation: superiors, board members, bursars, school board members or leaders of projects. But in fact, the topic is important for all brothers. “Where all are called, all are also responsible” (Const. I, 100).

We hope that each brother will gain insights into how to become a good steward in the areas of the service that is entrusted to him by the Congregation. How do you start your day? Do you have any plans? Or do you just wake up in the morning and see what will happen? Building a bridge from the reality to the ideal requires a plan. How will you contribute?

Brother Lawrence Obiko in an interview with Nathalie Bastiaansen

CONCERNING BROTHER ANDREAS

CAUGHT NOTHING How do you prepare young religious for mission? How do you keep them sharp and focused? How do you make sure that they fulfill their mission within the set framework, flowing from the power of the Gospel and carried by the Christian community life? These were questions Bishop Joannes Zwijsen and Superior General Franciscus de Beer seriously considered. One of the first things they worked on was to provide their young brothers with a good education and a solid Biblical foundation.

We know quite a lot about it because in the years 1849 to 1852 Bishop Zwijsen published in three volumes Biblical Meditations. They were books with which Jan van den Boer, who entered the Congregation a few years afterward and would be named Brother Andreas, worked almost daily with in his novitiate. Zwijsen wanted that his religious lived very close to the Gospel. Based on a number of questions the meditations invited you to imagine the Gospel in a vibrant way. The brothers were probably shown images, such as those of Gustave Doré, which appeared around 1860.

One of those meditations is about the Gospel of the miraculous catch of fish (Luke 5:1-11), a story that certainly in a missionary congregation speaks to the imagination. Imagine, the text says that you’re at the shore of the lake. There are two boats. In one of them you see Jesus and in the other one are Peter and the apostles. You hear Peter say to Jesus: “We have struggled all night, but caught nothing.” Pause at each of these words. What do you think: how come they did not catch anything? What does it mean that after a long night their nets are still empty? How do you think these men feel after their fruitless work? What is it that makes the work of people fruitful? Besides these kinds of probing questions, the book also contains prayers and reassurances. “The words, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men’, also are addressed to us. As religious we are called to win souls for Him.” The meditations invite the brothers to make Jesus present in everything. “It is Jesus’ divine presence that makes all our efforts, all our work, fruitful.” Only then a mission of mercy can succeed and can we “arrive at clarity” and “spread light”. With these kinds of exercises, the young brothers were guided in the reading of the Gospel and prepared for their educational mission. Likewise, Brother Andreas, who became a dedicated teacher and a ‘fisherman’ at Ruwenberg. The meditations ignited in him the missionary zeal and at the same time taught him that he had to perform his work in Jesus’ presence. His catch was successful. Charles van Leeuwen

Gustave Doré, The miraculous catch of fish. 5

INTERNATIONAL

Group picture in the garden of Kloosterhotel ZIN.

WORKING ON GOOD STEWARDSHIP It has become a good tradition in our Congregation that around the General Assembly, a meeting of the superior general with the provincial and regional superiors, an International Meeting on a specific topic is organized. In addition to the participants of the General Assembly, also other brothers are invited to take part in it. From 9 till 21 October 2016, such a meeting was held in Kloosterhotel ZIN in Vught, the Netherlands. The theme of this meeting was ‘Accountable Brothers - Good Stewardship in CMM’.

In his opening address, Brother Lawrence Obiko, explained the the choice of this theme: “Reflecting as a general board on our working visits to the various provinces and regions we became increasingly convinced that at this time the management of our assets and resources was of the utmost importance. Deciding on this subject matter was also the result of our serious reflections on the recommendations of the General Chapter of 2014. And finally we also have taken to heart the Guidelines for Management of Ecclesiastical Goods of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. As a general board

we hope that through this meeting we will not only raise the awareness about the importance of good stewardship in CMM, but even more so that each participant will gain insight into how to become a better steward in the areas of service entrusted to him by the Congregation.” These words make clear that this international meeting was not only about finances, but also about our religious life and our mission. On the agenda there were several introductions, lectures and workshops connected with the theme.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2016 According to our Constitutions, article 143 part II, it is written: “At least twice during the term of office of the general board a meeting shall be held under the presidency of the superior general, in which shall participate the general board members and the provincial and regional superiors. In this meeting, called the general assembly, shall be discussed the policy for the whole Congregation and suggestions for the future can be made.” On 20 and 21 October 2016, the first General Assembly of the current board period was held at the Generalate of the Brothers CMM in Tilburg. The superiors shared in a brotherly way their views on several topics related to the Congregation as a whole and about specific issues in provinces and regions. They shared information and encouraged each other to be servant leaders and good stewards.

