Magazine Brothers CMM 2019/1

BROTHERS CMM 1/19

| ST. VINCENT IN MOSOCHO | HISTORY OF A WORLD OF THE BLIND | A JUBILEE CRUCIFIX IN BRAZIL | PROVINCE DAY THE NETHERLANDS | HISTORY AT THE SCHOOL COMPOUND | WORLD YOUTH DAYS PANAMA

CONTENTS 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.

CONVERSATION WITH THE SUPERIOR GENERAL

4

ST. VINCENT IN MOSOCHO

5

COLOPHON Brothers CMM appears three times a year and is a publication of the Congregation of the Brothers of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy. A subscription is free of charge.

A voluntary contribution is appreciated: ING Bank Account for Fraters CMM Tilburg.

IBAN: NL30INGB0001068517 (BIC: INGBNL2A).

ISSN 1877-6256 Editorial Board: Nathalie Bastiaansen (executive editor and chief editor), Brother Edward Gresnigt, Brother Ad de Kok Contributors: Brother Agustinus Nai Aki, Brother Videlis Minyega, Jef van Gils, Brother Henrique Matos, Nelleke Verstijnen-Massuger, Charles van Leeuwen, Ambassadors WWB, Brother Peter Narwadan, Brother Wim Verschuren, Brother Niek Hanckmann Translation: Nathalie Bastiaansen, Brother Edward Gresnigt, Peter Huybers, Father Jan van der Kaa AA, Tony Verhallen Design: Layout: Printing:

Heldergroen, The Netherlands DekoVerdivas, The Netherlands Franciscan Kolbe Press, Kenya

Contact: Brothers CMM, Rhapta Road, P.O.Box 14916 Nairobi, Westlands 00800, Kenya E-mail: Brother Leo van de Weijer: brotherleo42@gmail.com Contact: Brothers CMM, P.O.Box 89, Windhoek, Namibia E-mail: Brother Athanasius Onyoni: atonyoni@yahoo.com E-mail: magazine@cmmbrothers.nl Website: www.cmmbrothers.org Photograph front cover: Students Frater Don Bosco School Manado with CMM history books (photo: Brother Agustinus Nai Aki).

The Prodigal Son, Rembrandt.

2

Photograph back cover: Mantle Madonna, by Vanderley Campos de Sena. Eleousa community, Vught, the Netherlands (photo: Brother Niek Hanckmann).

IMAGES OF APOSTOLATE

6

HISTORY OF A WORLD OF THE BLIND

9

JUBILEE CRUCIFIX IN BRAZIL

10

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

12

FROM THE EDITORIAL BOARD We are in an anniversary year, and this edition also pays due attention to it. For example, there is an article about the jubilee crucifix in Brazil, made by Brother Henrique Matos.

At the Frater Don Bosco School in Manado, the history of the brothers is read in the school compound every morning. In the series ‘Images of Apostolate’ we look back in time, and during the province day in the Netherlands they went back to the past. Much more is on the programme for the coming months. In August, for example, there will be an auction of paintings created by the brothers in Tilburg.

In the series ‘In the spotlight’ we focus already on a few of these paintings. Talking about history: we work hard in the brothers’ archive.

Recently, disclosure of the archive of the St. Henricus Institute for the Blind in Grave was completed. The editorial board asked Jef van Gils to tell something about the importance of this work. With all this attention to history, you would almost think that the brothers only live in the past, but nothing could be further from the truth. In 2018 there were fourteen new professions for life. Some young brothers took part in the World Youth Days in Panama in January 2019, under the leadership of the Brothers Broer Huitema, Niek Hanckmann and Rofinus Banunaek.

PROVINCE DAY THE NETHERLANDS

11

CONCERNING JOANNES ZWIJSEN

HISTORY AT THE SCHOOL COMPOUND

15

NEWS IN BRIEF

17

WORLD YOUTH

14

DAYS PANAMA

16

‘SEE MY PEOPLE’

19

And further: enclosed you will find a survey.

The editorial board is interested to hear your opinion about the magazine. Would you please be so kind as to complete and return this survey? Thank you in advance!

