2 minute read
BROTHERLY CONVERSATIONS
In the community of the Brothers CMM at the Residential Care Facility Joannes Zwijsen in Tilburg, “Brotherly Conversations” are being held a few times during the year around a theme presented by one of the brothers. In the summer of 2022, the question was raised as to how, as elderly brothers, they could contribute to the mission of the Congregation. The question was triggered by the new Mission Statement of the Congregation. (See p. 2 of this edition).
Advertisement
In the Joannes Zwijsen community there are many brothers who were sent out as missionaries abroad, and who presently spend their retirement years back in The Netherlands. How do they embody the mission of the Congregation at this stage of their lives?
Caring for one another
At the residential care facility, the brothers live together with other residents with whom they eat, pray and have conversations together. Some are asking themselves what the older brothers are still capable of doing. As missionaries working in another country, they had a clear job description. But just showing an interest in one another is also a way of living out the mission of the Congregation in everyday life. It is experienced as a chance to contribute to that mission. There is also more opportunity for things which before they never or hardly ever had time for: keeping in touch with family, writing letters and so paying attention to their fellow human beings.
As missionaries it was probably more obvious how we could support others, but, as one of the brothers said: “Here in the Joannes Zwijsen community we are one family, we share life with people who are old, sick or handicapped and that alone is an encouragement to continue in the best and most loving way possible.”
Keepers of the heritage
One of the brothers admitted that earlier the suffering of Christ did not mean as much to him as it does in the past few years. His physical condition make it hard for him to be active. Even the short walk to the meeting room costs him an arm and a leg. Nevertheless, he discerns for himself and his fellow brothers a calling: The living room of the brothers at the residential care facility Joannes Zwijsen (photo: 2020).
as older brothers they can pass on their knowledge and experience to the younger confrères. They are the keepers of the heritage of the brothers.
Brothers for life
Brother Caspar, community superior and the youngest resident, briefly quotes a few positive and heartwarming reactions of the caregivers who are dealing with the brothers. Without hesitation he puts it that the pleasant atmosphere in the residential care facility Joannes Zwijsen is for a great deal due to the presence of the religious brothers and sisters, who make all the difference there. Brother you are for life, even when you are retired already for a long time.