‘Doing the good thing’ On 10 October, the general bursar of the Congregation, Brother John H. Grever, presented his introduction ‘Stewards of God’s Mercy. A Reflection on Financial Management, New Goals and Responsibilities’. Starting point of his presentation was the General Chapter Report 2014, with our goals and responsibilities for 2014-2020. Brother John reflected on questions such as: What is stewardship? What is financial stewardship? What is financial management? All of this was explicitly placed in the context of religious organizations. In the afternoon, the former superior general, Brother Broer Huitema, presented ‘Good Stewardship and Sustainability. A Reflection on the Spiritual Framework and Criteria for Good Stewardship’. He addressed the concept of stewardship as found in the Scriptures, in the vow of poverty, in the encyclical Laudato si’, and the Constitutions of the Congregation. He also referred to Ubuntu philosophy: “I am what I am because of who we all are. From that being we do what we have to do, and we do it together. And, as Vincent de Paul said: ‘Doing good, by doing it well!’”

Plenary session.

INTERNATIONAL a managing director than with a saintly priest. From the beginning of his apostolate, Vincent was a man of action, an organizer and manager. He did not throw himself in haphazard fashion into a venture. Rather he decided on a program, defined a method, and made sure he acquired the necessary finances for the project.”

Story

Brother Henrique de Fatima Marques from East Timor explains the symbol that he brought along.

Symbol Management consultant Mr. Arnold Roozendaal facilitated on 11 and 12 October a leadership training program. What kind of a leader are you? What is typical for CMM leadership? The participants reflected on these questions. They also discussed the various leadership roles: decision maker, manager, coach, brother and servant leader. Various leadership models were used to help the brothers in defining their leadership role. In short, Mr. Roozendaal described the leadership concept as “find your own voice and inspire others to find their voice”. Part of this training was a ‘symbol presentation’. In the preparation of the international meeting, the participants had been asked to bring a symbol of ‘leadership’. This resulted in a booklet with pictures of all participants with their symbol and a short description of their vision on leadership.

Vincent de Paul On 13 October Father Patrick Murphy CM, professor emeritus at DePaul University in Chicago, spoke about the Vincentian tradition of servant leadership. Vincent de Paul is especially known as ‘Father of the Poor’. What he did for needy people is impressive. However, as Father Murphy stated, “the key to such enormous results is organization. As founder and director of major organizational enterprises, Vincent’s day was filled with the activities we would associate more with

In the workshops of 13 and 14 October, Mr. Frank Pijpers and Mr. Ton Raaijmakers, financial advisors of the Sisters of Charity of St. Charles Borromeo, shared their view on ‘Professionalizing Financial Management’. How do you control your financial management in practice? What are the elements of financial planning? How to make use of the preliminary budgets? How do you do long term planning? How do you report about your bookkeeping in a transparent way, to external auditors, to the board, to sponsors? Even though some had expected a rather ‘dry’ training, dealing with budgets and figures, the facilitators made these two days very vibrant and inspiring. Mr. Ton Raaijmakers: “Financial management is not just a topic for bookkeepers and bursars. All persons with a financial responsibility must be able to understand financial figures. Each figure represents a ‘story’. The challenge is to correlate the figures continuously with the story behind the figures.”

Excursion On 15 October, the group went to Tilburg for a field trip. They visited two religiously inspired projects: The Missionary Service Center at the CMM Generalate and Peerke Donders Pavilion, as well as the Trappist monastery Koningshoeven to learn about ways to finance their life and mission.

Fundraising Mr. Frans Dokman, former director of the Nijmegen Institute for Mission Studies, provided a training about ‘Fundraising for Religious’ on 17 and 18 October. What kind of local or international funding could be available for the project in which I work? What does it mean for my organization, for me as a project manager, for us as a Congregation to accept external funding? How do I make a fundraising plan? In this workshop, the participants developed their own framework for fundraising. According to Mr. Dokman, most importantly in fundraising activities is the building up of a relationship: “Ultimately, fundraising cannot take place at a distance from those to whom we give and from whom we receive. Without a genuine relationship, fundraising runs the risk of being

Introduction by Father Patrick Murphy CM. practiced as ‘charity’, performed by a superior to an inferior. From a genuine friendship, donors, sponsors, mediators and receivers will glimpse fundraising as a gift of God and experience themselves as part of God’s plan. And because of participating in God’s plan we are all equal.”