3

CONVERSATION WITH THE SUPERIOR GENERAL

Mary has a central place in our history, but also in our identity today. Zwijsen gave us Mary, Mother of Mercy, as the protectress of the Congregation. Who is she, to us?

One of the things we do during this jubilee year is looking at our history. We see Joannes Zwijsen pointing out three sources that can sustain us: Jesus, Mary, and Vincent de Paul. The aim of looking at our history is not only knowing what was going on in past days. In fact, going back to our roots should always remain the underlying reference in our everyday life and work.

Today I would like to focus on Mary. She is in the name of our Congregation and therefore she holds a central place in our history, but also in our identity of today. Zwijsen gave us Mary, Mother of Mercy, as the protectress of the Congregation. What does this mean for us? Who is she, to us?

Our Constitutions say we should ‘honour Mary as our Mother’ (Constitutions I, 44). I think indeed her major role in our Congregation is that of a Mother: she shapes us and protects us; she can inspire and encourage us. As brothers we are under her mantle, together with those we serve and encounter. Having Mary in the name of our Congregation is the greatest gift we could ever think of.

She is also called the ‘Handmaid of the Lord’, she is ‘the lowly one to whom the Almighty has shown mercy’. As such she is ‘our shining example’ (Constitutions I, 58-60). We can try to imitate her virtues such as simplicity, humility, and ‘being present’.

She may not be speaking a lot in Scripture, but her loving and caring presence is felt by those around her.

A third role of Mary is her intermediating role. She points to Jesus and tells us ‘do whatever He tells you’.

If we follow her advice, we can experience what God is asking from us here and now. As our Constitutions point out: she is for us ‘a shining sign of hope and comfort on our pilgrimage towards God’ (I, 303).

Our Constitutions are not just something of our past: they are also our Rule of Life for today. We are invited to ask ourselves: how do I experience Mary in my own life? Is she also my Mother? Do I turn to her with my sorrows and my joys? What do I ask Mary? What do I want to tell her? She was there in our history; do I also let her walk with me today, towards my future? Who is Mary to me?

Brother Lawrence Obiko in an interview with Nathalie Bastiaansen

4

KENYA

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL: A PATRON SAINT FOR TODAY St. Vincent de Paul, also known as ‘Father of the poor’ is not only a saint of the ancient days. The patron saint of the works of charity was given to the Brothers CMM by their founder Bishop Joannes Zwijsen as an example of service to the poor in our society. Three of the CMM institutions in the Kenya/ Tanzania province have also taken St. Vincent as their patron saint. One of these is St. Vincent De Paul Boys' Primary School.

Merciful Attitude In St. Vincent De Paul Boys’ Primary School in Mosocho, the brothers, teachers, and students commemorate the feast of St. Vincent every year on 27 September. As Vincentian fraternity they celebrate this day as a family day. They use the opportunity to pause and reflect on how Vincent dedicated his life to the poor. Pope Francis states that charity is central to the Church’s mission, and we are called to share it with the world, especially with those in need, just as St. Vincent De Paul did.

Initiation On 27 September 2018, the day started with a Eucharistic celebration during which some new members were received in the Catholic Church. 26 boys were admitted to the sacrament of baptism, whereas 12 others received the first holy communion.

St. Vincent de Paul.

The event was presided over by Father Lawrence Mandere, the priest-in-charge of Nyabururu parish, and graced by parents and Godparents to witness the occasion. Teachers and pupils of St. Vincent De Paul Boys’ Primary School were present to support the new members as they celebrated this initiation into Christianity.

Steadfast in faith In his homily Father Lawrence implored the young Catholics to stay steadfast in their faith and not to waiver and lose focus. He also urged parents and Godparents to journey with them in their faith especially as they grow up. They were also taught the importance of sharing and being merciful towards each other, both in school and at home. The head teacher Brother Elijah Agilo congratulated the catechumens for their perseverance and by successfully undertaking catechesis under the guidance of Brother Duncan Wafula.

