50 YEARS JUBILEE
BROTHERS CMM
OCTOBER 2008
INKENYA
50YEARS
OF DEDICATION
INTRODUCTION BY
BR. ANDREA SIFUNA CMM
“As the Provincial Superior of the Brothers CMM in Kenya I
am honoured to offer you this jubilee publication about our
works of mercy in Kenya and Tanzania. October 18, we
celebrate the 50 years presence of the Brothers CMM in
Kenya. I am very glad we have grown over those years to a
vivid province with about 50 brothers in seven communities
in the South West of Kenya and in Tanzania. We are dedicated to the works of mercy for the poor by giving education
and by community development. In this jubilee publication
we inform you about our actual work, about our inspiration,
about our own history and about the worldwide work of the
Brothers CMM. In that way you get to know us better. May
it inspire us all to continue this important work for the Kenyan
and Tanzanian people and for the Kingdom of God.”
THE COLOURS
OFMERCY
A DESCRIPTION OF THE CMM SPIRITUALITY BY
BR. ANDREA SIFUNA CMM (NAIROBII)
“Practice of mercy is no doubt a rich spirituality. It is a spirituality that marks the earliest known relationship of man with
God. It has been throughout salvation history the basis of
every turning point of new God-man relationship. Israel of
old looked to God’s mercy as a source of inspiration and a
guarantee that God will fulfil his promises to them. In the new
biblical testament, the story of mercy assumes new and
unprecedented proportions in the incarnation of God’s son in
human flesh, a fact that surpassed all expectations of Israel,
and indeed all human expectations of the entire history. Even
today, a God who shares human nature with us is not readily embraced. Mercy as a spirituality may be seen in several
aspects that we can conveniently call colours. Like a ray of
light, looking at the overall concept denies one the view of
the details, the greens, blues, reds and so forth. In this article, we shall briefly look at ‘the colours of mercy’, so to say,
in order to see the entire concept of this spirituality in relation
to our everyday life.”
Read the complete article at pages 6 and 7.
TABLE
OF CONTENT
PROVINCIAL
AND GENERAL BOARD
02/03
BROTHERHOOD
04/05
SPIRITUALITY
06/07
CONGRATULATIONS
08
EDUCATIONAL APOSTOLATE
09
WORKS OF MERCY
10/11
CMM WORLDWIDE
12
MEMORIES
13
HISTORY
14/15
#02 PROVINCIAL BOARD CMM KENYA
WITNESSING
MERCY IS OUR
HALLMARK
BY BR. ATHANASIUS ONYONI
PROVINCIAL SUPERIOR BROTHERS CMM KENYA 2002-2008
“As Brothers CMM in Kenya we have a
long way of 50 years presence behind us.
With the help of God we will continue our
work for the poor. In this article I will tell
you about the directions of our work and
about the challenges the Brothers CMM in
Kenya will meet.
Being merciful, carrying mercy, witnessing mercy will be
our hallmark. Bringing mercy in a merciful way to those with
whom we work, to those to whom we are sent and to members of our own community. These groups of persons will
remain foremost in our minds and actions.
Our merciful presence in the world must cut across the boundaries of tribe, race, character, social status and age. In
order to achieve this we need to develop high standards of
self-discipline and personal integrity.
DIRECTIONS
The above elements form the bedrock upon which we shall
have to build our life in the apostolate for any meaningful
positive change. Most of our actual work will fall mainly in
the following categories:
1. Catechetics: faith education in the parish as well as in
the school.
2. Community development: to work as catalysts of social
change, we must prepare ourselves for tasks in various
areas, e.g. agricultural development and improved
methods of food production; cooperative development to
help people pull resources together for economic and
social growth.
3. Administration: prepare ourselves in fields of teaching in
grammar, technical and special education schools, as
well as in guidance and counselling, secretarial functions,
library and laboratory sciences, financial and human
resource management. We also have to be familiar with
issues regarding human labour and social justice.
4. Management: fields other than those mentioned under
administration, include disaster management, conflict
resolution, administering first aid, catering and simple
housekeeping skills.
This is not all. The preferential option for the poor is the
guiding principle at all levels and all times.
DEVELOPING CATECHETICAL APPROACHES
When speaking about the future, one sees signs of hope but
also obstacles to be overcome. There is hope because of a
constant, but small group of young people interested in serving God as consecrated religious persons. We also hope
that we can work effectively in the fields of education and pastoral care, both at the parish and school levels.