Work in progress Mr. Roozendaal returned on 19 October to Kloosterhotel ZIN to elaborate with the participants on their personal development plan. An important question was also: How do I stimulate my fellow brothers in their personal and professional development? On 20 and 21 October the superiors went to Tilburg for the General Assembly. The other participants worked

together in the workshops ‘Implementing a plan of action’ and ‘How do I develop a business plan’, led by Mr. Frank Pijpers and Mr. Ton Raaijmakers.

Working towards the future During the meeting many questions were raised. Some were answered by the facilitators in the lectures and workshops. Others were discussed in small working groups of participants who tried to find answers. Some questions were taken home, to continue working with the newly gained insights and knowledge towards good stewardship, in their own context and together with fellow brothers. Nathalie Bastiaansen

Discussion in small working groups. 9

CURAÇAO

BROTHERS CMM COMMEMORATED AT CURAÇAO On 28 August, 2016 a permanent exhibition on the life and work of the brothers on the Caribbean island of Curaçao was opened at Scherpenheuvel. One hundred and thirty years ago the first brothers arrived. They remained there until 1995. The exhibition about the ‘Brothers of Scherpenheuvel’ is located in Scherpenheuvel, a former boarding school of the brothers. Mr. Elfried Aniceto, a former student of the brothers and secretary of St. Thomas College Foundation, had taken the initiative to renovate the chapel and the brother house of this large complex, grateful for everything the brothers had done and for what they have meant for the people on the island. The Brothers Adriano van den Berg, who worked from 1961-1970 as a teacher and headmaster at Curaçao and Brother Edward Gresnigt, representative of the general board of the Brothers CMM, were invited to attend the opening of the exhibition. Both report on it.

The event took place at the beautifully renovated part of ‘Huize Scherpenheuvel’, the former community rooms of the brothers. The invited guests were received in the chapel where the largest portion of the program took place. Among them were many former students and colleagues of the brothers as well as Ruthmilda Larmonie-Cecilia, Minister of Social Development, Labour and Welfare.

Great appreciation Master of ceremonies, Mr. Melvin Vornis welcomed those in attendance and invited Pastor Mark Hooijschuur to open the evening with a prayer. The chairman of the St. Thomas College Foundation, Mr. Sixto Wallé and Mr. Ronald Thode, former student at the boarding school, spoke about their personal experiences with the brothers and expressed their great appreciation. The vice-chairman of the foundation, Mr. Ronald Statia, elaborated on the role the brothers played in the field of education, sport and culture. The entire program was graced with the singing of ‘Amazing Grace’, in honour of the deceased brothers, followed by songs about Curaçao, with texts the brothers.

Historical periods On behalf of the Congregation, Brother Edward Gresnigt spoke about three historical periods of the presence of the brothers, that have been important to the people of Curaçao. 1. The beginning of the mission was characterized by great expectations, a huge enthusiasm and much ‘holy fire’. The brothers started St. Thomas 10

From left to right: the Brothers Adriano van den Berg and Edward Gresnigt, Governor Lucille George-Wout and Mr. Elfried Aniceto. College, a boarding school for young rich students from Curaçao and neighbouring countries, in order to provide for the basic needs of the brothers. Strong insistence to get good teachers at poor schools, and also to take care of orphans took priority, and Scherpenheuvel, the former seminary was a suitable location for that. 2. The rise of the oil industry and the growth of the population from outside created a huge demand for teachers. The number of brothers increased strongly and by founding A- and B-schools the school board subsidized the people who could not pay the fees. With the A-schools they also funded B-schools. In that period the brothers founded dozens of schools and perfected the educational system.

school of the brothers, he established three exhibition halls and named them after three prominent Brothers: Jan Smits, Carlos Sprockel and Gummarus van Gils. During his presentation he explained the project and thanked everyone who had contributed to both the renovation of the building as well as the realization of the exhibition.

St. Vincent Harmony

Luna Aniceto, granddaughter of Mr. Elfried Aniceto (behind her), cuts a ribbon opening the exhibition. Besides her on the left is Brother Adriano van den Berg. To the right Governor Lucille George-Wout and Sixto Wallé, Chairman of the of St. Thomas College Foundation. 3. The last period of the presence of the brothers at the Antilles, their withdrawal, has also been fruitful for foundations of the Congregation in Africa, Brazil and California. During that period a growing awareness developed that at its core the Congregation has to be mercifully present and to make a contribution towards a more habitable world and to bring in society more humanity.