Commitment in serving What touches me personally in our institution is the commitment and dedication shown by the brothers, which has also influenced our staff members. This has attracted many parents to bring their children to study in our school. Apparently even non-Catholic pupils attend catechesis and at times request to be baptized in the Catholic Church. May God bless the work of our hand.

Father Lawrence Mandere distributing holy communion to some of the newly baptized pupils.

Brother Videlis Minyega CMM (Kenya)

5

IMAGES OF APOSTOLATE

The champions of Tilburg school football on Queen’s Day 1953.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES The Congregation is confronted worldwide with all sorts of material and spiritual needs. The brothers, together with others, are trying to alleviate these. The eleventh edition of this feature showcases a worldwide smorgasbord of extracurricular activities of the brothers in the past, with which they have enriched the lives of the young people after a hard day’s work at school.

From the beginning of the Congregation, the brothers ensured that for the young people who were entrusted to their care, there was a balance between the hours spent at school and those outside. A meaningful and healthy use of time was important. The pedagogical principle: ‘a healthy soul in a healthy body’ was the basis for this. Going on walks and playing soccer have been favourite leisure activities from the start.

The oldest form was youth work in the parish. A lot of attention was paid to various forms of music and theatre. The brothers wrote plays for the youth. Many brothers formed children’s voices, founded choirs and

6

conducted those; they performed operettas or were involved in drum bands and youth movements, such as scouting. For the brothers themselves, all these extracurricular activities were not only a contribution to the happiness of the young people, but they were also useful leisure activities for them. At the same time, all these activities created opportunities for the brothers to develop their specific personal talents.

Even today, extracurricular activities are still extremely important elements in the education of young people in the brothers' schools.

Playing football with Brother Tharasius Mutsaers at Curaçao.

Brothers along the line.

A game of chess, youthwork in The Hague.

Brother Orantus van Doorn with his musicians ‘Melodia’.

A scene from the play ‘King Joco II’.

A scene from ‘A Mary performance’,

by Brother Egbert van Oosterhout.

7

IMAGES OF APOSTOLATE

Musicians and vocalists at Ruwenberg in 1912.

Brother Getulius Arts behind the organ.

The ‘Youth Guardians of Vlijmen’ rehearse a song.

The S.O.O.S., youth work in Tilburg, a boat ride in 1959.

Brother Matthee Goevaers organizes ‘Nature’s Guardians’ in Den Bosch. Here he guides a dog show.

The musical ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ (Anatevka) played by students at the teacher training college in Tomohon, Indonesia, under the direction of Brother Ad de Kok (1972).

The operetta ‘Devils of the forest’, under the direction of Brother Candidus van der Linden, was a great success at St. Thomas College in Curaçao in 1953. The décor was executed by Brother Cyriel Witters.

Scene from ‘The King’s visit’, played at Ruwenberg.

An excursion to Schiphol in 1953 by the Noordhoek school.

8

THE NETHERLANDS

HISTORY OF A WORLD OF THE BLIND In the basement of the Generalate of the Brothers CMM there is an extensive archive. Mr. Jef van Gils takes care of the files in this archive that deal with the brother houses in the Netherlands. A large part consists of documents dealing with the St. Henricus Institute for the Blind in Grave.

St. Henricus Institute for the Blind in Grave was opened in 1859. The foundress was Ms. Henriëtte de la Geneste (1800-1859). Joannes Zwijsen provided the manpower to run the foundation by staffing it with brothers. The building was quickly outgrown and had to be enlarged several times. In 1966 the institute moved to Nijmegen and it was handed over to lay people in 1978.

Already at the beginning of the 20th century ‘tactile learning’ was used at St. Henricus. By touching objects, the visually impaired could grasp concepts of common and less common daily words. A unique part of the tactile learning were the stuffed animals. In touching these animals, words like ‘goose’, ‘dog’, and even ‘tiger’ became meaningful to the students.

The archive went astray Initially only files relating to the Grave period were found in the archive of the brothers. The documents of the Nijmegen period turned out to be housed in the Catholic Documentation Centre in Nijmegen. Jef van Gils made use of the ‘principle of origin’ to have this segment transferred to the archive of the brothers.