What are obstacles we encounter? Good educational background and professional training are necessary for quality
leadership. Providing the right professional training is a special challenge. Much of what one does raises political
questions making leadership difficult in Kenya. Teaching careers seem to appeal to many young people. However, the
academic results of high school can be a big hindrance for
advanced training. Alternative choices for apostolates that
render service within a school system, e.g. secretarial work,
school laboratory science, catering and housekeeping,
human resource management, pastoral catechesis, often do
not seem attractive. Furthermore, preparing for the future will
require a lot of effort and energy from those in leadership
positions. Aspects of leadership within our province are dedication to our spirituality and knowledge of religious life and
community living. All this is really required from all, and not
only from those in charge.
PASTORAL ISSUES
There is a lack of carefully designed and lovingly executed
pastoral approaches in parishes and schools regarding the
needs of the youth. Often the young are seen as troublemakers and labelled as such. There is no tailor-made programme for correcting and guiding youth to reach the expected
standards of behaviour. It is indeed not easy to offer practical solutions to make the youth feel at home in the Church
and have a sense of belonging. However, without a good
approach toward young people, the youth will remain ignorant about the teaching of the Catholic Church. They will
also not understand current problems and trends in social,
religious, economic, and human development issues. We,
Brothers CMM, need to develop catechetical approaches
that will help the youth of today to become the responsible
persons of tomorrow, both in the Church and in society.
When young men come to our houses for seminars, we
realize that they have many unanswered questions in all
kinds of fields. They come to us, so we could offer them
enlightenment and preparation for the future.
NEW
PROVINCIAL
BOARD
August 29, the Provincial Chapter of the CMM Brothers
Kenya has appointed a new Provincial Board for the next
period of six years (2008-2014).
^ Picture From left to right
Br. Leo van de Weijer, Deputy Provincial Superior, Br. John
Karungai, Board-member, Br. Andrea Sifuna, Provincial
Superior, Br. James Ochwangi, Board-member, Br. Richard
Sure, Board-member.
< Picture
August 29, 2008, the General Board of the Brothers CMM
appointed in Kenya a new Provincial Board for the next
period of six years (2008-2014).
GENERAL BOARD BROTHERS CMM #03
INVOLVED IN
THE PROCESS OF
INTERNATIONALIZATION
BY BR. BROER HUITEMA, SUPERIOR GENERAL BROTHERS CMM
“Fifty years ago, in 1958, the first brothers arrived in Kenya, to start their mission. It
must have been a very special experience for them. Not knowing what they could
expect, they were probably a bit excited about what was awaiting them. But they did
start, in all simplicity and with faith.”
“They must have realized the importance of their mission and
they believed in it. Their faith and trust, their perseverance
and patience helped to begin a journey of 50 years for the
Congregation in Kenya. Now, we should be very grateful to
these pioneers who made all the developments since the start
possible. During these 50 years, CMM has developed well
in Kenya. During the first 25 years, the Dutch and Belgian
brothers were mainly involved in teaching. As good
professionals and dedicated teachers, they were quite
successful. In the beginning, the emphasis was on the mission
and not so much on trying to get vocations. It took 25 years
before the first Kenyan young men entered the
Congregation. But after these first brothers joined CMM,
there has been a gradual development; we can now be
happy that a flourishing Kenyan branch is developing. We
are happy that now, after 50 years, the first Kenyan brother
– Br. Vincent Odhiambo - is celebrating his silver jubilee. We
are happy that now, after 50 years, the Province of Kenya
consists of almost 50 brothers.
During the past decades, the Province of Kenya became a
more autonomous part of the Congregation and the brothers
there are now intensely involved in the process of internationalization within the Congregation CMM. We can see their
contribution on three levels: the central administration of the
Congregation, the field of mission and the field of spirituality and formation. In March of this year, during the General
Chapter of the Congregation, a brother from Kenya has
been elected a member of the General Board. It was only six
years ago, in 2002, that for the first time in history, brothers
from outside The Netherlands were elected into the General
Board. Two Indonesian were chosen and they went to Tilburg
to take their place in the central administration. Now, six
years later, an African brother has become a member of the
General Board. These historic moments reflect the developments within the Congregation: over the past decades the
Congregation became more and more international. The
centre of gravity is moving away from Europe towards the
Southern hemisphere!
There is yet another important movement with respect to the
process of internationalization. In the past, only Dutch and
Belgian brothers were sent for missions abroad. However,
the missionary spirit is not limited to European brothers.