Governor Lucille George-Wout, who was present for this important occasion, addressed the invited guests and reflected on the coming of the brothers to Curaçao. Afterwards all those in attendance followed the governor to the exhibition halls where, under great interest from the public and the press, the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Aniceto, Luna Aniceto, officially cut the ribbon, thereby opening the exhibition. Mr. Aniceto explained the panels, pictures and objects of the brothers in Curaçao. Sculptures of Brother Max Ghering give special cachet to the whole. In a delightful ambiance, the St. Vincent Harmony, which was founded by the brothers, played until late in the evening. Brother Adriano van den Berg Brother Edward Gresnigt

Enriched Brother Adriano van den Berg gave a brief overview as to how his years at Curaçao had enriched his life as a human being and as a religious. In the transfer of his duties as head of St. Willibrord College in 1970, he went, after almost ten years, not the least frustrated to Brazil. He was aware of the fact that the transfer of the work, and the responsibility for it is in line with the Gospel. He finished by saying that it was a great surprise to him to be privileged to revisit Curaçao and that he just wanted to take this opportunity to take his place together with the guests to honour his fellow brothers who went before him.

Exhibition Halls Mr. Elfried Aniceto, a former student of among others Brother Jan Smits, who died in Tilburg on 1 August 2015, attended, specifically on behalf of the of St. Thomas College Foundation his funeral in the Netherlands. There he launched the idea to organize a permanent exhibition and documentation center about the life and work of the brothers at Curaçao. He did his research in the archives of the Brothers CMM in Tilburg. At Scherpenheuvel, the former boarding

Portrait of Brother Radulphus Hermus, painted by Jan van Delft. Brother Radulphus worked for sixty years at Curaçao. He was superior general from 1916 to 1920.

Curaçao

SPEECH GOVERNOR OF CURAÇAO Dear guests, today I stand here before you, also on behalf of the people of Curaçao, to express my gratitude for the good work that the Brothers of Tilburg out of the goodness of their heart have done for our community. It is this year exactly one hundred and thirty years ago that the first three brothers arrived in Curaçao in order to start a mission. Moved by their philosophy ‘to see, to be moved and to get into action’, more than two hundred brothers have since 1886 crossed the ocean, with very little personal property and not knowing what was necessary to assist the people of Curacao - and at that time, the Dutch Antilles. They had to make many sacrifices and many have paid this with their lives. One hundred and thirty years ago there was in many ways a crisis at Curaçao, including a lack of education especially for boys. The Brothers of Tilburg ensured that schools were built and educational materials were developed. In the area of sports, there was almost nothing. Football clubs and other branches of sport were stimulated. That too the Brothers of Tilburg did. We also saw movement in the field of culture.

Music lessons were given, songs were composed, choirs and music bands were formed. A living testimony is the St. Vincent Harmony which is in our midst tonight. All of it work the Brothers of Tilburg. In the field of formation, youth organizations, such as R.C. Scouting and Young Guard saw the light of day, due to the inspiration and commitment of the brothers. The arrival of the Brothers of Tilburg, at the request by Bishop Niewindt, was in the first instance to address the education of our youth by setting up an orphanage for young people at risk. This shows that one hundred and thirty years ago we also had already problems with our youth. A boarding school at Scherpenheuvel and San Fernando at Soto were founded. These were highlights of the work of the Brothers of Tilburg. With the establishment of these boarding schools the brothers have done pioneering work. In the field of education, quality, order and discipline were the elements of their success. Their professional approach has paid off and now still many ‘muchanan di Skèrpènè’ ‘students of Scherpenheuvel’, express their gratitude for the formation and education they received from the Brothers of Tilburg.

Mr. Elfried Aniceto gives an explanation to Governor Lucille George-Wout and other visitors, including Ruthmilda Larmonie-Cecilia, Minister of Social Development, Labour and Welfare (center with white dress). 12

Sculptures at the exhibition of Brother Max Ghering. What can we learn from the Brothers of Tilburg? Firstly, we must be able to ‘see’. Seeing without prejudice, with a clear eye and a pure heart. In the second place we have to ‘be moved’. We must be able to identify with the needy and assist them without hurting them with our help. Thirdly, we need to ‘get into action’ and undertake concrete activities in order to arrive at solutions. No doubt the Brothers of Tilburg have also made mistakes. There were mistakes that are still painful for a number of people. We can blame the brothers that their approach was based on a colonial reading, and that the transfer should have been better prepared. That all may be true, but we have to see this in the spirit of the time and the brothers have done it with the best of intentions. Besides, Jesus said: ‘Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.’ In this regard we have to have the courage to forgive. The key question is: What have we ourselves done when in the seventies the Brothers of Tilburg and other religious withdrew from the various areas where they were active? How have we in recent decades carried out