The documents The St. Henricus archive now contains 1060 catalogued and described files. Without the diligence and perseverance of archivists the archive would only be a pile of papers. The St. Henricus archive of the brothers is now a rich and accessible source for researchers in various fields of work. Besides general information about the organization such as minutes of meetings, statutes, and personnel files, the archive also provides insight in the development of education of the blind and of the visually impaired community in society.

Education of the visually handicapped Initially, the visually impaired hardly received any education. Not much was expected. There were some very limited job opportunities for them in workplaces where baskets, brooms and brushes were produced.

The brothers at St. Henricus made a significant contribution to the education and development of the visually impaired. Brother Adrianus Kemps is a good example. He developed a copper plate technique by which blind students could write in standard script.

He also developed the ‘Graafs arithmetic board’, which was used internationally.

‘Tactile learning’, around 1935.

The visually impaired in society From the beginning the primary workforce at St. Henricus was made up of brothers, but from around the middle of the 20th century lay personnel was added. The brothers were assisted by experts such as a medical doctor, a psychologist and a social worker.

More attention was given to research and for the general development of the visually impaired. The school for the blind developed from a ‘house for blind people’ to a more modern form of a care and guidance centre. Small-scale residential groups were set up and there was more attention for integration into the sighted world.

Nathalie Bastiaansen

9

BRAZIL

JUBILEE CROSS IN BRAZIL On the official opening day of the CMM Jubilee Year, 25 August 2018, the brothers in Brazil presented a cross that commemorates the 175th Anniversary of the Congregation of the Brothers of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy (1844-2019). The cross was designed by Brother Henrique Matos, who explains the different images on the cross.

Front side of the cross

The hard reality of life

The cross has two faces: on one side we see the image of our Mother of Mercy, painted when the Congregation celebrated the 150th anniversary of its foundation (1994). Next to the figure of Mary is the opening phrase of the official congregational anthem: Salve Regina, Mater Misericordiae. On the horizontal bar, on the left, the acronym CMM, Congregatio Mater Misericordiae, and on the right the focus of the celebration: ‘175 years’. In the vertical stem we see the medal with the original emblem of the Congregation, and below, an image of the founder Bishop Joannes Zwijsen (1794-1877), with the dates 1844 (foundation) and 2019 (175 years).

Below the picture of Mary is the founder’s episcopal coat of arms, with the lamb and the lion, and the Latin phrase Mansuete et Fortiter (gentle and strong).

Between the coat of arms and the photo of Our Lady, an earlier logo of the Congregation, which is still very much appreciated in Brazil: the cross intertwined with the initial letter of the name of Mary. On the pedestal - symbolizing the direct contact with the hard reality of so many people who find themselves in the margins of society - there is the metal cross with the works of mercy.

Brother Henrique Matos CMM (Brazil)

Back side of the cross On the other side of the cross we see a black-andwhite photo of the statue of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy, which was placed in the old chapel of the mother house in Tilburg, the Netherlands. At the top of the cross is a medal of Our Lady of Aparecida, the principal patroness of Brazil. It is originally an image of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the patron saint of Portugal, which, due to the long time that it was below the waters of the river Paraíba, acquired a dark colour.

Mother of the slaves The symbolism is rather persuasive: Mary is seen as the Mother of those who, at that time, were socially marginalized: the slaves. Here we get a precious spiritual lesson: the ‘Aparecida’ manifests herself as the Mother of Mercy, the one who unconditionally cares about the suffering of the most vulnerable.

Back side of the cross.

Front side of the cross.

10

THE NETHERLANDS

GATHERING OF CMM’S DUTCH PROVINCE Twice a year the Dutch province of CMM organizes a province day. The brothers and associated members of the Netherlands and Belgium and of the Generalate come together at the Joannes Zwijsen residential care center to meet, reflect and be inspired. At the province day in November 2018, time was given to the upcoming Jubilee 175 Years Brothers CMM. The afternoon began with a prayer service in the chapel. Brother Jan Koppens, the provincial superior, opened with a word of welcome: “175 years old, 175 years young! The tree of Zwijsen planted by running water could and still can cope with storm winds, earthquakes and drought… As brothers and associates we have good reasons to be grateful.

