‘SEE MY PEOPLE’
THE VOCATION OF BROTHER CYPRIAN Mercy and brotherhood are two key concepts in the charism of the Brothers CMM. Beautiful words. But what happens in the reality of the everyday life of the brothers? That’s what is highlighted in this feature ‘See my people’. Brother Cyprian Mbashu at the beginning of his noviciate in Oyugis in 1994. I was born and raised in a Catholic family. My father longed to become a priest, but my grandparents would not allow him because he was their future hope for bringing forth descendants. When I was in primary school our teacher once asked us, ‘What would you like to be when you grow up? ’ My answer caused uproar among the students. I mentioned that I wanted to become a religious brother. Apparently, I was the only one who had what seemed to be a strange answer. When I paid a visit to my grandparents and they heard me speak about my future, they thought that they could change my mind. But I held on to my decision and in the end, they blessed me. One question remained: which congregation was I going to join? My question was answered when I went to study at a catechetical institution which was run by the Consolata Missionaries. There I met one of the Brothers CMM. He spoke about the mission of the Brothers CMM in the world, he promoted the charism of brotherhood and mercy and above all he was merciful. My desire to join this Congregation grew day by day from that time hence forth. In 1994 I entered the novitiate. There I was attracted to this Biblical text next to the tabernacle: “You did it to me” - Matthew 25: 40.
The verse points to the last judgment, with a sixfold task for us: feeding the hungry, quenching the thirsty, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick and visiting prisoners. I came to realize that this text about the works of mercy was at the heart of the mission of the Brothers CMM. I found it remarkable to note that even without involving a lot of money these services are easily to perform; you only need commitment, dedication and mercy. In the novitiate we were tasked with the responsibility of providing clean water to our neighbours. I am very much aware of the challenges in life. We all experience setbacks, due to political or ethnic tensions, spiritual challenges, difficult relationship with friends and relatives, sickness, or poverty. In the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, with unprecedented consequences, loss of lives and shattered dreams, more than ever we are all called to the mission of mercy. I remember that St. Vincent de Paul, our patron saint, spoke of war, plague and famine during his time. What a near coincidence. As responsible citizens and as committed Christians we Brothers CMM can make a difference for good if we do something about the needs of the world now. Just remember the works of mercy. Brother Cyprian Mbashu CMM (Kenya)
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