our responsibility? The primary task in human existence and our community is accepting our responsibility. When solving problems we face, we often prefer to wait for others to get into action in order to solve our problems and we are often deceived by false promises. We live in a time when short-sightedness, materialism, opportunism and selfishness are rampant in our society. But we should not give up hope. Following the example of the Brothers of Tilburg, a movement mercy, in which we do our jobs with heart and soul, can offer perspective. We have to draw strength on the powers that can help us to unite for the good of all, and these forces are: social consciousness, justice and integrity. Our mission in this life is very simple: Be a good human being... and a good person for one another. I would like to compliment the board of St. Thomas College Foundation for the initiative to establish a documentation center in order to keep for us and for future generations alive this portion of our history. On behalf of the people of Curaçao I want to cordially thank all missionaries and especially all the brothers

Curaçao

who have come to Curaçao and those who are still alive. A special word of thanks to Brother Adriano and Brother Edward, who have come to represent their Congregation at this memorable event. Dear people, the missionary period is over. The Brothers of Tilburg are not going to come back. We must face this reality, take our responsibility, roll up our sleeves and address our problems. I am convinced that we can do it together. Finally, I would like to end with the statement of Pope Francis that is on the program booklet that the goal of life should be for each of us: ‘Nos ta biba pa sirbi, sino nos no ta sirbi pa biba’, ‘We live to serve, otherwise it makes no sense to live’. Lucille George-Wout

St. Vincent Harmony, once founded by the brothers, presented at the opening the musical accompaniment.

COMMEMORATION ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY YEARS BROTHERS CMM AT CURAÇAO From 10 to 17 November, 2016 the Superior General Brother Lawrence Obiko and former Superior General Brother Harrie Geene were present at Curaçao for the commemoration of the arrival of the Brothers CMM at the Caribbean island, a hundred and thirty years ago. On November 12 a prayer service was held at the cemetery, where 42 deceased brothers are interred in a newly restored mausoleum. There a memorial plaque was unveiled. The highlight of the commemoration was a Eucharistic celebration at Holy Family Church on 13 November. Among the numerous attendees were the Prime Minister of Curaçao and the Minister of Education.

The Brothers Lawrence Obiko and Harrie van Geene with Mr. Elfried Aniceto (left) at the cemetery with the newly unveiled memorial plaque.

INDONESIA

Participants at the celebration in Balige.

CELEBRATING ‘MOVEMENT OF MERCY’ AT BALIGE Balige is a little town in Sumatra, Indonesia. The Brothers CMM have been active here since 1950. In Tarutung, not far from here, is a community of Sisters SCMM. Brothers and sisters cooperate closely in the ‘Movement of Mercy’. On 24 July 2016 the Brothers CMM, the Sisters SCMM, and groups of the Movement of Mercy and guests came together at Balige for a celebration in connection with the Year of Mercy, which was held by the Catholic Church from 8 December 2015 till 20 November 2016. Brother Fransiscus Linus, superior of the community in Balige, reports: There was an enormous amount of enthusiasm to be part of this celebration and we were not surprised to see around 600 participants turn up. For the brothers, sisters and other members of the Movement of Mercy the gathering was of historical significance. The Eucharist was celebrated with the intention for the growth of the local groups of mercy and to promote the spirituality of mercy in the life of the family.

More humane The main celebrant at the Eucharist was the Archbishop of Medan, Anicetus Bongsu Antonius Sinaga OFMcap. The theme of the celebration was: ‘To see, to be moved, to get into action’, with the subtitle: ‘Through the celebration of the Movement of Mercy we build our Catholic families as small churches where the divine mercy is practiced’. In his homily, the archbishop emphasized that in the case of mercy it’s all about ‘seeing, being moved and getting into action’, which fully matches the charism of the Brothers CMM, the Sisters SCMM and the vision of Pope Francis. During Mass members of the Movement of Mercy praised God for his mercy shown them. They also acknowledged that their mercy is still weak and

in need of God’s support. To make the world more humane they want to practice mercy and make it part of their spirituality. They want to reflect on the place of mercy in their lives and want to express it by witnessing God’s mercy in everyday life.

Solidarity After the celebration of the Eucharist there was a reception with performances of the children who are also participating in the Movement of Mercy. In his speech, Brother Ad Hems, the initiator of the movement in Balige and Tarutung, thanked the archbishop for celebrating the Eucharist. He pointed out that mercy is not that difficult and that it depends on our will to practice mercy. The celebration was concluded with the handing out of certificates by the archbishop to the members of both congregations who had prepared the celebration. Sunday 24 July 2016 turned out to have been an inspiring day, one that also strengthened the solidarity among the families in the Movement of Mercy. Brother Fransiscus Linus

BRAZIL

Brother Theo Adams (right) with participants at the General Assembly in Brasilia.