Thus we live in Church and society, thus we live in our Congregation and in our community. Compassionate brotherhood, compassionate sisterhood, inside and outside the Congregation. It’s what drives us as a community already for 175 years.”

At the prayer service some psalms were said and a text was read from the book of Charles van Leeuwen about the early years of the Congregation. Those present also sang a song - written especially for the jubilee year with the refrain: “Serve and enlighten, helping hands, redeeming words: that’s how He sends us. Go and do what Jesus did.” With the aid of quite some letters of the alphabet, Charles van Leeuwen, study secretary, spoke about the most important developments of the early years.

Then a one-act play was performed about the relationship between Joannes Zwijsen and King William II. Brother Ad de Kok slipped into the skin of Brother Victor, the cousin of Zwijsen, who told about Zwijsen and William II: “King William II died in Tilburg at 3 o’clock at night in the arms of Everard, his personal physician. Half an hour later an officer arrived at the presbytery. He knocked softly. It was the parish priest, Zwijsen, who opened the door. Known to be always strong and in control, the bishop was deeply moved

Brother Ad de Kok (right) in the role of Brother Victor Zwijsen. Charles van Leeuwen pouring him a glass of wine (Photo: Nelleke Verstijnen-Massuger). by this sad news. There wasn’t much time to pray; he had to get hold of himself and bring the sorrowful news to the queen. For three weeks he was at her side, to comfort and guide her. Offering hospitality to strangers, comforting the sorrowful… those were Zwijsen’s works of mercy in the early part of 1949.”

In April 2019, the theme for the provincial day will be: ‘Poverty in Tilburg, poverty in the world’. This too is within the context of the jubilee year: all provinces and regions of the Congregation will initiate a special project to support poor and homeless people.

Brother Ad de Kok CMM (The Netherlands)

11

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

ART IN THE ATTIC The fourth instalment of the feature ‘In the spotlight’ pays attention to the numerous paintings brothers have created and which have been stored in the attic of the Generalate. There are quite some nice works among them; actually it’s a pity that they are up there in the attic…

On the occasion of the jubilee year an auction will be held on August 31, 2019, during which a substantial selection of these paintings will be presented. Its proceeds will support other actions that will be organized during this year of jubilee; among which is the project ‘Sheltering the Homeless’. This project intends to offer a safe environment and community to the poor and the homeless who live in the immediate surroundings of the brothers throughout the world.

The selection of the paintings we picture here represent a small segment of the beautiful works stored in the attic. We selected a few works by Brother Anthimus Aerts (1919-1979), Brother Humberto Wouters (1920-1999), Brother Paschalius Vervest (1923-1989), and Brother Vincenzo de Kok (19111997). Will perhaps one of these works find a place on your wall?

Humberto Wouters, ‘Easter, the empty tomb’, undated.

Nathalie Bastiaansen

Anthimus Aerts, landscape, undated.

Humberto Wouters, untitled (is it Mary at Golgotha?), undated.

12

Paschalius Vervest, ‘Moergestel’, 1985.

Paschalius Vervest, ‘Enschot’, 1986.

Vincenzo de Kok, still life with roses, 1964.

Paschalius Vervest, ‘Hoogeloon’, 1986.

Vincenzo de Kok, ‘onesimus’, 1991.

13

CONCERNING JOANNES ZWIJSEN

IN THE BEGINNING THERE WERE POTATOES Bishop Zwijsen did not want his brothers to start in a rented house, so he immediately built a large house for them. Even before one candidate was accepted, he bought the land for it. That was in January 1844.

The plot was not far from the centre of Tilburg. Zwijsen had the site planted with potatoes for as long as it took, so that his plans were not immediately apparent, and the land generated some income. The first harvest of the Congregation was therefore a potato harvest.

On August 25, 1844, the first brothers began their novitiate. In October, just after the potatoes had been harvested, the construction of the brother house could commence. Zwijsen was in a hurry; at the end of the summer the house had to be ready. Despite the harsh winter, it would succeed.