Sending brothers for a mission wherever there is need,
belongs to the very nature of our being religious. Nowadays
brothers from Indonesia and Kenya are sent to other parts of
the world. Although the Province of Kenya is still small, the
province has sent several brothers to other countries. A few
brothers were sent to Namibia to assist in the formation of
new candidates. The province also started a new mission in
Urambo, Tanzania. As brothers, our mission is not merely
limited to the place where we come from: our mission is
worldwide. We as Brothers CMM want to express our mission
of mercy in a worldwide brotherhood. The international
world is the field where brothers live and work for the sake
of the coming of the Kingdom of God.
Finally, the Province of Kenya is providing hospitality to
brothers from elsewhere: for study, for formation and for
international Congregational meetings. Sigona and Nakuru
are international formation houses for candidates from
various African countries. Several international Congregational meetings have taken place within the Congregation
over the past years. Also in this respect, the Province of
Kenya is accepting fully responsibility for the needs of the
Congregation.
After 50 years, we may congratulate the province with all
these developments. We wish the brothers a blessed future.
May the brothers of the Province of Kenya continue to witness mercy in a worldwide brotherhood, within this beautiful
country of Kenya and at all places where they will be sent.”
THE PROVINCIALATE
BUILDING
In 2008 the brotherhouse of the CMM community of our
Lady, Mother of God, in Nairobi (Rhapta Road) is rebuilt.
Last spring the old buildings were broken down to build a
new and larger brotherhouse. In this house the provincial
board is established. The new provincialate is designed to
accommodate our current needs in the province.
There are four areas:
1. The administration wing which houses the secretarial
services, the parlours for the provincial superior and
bursar, and the provincial boardroom.
2. A guest wing for CMM guests or CMM brothers who
need special care.
3. The records wing for the archives of the province and
for the collections of various brothers that have a future
relevance.
4. Hospitality: There will be a large dining and living room,
as well as bedrooms for students who need to study in
Nairobi and for visitors who come to our province, either
on transit or on official visit.
The provincialate is not the only building on the CMM
compound. In order to become financially more self-reliant
as a province, two flats with eight rental houses will be
constructed.
OLD SITUATION
NEW SITUATION
BROTHERHOUSES KENYA
#04 BROTHERHOOD
1
2
3
4
NAIROBI-RHAPTA ROAD
COMMUNITY OF OUR LADY,
MOTHER OF GOD
P.O. BOX 14916
NAIROBI, WESTLANDS 00800
TEL. +254 20 444 84 96
EMAIL [email protected]
5
NAIROBI-UMOJA
COMMUNITY OF OUR LADY,
QUEEN AND MOTHER
P.O.BOX 641
BURU BURU
NAIROBI 00515
TEL. +254 20 785 299
EMAIL [email protected]
6
MOSOCHO
COMMUNITY OF OUR LADY OF MERCY
P.O. BOX 4064
KISII 40200
TEL. +254 58 315 23
NAKURU
COMMUNITY OF OUR LADY
OF THE VISITATION (POSTULATE)
P.O.BOX 12049
NAKURU 20100
TEL. +254 51 221 5208
EMAIL [email protected]
7
OYUGIS
COMMUNITY OF OUR LADY
OF THE ANNUNCIATION
P.O.BOX 355
OYUGIS 40222
TEL. +254 59 310 86
[email protected]
SIGONA
COMMUNITY OF OUR LADY
OF THE ROSARY (NOVICIATE)
P.O.BOX 1112
KIKUYU 00902
TEL. +254 20 202 0863
SIKRI
COMMUNITY OF OUR LADY,
QUEEN OF AFRICA
P.O.BOX 194
OYUGIS 40222
+254 59 312 64
THE PROVINCE OF KENYA IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR A
CMM COMMUNITY IN TANZANIA:
URAMBO
COMMUNITY OF OUR LADY OF MERCY
P.O.BOX 138
URAMBO
TEL. +255 787765735
25 YEARS
A BROTHER CMM
BY BR. VINCENT ODHIAMBO CMM (OYUGIS)
Br. Vincent Odhiambo is the first Kenyan Brother CMM who celebrates his silver jubilee. In this article he personally tells about his vocation.
“My vocation as a Brother CMM came through the encouragement of my late father Leonard Oguok and the Brothers Leo van de Weijer,
Linus Schoutsen and Frederick Hazen. These were the persons God used as his instruments to call me to the religious life as a brother. At that
time the Brothers CMM were conducting a Christian Awareness Programme (C.A.P.) in various schools and also in my Nyabondo Parish.