‘UNDERSTANDING THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES’ The Conference of Religious of Brazil (CRB) is an umbrella organization comprising about 33.000 female and more than 2.000 male religious. From 11 till 15 July 2016, a General Assembly took place in Brasilia, with more than 500 delegates. Among them were the Brothers Adriano van den Berg and Theo Adams. The theme of the assembly was: ‘Religious Life in Transition’. A brief look back. Several presenters stressed the need to see and understand the ‘signs of the times’ and dare to make changes within religious institutes to remain a prophetic sign for today’s world and society. Religious life needs once more to give witness to the joy and the freedom of the Gospel, facing today’s complicated world.

Mission The final message of the General Assembly stressed that the Gospel should always be priority number one. Listening to the Word is essential. Jesus Christ is the source of inspiration pointing towards mission and not to an obsession to survive the crisis religious life is undergoing. Proclaiming the Good News is not a oneway traffic but always occurs in mutual relationship: we need to learn to give of ourselves, but also to receive from others. The CRB wants to promote that religious life, from out of the various charisms, gets out into the open. Mission always needs to be provisional, showing detachment.

Simple lifestyle Religious are urged to renew contacts with young people through formation programs which are attuned to the demands of the time so that they meet in religious life women and men as sisters and brothers on the way together. The general assembly has indicated to reaffirm the ‘preferential option for the poor’ through a simple lifestyle, commitment to social issues and the struggle for human rights and equality for all and to stand by the vulnerable groups, such as migrants and refugees, victims of human trafficking, descendants of African slaves and Indians. It is important to stimulate an integral ecology which derives from a passion to care for our ‘common home’. In this context, it is crucial to come to a spirituality of prophetic and contemplative life without the excessive urge for consumption, from the conviction that ‘less is more’ as is indicated in Laudato si’, the encyclical of Pope Francis (cf. 222). Brother Theo Adams

YEAR OF MERCY

MERCIFUL ME In February 2016 the first issue in the series ‘Mercy Now!’ with reflection material was published for the Brothers CMM and Associate members of CMM and the Sisters SCMM for the Year of Mercy. This was celebrated in the Catholic Church from 8 December 2015 till 20 November 2016. In April, June and August the second, third and fourth edition followed. The fifth and final edition was published in October. The titles of the publications were the following: Joyful in God’s Mercy, A Merciful Church, A Merciful Hospital, A Merciful School, Merciful Me. The first four editions have been dealt with in earlier numbers of Brothers CMM. By means of inspirational texts the reader is confronted in the fifth issue of the series with questions such as: In what ways are you merciful to yourself? In what ways are you not merciful to yourself? How do you deal with the tension between expectations and your own shortcomings? Where do you find your source, the living water which makes you grow, blossom and bear fruit? Central here is a text of Brother Wim Verschuren. Quoting: “Love yourself, be merciful to yourself… what does that mean? Accept that you are who you are, with your beautiful characteristics and your vulnerabilities. Realize that you are not perfect and that you do not

need to be perfect. Look in the mirror and dare to say I’m good enough, I am worthwhile. Become a friend with yourself. … It means that you can say no without getting a guilt feeling. It also means that you want to forgive yourself every time anew. You are already quite far, when you can look at yourself with gentleness and humour. It is a way that you will have to go your entire life: become increasingly more a loving and inwardly free person.” 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

Together with the Sisters SCMM, the Brothers CMM have assembled in October a booklet for internal use with the title Mercy. It contains contributions of brothers and sisters from all over the world, with short texts, citations and illustrations that deal with mercy. At the conclusion of the Year of Mercy it was published in Dutch, English, Indonesian and Portuguese.

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. ‘Our Lady, Mother of Mercy’ is the name of the Congregations of the Brothers CMM and the Sisters SCMM.

KENYA

BROTHERHOOD: A VOCATION OF IT’S OWN KIND A vocation is a response to a call from God in which a person discovers how God wishes him to respond best to the call to holiness. Every specific vocation is in fact born of the initiative of God; it is a gift of the love of God. God is the one who takes the ‘first step’, and not because he found something good in us, but because of the presence of his own love “poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 5:5).

in community with fellow brothers. Therefore, the vocation to brotherhood is a calling to demonstrate true Christian fraternity among the people of God. Brothers help in the evangelization of the word of God. Guided by the love for the people of God, brothers employ their professional or practical skills in guiding the secular lives of people towards the Kingdom of God. They are involved in various tasks in society, such as healthcare, education, catechism, social work, building and construction work, journalism and social media, agriculture, and much more.