Zwijsen immediately thought in big terms. The house was to have six large rooms. The refectory and recreation room were to be located to the right of the entrance, and to the left a spacious parlour and the guest room. A long wide hallway was planned behind these rooms, with adjoining this at right-angles the kitchen and the chapel were built. On the first floor, twentyone bedrooms were planned for future brothers. The dormitory for the orphans came under the sloping roof, which ran into a pointed and graceful tower.

The construction activities of the ambitious pastor did lead to some unrest in the city. It is said that Zwijsen had to explain it to King Willem II, who then lived in Tilburg. He did it in ‘low profile’: “All I am doing is building a house for young people from Tilburg and elsewhere, who will concern themselves with teaching poor and underprivileged boys and looking after orphans, just like the Sisters of Charity. I will give these people some rules, which they will have to respect. I will also provide them with some garments appropriate with their position to help them to respect themselves and

14

Drawing (reconstruction) of the first brother house in 1845.

earn respect from others. These are my intentions your Majesty, that is all.”

On September 15, 1845, the first four brothers moved into the brother house and a month later two more were added. In November also the first seven orphan boys arrived. Together they were a nice company, but the brother house was by far not yet full. Zwijsen was optimistic. He wrote to a friend that he expected to have twelve brothers at Easter 1846. He did not reach that number at Easter, but at Christmas in that year they were with twelve.

Based on Bishop Zwijsen and his First Brothers. History of the Brothers of Our Lady Mother of Mercy, Volume 1,

by Charles van Leeuwen (Valkhof Pers, 2014).

INDONESIA

A student reads from the history of the brothers.

HISTORY AT THE SCHOOL COMPOUND In the CMM Jubilee Year, every day at the school compound of the Frater Don Bosco School in Manado, you can hear stories about the history of the Brothers CMM. The brothers, teachers and students at the Frater Don Bosco Senior High School in Manado pay special attention to the history of 175 years CMM. They chose a group of students to be ‘Jubilee Ambassadors’. The task of these students is to study and share with others the history of the Brothers CMM. Every day, in a morning gathering at the school compound, the jubilee ambassadors read parts of the history writings of the Congregation. They read aloud stories in English about the founder Bishop Joannes Zwijsen and about Brother Andreas van den Boer: a creative way to practice the English language skills, and to learn and share the Congregation’s history.

Stories from history: examples for today Beatrix Rori, one of the jubilee ambassadors, is inspired by the spirit of faith of Joannes Zwijsen in building a better world. Also, other jubilee ambassadors are happy and proud to share the CMM stories. Marcella Winokan sees Brother Andreas as a good example for both students and teachers: “He was a strict but gentle teacher. He was very disciplined and never came late.”

Making a better world

works of mercy makes me want to change myself. I hope we can start fighting poverty like Zwijsen did. We can create a better world.” Also Marcella Pattinama is inspired by Zwijsen’s efforts in fighting for the rights of the weak and the poor. “Let’s create a world in which the poor are not abandoned, but fully accepted in society.” For Angel Tumbol, Brother Andreas is “a true brother of mercy; his zeal and dedication have not lost anything of their relevance. His work must continue.”

New generations Catholic religion teacher, Mr. Chris Aray, hopes that there will be many new generations of Joannes Zwijsen, who not only study spirituality but also live this spirituality. “Joannes Zwijsen was both a man of the world and a man of God. He felt the responsibility to build a more humane world. The Frater Don Bosco School Manado is a legacy of Joannes Zwijsen.

Hopefully, the seed that was planted will grow well, and I hope it will always inspire us as principal, teachers, staff and students to express in our lives mercy and brotherhood.”

Brother Agustinus Nai Aki CMM (Indonesia)

Maria Livin is impressed by the works of mercy. “The brothers can be our role models. Reading about their 15

INTERNATIONAL

WORLD YOUTH DAYS PANAMA 2019 From January 13 to 31, 2019, the Brothers CMM organized for the fifth time a journey to the World Youth Days for their international youth movement ‘Ambassadors of a Worldwide Brotherhood’ (WWB). This time the trip went to Panama. About 60 young people from 7 different countries took part in this journey. The theme of the World Youth Days 2019 was: ‘I am the servant of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word’.