Afterwards they would have an opportunity to talk to young people about the possibility of becoming a Brother CMM. My father asked if I
was willing to attend such a meeting, to which I responded: “I will see.” I liked what the brothers said and wanted to see their home; there
we would have the opportunity to share the brothers’ life for a short time. In April 1982 I went to ‘Shirikisho Senta’ in Oyugis. As I entered
the house, Brother Leo asked me what I wanted. I told him: “I want to be a brother”. Upon returning home, my father bought me a pair of
long trousers and a pair of shoes. I placed my belongings in a cardboard box, since I did not have a suitcase, tied a string around it and
left for Oyugis on May 4, 1982. The Brothers Leo and Frederick warmly welcomed me. I was given a room and joined the brothers in painting the house since it was a new community under construction. After about a year I was asked whether I wanted to become a postulant.
Even though I was the only candidate, I accepted and was guided by Brother Leo. On October 16, 1983, I became a novice in the
Congregation, with Brother Leo as my novice-master. What moved me to become a Brother CMM was the encouraging influence of my late
father and of the Brothers CMM, and also the simple community life of Shirikisho Senta in Oyugis. I realized that Jesus called me to be his
merciful brother, not just for a few days, but every day of my life. In my twenty-five years as a Brother CMM I have relied on God’s protection
and guidance: his goal is going to be achieved, not mine.”
BROTHERHOOD #05
WHAT IS A
NOVICIATE?
A noviciate is both a house and a community that is
designated for the formation of young men or women who
feel called to a religious way of life. It is not a seminary nor
is it a school or college. However, in a nutshell one can refer
to a noviciate as ‘a school of prayer’. Those admitted into
the noviciate follow a strict spiritual formation study program aimed at preparing them for a religious way of life as
brothers or sisters in the Catholic Church. The formation process in the noviciate of the Brothers of Our Lady, Mother of
Mercy (CMM) takes two years. The persons in the noviciate
are referred to as ‘novices’.
A DAY IN SIGONA
BY BR. LAWRENCE OBIKO CMM (MEMBER OF THE GENERAL BOARD,
FORMER NOVICE-MASTER)
“The noviciate is an environment that offers a wonderful opportunity for one to grow
closer to God. It is a spiritual centre where one discovers the treasure of his inner life.
even if they will not end up becoming religious.
5.15 – 06.15 A.M
TIME FOR MEDITATION
Looking back at the experience of 11 years as a formator, I
must admit that they were years of rich experiences but also
quite challenging. There were moments of joy but also
moments of pain. Moments of joy came when those who were
in their process of discernment reached a positive decision of
making their first profession as Brothers CMM. Painful and
challenging moments came when I had to face the difficult
decision of assisting a novice to leave the formation process.
COMMUNAL WORK
Within the community there are various activities that have
to be carried out each day. These include the cleaning of the
rooms, keeping the compound neat, feeding the animals,
gardening, organizing the liturgy, etc. The different activities
assigned to the novices are meant to stimulate in them the
positive attitude towards service, but also the sense of contributing towards community building.
6.15 – 06.30 A.M
TIME FOR MORNING PRAYER
In the process of guiding the postulants and novices, I found it
a wonderful and unique experience to see the unfolding of
each person in his process of growth. Such encounters were
quite fulfilling. However, with fulfilment comes desolation.
Sometimes it was a challenge to part with those that you have
journeyed with so as to start all over again. Every year I
accompany a group of novices to the point of making their first
profession, and then it was time to meet a new group. Starting
afresh is a good thing but it requires quite some energy. There
are five major areas that mark each day in the noviciate:
LESSONS
A number of subjects covered in the study programme of the
noviciate are geared towards deepening their knowledge of
God and the Church. They include: study of the Scriptures,
liturgy, Church history, the history of religious life, the history of the Congregation, the CMM spirituality (St. Vincent,
Mary), the CMM Constitutions, the Documents of the
Catholic Church, i.e. Canon Law, encyclicals, etc., social
teaching of the Church, catechesis, etc.
8.15 – 09.00 A.M
MANUAL WORK
PRAYER
Four times a day the novices with their formator(s) come
together for those moments of prayer. The different moments
of prayer during the day offer the novices opportunities to
deepen their relationship with Jesus and develop a passion
for God. The spiritual exercises during the first year of noviciate form the basis on which the novices discern God’s call
in their lives. The novices are introduced to different forms
of prayer to help them find their own rhythm and suitable
way of praying, as well become familiar with the prayers of
the Church, (the breviary).