Serving and witnessing

Every member of the body of Christ plays an important role in the Church. Some catechists and others serve as leaders in small Christian communities. Besides these, we have deacons, priests, bishops, sisters and brothers. Most of the above named functions in the Church are known by many of us. But I am not quite sure if many people know what it means to be a religious brother. Most people think that brothers are still waiting to be priests. But brotherhood is a unique and special calling.

Brothers usually live in communities with other brothers who share the same Gospel ideals and offer mutual support to one another. Both individually and collectively they are witnesses of Christ’s loving presence; in their service to society and in their works of mercy. They work together in the spirit of the charism of their order or congregation. It is not about their own, individual, isolated activities. There are many congregations of brothers serving and witnessing in the vineyard of the Lord. Our Congregation of the Brothers of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy is one of them. Depending on the ideals and charism of the various founders, brothers focus specifically on education, health care and social work. But wherever they work, they will try to be ‘brothers’ to the people around them.

Vows

Brother Videlis Ong’Ombe Minyega

Brother Videlis Ong’Ombe Minyega.

A religious brother is a man who intensifies his commitment to God and to other people through the vows of obedience, chastity, poverty, and by living

IMAGES OF APOSTOLATE

Main entrance of the hostel.

A HOSTEL AT EAST TIMOR 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 fifth issue of this feature showcases the hostel at Suai, East Timor. For 450 years, East Timor was a Portuguese colony. Thereafter, from 1977 to 2002, the area was part of Indonesia. In 2002, East Timor became an independent state. Economically, the country has suffered severely from the struggle for independence. East Timor is currently one of the poorest countries in the world. Since 1988 the Brothers CMM are present in East Timor. The hostel in Suai is owned by the Jesuits, but it is managed by the Brothers CMM. The boys who live

here go to nearby schools. For many families in East Timor there is no good school in the area. The hostel provides the opportunity to still get a good education at a more distant school. Schools with a hostel have an excellent reputation because the students get homework assistance after school hours, and they can also participate in music lessons and sports activities. The brothers accompany young people on their way to independence and personal responsibility.

Boys living at the hostel.

A room furnished as a chapel. 19

IMAGES OF APOSTOLATE

Some house units.

Bedroom in one of the units.

A little garden.

Recreation.

A pond.

Livestock, providing meat and milk.

NEWS IN BRIEF

VINCENTIAN PILGRIMAGE On the occasion of the commemoration of the 400 years of Vincentian charism, the Vincentian Family of the Netherlands organizes in May 2017 a short ‘Vincentian pilgrimage’. Saint Vincent de Paul (15811660) devoted his life to the service of the poor. In 1617 he discovered his real vocation. In 1625 he founded the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians), and together with Louise de Marillac he founded in 1633 a sister congregation: the Daughters of Charity. In the course of time other congregations and associations inspired by the Vincentian spirituality arose. These include among others the Vincent de Paul Society (founded in 1833 by Frédéric Ozanam, Paris) and in the Netherlands for example, the Sisters SCMM (1832), the Brothers FIC of Maastricht (1840) and the Brothers CMM (1844). From 1 to and including 4 May there is a program in the Netherlands at the Generalate of the Brothers CMM, in which attention is paid to the timeliness of the Vincentian charism. From 7 to 13 May the participants travel to France to visit the ‘Vincentian sites’. There are still a few places available.

NEW CHIEF EDITOR On October 7, 2016 CMM archivist Rien Vissers transferred his position of chief editor of the magazine Brothers CMM to Nathalie Bastiaansen. On that occasion he handed her a statuette of a horse that he had received from his predecessor Brother Jan Smits in 2009. He in turn had received it again from the chief editor Brother Remigius Heesbeen in 2004, who for many years had stood at the helm of the congregational magazine Encounters (Ontmoetingen), the forerunner of Brothers CMM. At the transfer Rien Vissers announced that he was pleased that Nathalie Bastiaansen wanted to take over the baton from him now that he had reached retirement age. He praised her expertise, dedication and vigorous work ethic. The latter quality also exudes off the horse, according to him. “A chief editor must take the lead”, he stressed. Nathalie Bastiaansen (46) studied religious studies at Tilburg University and at Radboud University in Nijmegen. She collaborated on several research programs and publications. Since 2010 she worked as

a communications staff member of the Congregation and since 2014 also as the administrative secretary of the general board. Two years ago she joined the editorial staff of Brothers CMM.