Catechesis in Panama.

As early as 2018, the young people followed a supporting programme in their own country. Three Bible stories were central to these preparatory meetings. In connection with the theme of the World Youth Days, the choice was made for stories about three strong women from the Old Testament: Ruth, Judith, and Esther.

Cultural exchange In Panama, the groups of countries gathered in the Finca Emanuel Reflection Centre in the hills, west of Panama City. Here the young people experienced together an intensive programme with Bible study, prayer, and cultural activities. In this programme several aspects of Mary took centre stage: Mary as Prophet, as Mother of Mercy, as Mother of Seven Sorrows, and Mary as Companion on our way.

The journey then continued by bus to Panama City, where the group was welcomed by host families in the parish of St. Mary’s in the Balboa District. In the evening there was a cultural evening for the parishioners in which the Ambassadors presented their 16

different cultures.

World Youth Days After this the Ambassadors WWB participated as an international group in the World Youth Days.

Three mornings they followed an English catechesis programme. In the afternoons and evenings the group attended the youth festival with music, theatre, and discussion. Highlights were the welcoming of the Pope on Thursday, the Stations of the Cross on Friday, the evening vigil under the starry sky of Panama on Saturday evening, and on Sunday the impressive closing celebration with Pope Francis and hundreds of thousands of young people.

Reflection On January 28, the Ambassadors left for Santa Clara, where they stayed in the beach house Villa Paúl. This house belongs to the Vincentian Fathers, who live and work in the host parish in Panama. Here they took time for evaluation, reflection, closing and farewell.

Testimonials We asked some participants what they got out of the journey and what it had taught them and how they expected to share this with others, back in their homeland and in their everyday life: “Through the WWB programme I hope to become an Ambassador of God’s mercy and brotherhood. I want to show that young Catholics today are not only able to see and remain silent, but that they may see and get into action” (Richardo Dika Wahyu Prakastya, Indonesia).

“Keep the youthful spirit burning, both in faith as well as in daily life in society. Let us become salt and light for others!” (Maria Catarina Maharani, Indonesia).

“Through the journey I have grown, and I have been inspired by the life of the brothers” (Boniface Mhagama, Tanzania).

“To the young people in my country I want to say: ‘Let us come together to read the Word of God and act accordingly, so that we can reach our destiny’” (Gertrude K. Peter, Tanzania).

Ambassadors and other pilgrims on their way to the vigil and closing celebration with the Pope.

“I would like to teach others how to do the Lectio Divina. I would also like to encourage all young people to seriously take the Pope’s message to heart: let us be the ‘now’ of God” (Sister Elizabeth Amunyela MSC, Namibia).

“My message to the youth in my country is: let us unite in the struggle against difficulties in society.

Let us develop a hopeful and happy society together.

People tend to say that young people are ‘the future’, but Pope Francis said that we are ‘the present’!

(Benedictus Ashipala, Namibia).

“When I come home after the World Youth Days, I hope to share my experiences of respecting differences, because what makes us special are the differences” (Victor Francis, Brazil).

“WWB’s programme has helped us to embrace the presence of God in diversity. We hope to pass on the theme ‘Here I am, Lord’ to other young people at home. We want to tell them that we, young people, are the ‘now’ and not the future” (Veronica Sisela and Lydia Talai, Kenya).

Mary, Mother of Mercy is often portrayed as a woman who protects all people under her mantle. For a creative assignment during the meditation on ‘Mary, Mother of Mercy’ each participant brought along a piece of cloth from their own country. Mantles were made from these pieces of cloth.

“We want to organize youth meetings where we can share with others the joy of the Gospel we experienced in Panama” (Francis Mutuku and Cleophas Wabwile, Kenya).

Nathalie Bastiaansen

17

NEWS IN BRIEF

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2019 Article 143 in part II of the CMM constitutions stipulates that during the six-year administration period of the general board two general assemblies must be held. The year 2016 saw the first general assembly for the administration period of 2014 to 2020. For the second general assembly members of the general board and the provincial and regional superiors came together from February 18 until March 3, 2019.

They met at the Generalate in Tilburg, the Netherlands.

At this meeting the general board and provincial and regional superiors discussed the policies for the Congregation and prepared for the 2020 general chapter. Unfortunately, Brother Theo Adams, regional superior for CMM in Brazil, could not attend. He is recuperating from a car accident. Brother Damasus Dobat took his place

PROFESSION IN KENYA, INDONESIA, AND Timor Leste.

On August 15, 2018, during a colourful Eucharistic celebration, eight brothers in Kenya made their commitment for life. The Superior General, Brother Lawrence Obiko, accepted the profession for life of the Brothers Philemon Ratemo, Dennish Omeni, Erick Nyakundi, Christopher Akunga, Leonard Diang’a, Albert Nyantika, Videlis Minyega, and Geoffrey Sinange.

A traditional element of the ceremony, in which the family symbolically gives the son to the Congregation, took place before the two brothers entered the church.

The superior general also accepted the profession for life of four brothers in Indonesia on September 22, 2018. They are the Brothers Dionisius Kayus Abi, Andreas Tana Atu, Anselmus Antonio Abi and Oktafianus Leki. These brothers’ families brought their sons to the church wearing the garments of their local cultural tradition.

The Brothers Leonardo do Carmo Pinto and Andre Neno Abi made their profession for life in the region of Timor Leste on December 29, 2018. The superior general was present there as well to accept their vows.

18

Celebration of the profession for life in Timor Leste.

‘SEE MY PEOPLE’

HAIKUS OF BROTHER ROBERTO CREEMERS Mercy and brotherhood are the two key concepts in the charism of the Brothers CMM. Beautiful words.

But what happens in the reality of everyday life of the brothers? That’s what is highlighted in this feature 'See my people'.

A single question: “Weak, poor man, do you love me? ” A trembling answer.

In silence received motionless water surface origin of grace.

Rabboni, Master, miraculous appearance please mention my name. (John 20:10) FBrother Roberto Creemers was not the only one to find his true vocation when he retired from his teaching ministry. He became one of the spiritual directors at the retreats of Father Guy Borreman S.J. His strength lay in the personal conversation.

What was his secret? I am convinced that it was his personal spiritual life. From his own experience he could be a guide for people on their spiritual path.

Mercy is powerful and tender at the same time; clear, confrontational and loving at the same time. Knowing Brother Roberto a little, I think that this combination was his strength. Roberto was not always easy in his daily encounters and sometimes he could seem rather firm. But retreatants kept coming back to him even after the retreat. He had many friends.

We get to know Brother Roberto in a special way in his haikus. He discovered this form of poetry when he met someone who had published a booklet with haikus. But above all he was struck by an interview with a sister, who summarized the main idea of her daily reflection in a haiku to carry it with her throughout the day. In fact, Roberto did the same. He said he did not have a ‘feel for language’, but still wanted to express his thoughts in a haiku. He said: “A haiku poem teaches you to describe and to deepen".

Tower of Babel contemporary context: failure to speak love.

The haiku is a form of Japanese poetry, written in three lines of which - in the classical form - the first line 5, the second line 7, and the third line again contains 5 syllables. How strictly to adhere to this pattern is, as with other forms of poetry, constantly the subject of discussion. Sometimes, in the modern or western form, one deviates from this rule.

Brother Roberto died on June 30, 2018. After his death a little book with many haikus was found in his room.

All written in neat handwriting. On a Post-it note he asks ‘when his time has come’ to give this booklet with haikus to Brother Edward. Brother Edward had already put together quite a number of Roberto’s haikus in a small brochure, and Brother Roberto was very happy with that. They are probably not literary gems. But you can call these haikus his spiritual testament.

Brother Wim Verschuren CMM (The Netherlands)

19

WE HONOUR MARY AS THE PROTECTRESS OF THE CONGREGATION: THE MOTHER OF MERCY. GLADLY WE CALL UPON HER MOTHERLY CARE AND INTERCESSION FOR OURSELVES AND FOR THOSE IN NEED. (from the Rule of Life of the Brothers CMM)

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