Rien Vissers hands Nathalie Bastiaansen the statuette of a horse. 21

IN MEMORIAM

BROTHER

Francesco (C.J.P.) Paijmans

Placidus (S.P.S.) Siagian

He was born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, on May 17, 1924 and entered the Congregation of the Brothers of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy in Tilburg, the Netherlands, on August 29 1947. He made his profession for life on August 15, 1952. He passed away on September 3, 2016 in the community of Joannes Zwijsen in Tilburg. He was buried at the brothers’ cemetery at the estate Steenwijk in Vught, the Netherlands.

He was born in Purbasinomba, North Sumatra, Indonesia on December 16, 1954 and entered the Congregation of the Brothers of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy in Balige, Indonesia, on December 16, 1976. He made his profession for life on September 2, 1984. He passed away on September 26, 2016 at Roman Catholic Hati Kudus Hospital in Langgur, Maluku Islands, Indonesia, and was buried there.

In the Paijmans-Sprenger family Cor was the oldest of five children. He attended the elementary school of the Brothers of Maastricht, the Netherlands, where Brother Constantinus made a big impression on him. His desire to become a brother-teacher like him started there. Ultimately he entered the Brothers CMM. He obtained various diplomas and committed himself to help handicapped children, first at the Institute for the Blind in Grave, the Netherlands, and later at the Royal Institute for the Deaf and Hearing-Impaired (KIDS) in Hasselt, Belgium. He had contacts with Italians and Spaniards who had found employment there as guest workers. He attended their liturgical celebrations and was director of and Italian women’s choir. Brother Francesco was a religious man. Religious groups and denominations fascinated him, he had ecumenical views, and sang in the Byzantine Choir in ’s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands. He made an ecumenical journey with his sister to Assisi, the town of St. Francis, who inspired him so much to be thoughtfully present to all the people he met in his life. In the end Brother Francesco experienced loving nursing at the Joannes Zwijsen residential care facility. In this ‘Year of Mercy’ we commit him to God who is called the Merciful One. 22

He grew up in the area of South Tapanuli, an environment of rich natural beauty. At his home he learned what it meant to lead a simple life. The sisters in Lintong Ni Huta, Indonesia, gave him his high school education. Following high school he went to Balige to attend teacher training college. There he got to know the brothers. After completing his studies in 1976 he entered the novitiate of the Brothers CMM. Brother Placidus received various assignments in many places. They included superior in one of the communities, member of the regional board for Sumatra, director for aspirants, mentor of novices, and director of a high school. Brother Placidus showed what it means to lead a life of service as a brother. He was ready to go wherever his strengths and talents were needed. People noted how well he related to the simple people. He understood their language and cared for them. After a serious traffic accident his physical condition appeared to be reasonable at first, but in the following days his situation became a cause for great concern. Medical treatment was of no avail. Many surrounded him when he died. For almost forty years Brother Placidus attempted to give his life content and meaning in the light of merciful brotherhood. May the God of mercy now enfold him in his never ending Love.

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

SERENITY, COURAGE AND WISDOM God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Many who wish to lead a conscious and profound life have made Reinhold Niebuhr’s prayer their own. They prayed for serenity, the inner peace to accept the fact that they keep falling into certain pitfalls and not feel guilty or say: ‘well, that’s the way I am, I can’t help it’. It does not only apply to you yourself, it also applies to those with whom you live or work. They’re not perfect either. No, this is not easy.

You need courage not to fool yourself and you have to dedicate yourself to the task of bringing wholeness and peace, by removing stumbling blocks from your life and the lives of the people around you. Mercy is both strength and gentleness. At times you need to take on yourself in loving assertiveness. We’re not talking about others. Then there is the insight or wisdom to discern what you have to accept and what can be changed. Niebuhr prayed for this and many follow him in this prayer. You’re moving in the right direction when you realize that the search for wisdom never ends.

Brother Wim Verschuren

WE MAY NOT ALLOW THE INSPIRATION OF THE SPIRIT TO BE EXTINGUISHED BY CLINGING TO METHODS OF WORK AND ACTIVITIES OF WHICH THE NEED AND IMPORTANCE ARE LESS EVIDENT. IN THE SPIRIT OF EVANGELICAL FREEDOM WE MUST BE PREPARED, WHERE NECESSARY, TO RECONSIDER OR TO ABANDON ESTABLISHED FORMS OF SERVICE. (from the Rule of Life of the Brothers CMM)

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