MEALS
A noviciate community is like a family set-up. Those experiencing formation in the noviciate are expected to develop
an attitude of a family where they feel at home as brother to
one another. Here the challenge is to start to learn how to
live in a mixed community. Though the aspect of community
living is not foreign to Africans, the fact that those drawn
into this formation community (the novices) come from different counties and tribes, require from them extra effort to
learn how to form a new family that is bonded not by blood
relations but by the love of Christ. Each novice is encouraged to participate in the preparation of the meals, so as to
give them opportunity to exercise their creativity.
GAMES AND RECREATION
From time to time some games are organized between the
CMM postulants and novices and few other occasions with
novices of other congregations and with the youth within
the parish. Such moments offer the novices some possibilities to socialize with others. At the end of each day, there
is time to socialize together as a community. Recreating
together offers opportunities for the novices to share their
experiences and impressions of the day. Such moments are
surrounded by some games such as playing of cards, draft,
solving cross-word puzzles, watching a movie, etc.”
6.30 – 07.20 A.M
TIME FOR MASS
7.15 – 08.15 A.M
BREAKFAST
9.30 – 12.00 A.M
MORNING LESSONS
12.30 – 1.00 P.M
MIDDAY PRAYERS
1.00 - 2.30 P.M
LUNCH BREAK
2.30 – 4.00 P.M
AFTERNOON LESSONS
4.00 – 5.00 P.M
TIME FOR GAMES
5.30 – 6.00 P.M
TIME FOR SPIRITUAL READING
6.00 – 6.20 P.M
PRAYING THE ROSARY
6.45 – 7.00 P.M
EVENING PRAYER
7.00 – 8.00 P.M
TIME FOR SUPPER
9.00 – 10.00 P.M
TIME FOR RECREATION
10.00 ------- P.M
NIGHT PRAYERS – RETIRE TO REST.
TIME TABLE
I believe that those who enter into this experience will remain inwardly transformed,
Contemplating the face of Christ is contemplating the ‘face of mercy’. Jesus is the true crystallization of the
mercy of God in human history. In Him the human and the divine are in love and constant dialogue. He is the
unique case in which the historical battles of justice and mercy are reconciled, giving forth peace, gladness,
truth and hope.
1. MERCY AS LOVE
Love and mercy are in real life inseparable. God’s love for man truly speaking
can only be merciful love. The Father’s love for man is an act of mercy. The
parable of the Good Samaritan gives us some insight into this (Luke 10:29-36).
The Samaritan reached out to the wounded man out of mercy. The wounded
man did not even belong to ‘his tribe’. He had all the justifications to ignore
him. But moved by mercy for this unknown victim of the violence of the day, he
treated him as though he were his blood brother. And on the basis of this Jesus
concluded this teaching by the words, “Go, and do the same yourself”. By
these words Jesus sets new standards for love, and by extension mercy. ‘Do for
the other what his real brother/sister would do for him in time of need’. The
wounded man is the image of the human being, and the Good Samaritan is
Jesus, who sacrifices all for lesser beings out of merciful love. Hence there are
no longer excuses for not reaching out with food, medicines, water and other
life-supporting necessities for the children in Southern Sudan or those in Somalia
who die every day due to lack of these goods. It is inexcusable to say ‘they are
not of my country’. Such is the challenge of mercy in our global world today.
2. MERCY AS DIALOGUE
Dialogue is communication. To communicate with the other so that he also
can know, can understand, is a great need of our time. And so dialogue
is nothing else but removing the veil that covers people’s eyes. To communicate is to break down walls that keep people apart, walls that inspire
hatred and violence among peoples of different races, tribes, faiths and
ideologies. The dialogue of the Father with man was the incarnation. In
Jesus the Father has fully revealed Himself to man, and through Jesus the
human being can fully reveal himself to God.
The biblical case of such a dialogue is best represented by the encounter
of Jesus with the Samaritan woman (John 4). Jesus overcame the walls that
kept Jews and Samaritans apart by engaging in a heart-to-heart dialogue
with a Samaritan woman. At the threshold, this woman had a lot to hide,
and a lot to be embarrassed about. And so when Jesus asked her to go
and call her husband (John 4:16), she hid the fact that five men had gone
through her life, and she was on her sixth man. Which human being even
in our modern liberalized society would not be embarrassed about such a
life? Yet in this dialogue Jesus manages to go around these sensitive and
sharp edges to the astonishment of this woman, “Come and see a man
who has told me everything I have done; could this be the Christ?” (John
4:26).
3. MERCY AS PEACE
Peace building efforts are a special face of mercy in action. All peace
lovers can be classified as merciful people. Perpetration of violence, even
when it can be justified, is offensive to the calling of mercy. Jesus Himself
said, “Blessed are the peace makers, for they shall be recognized as children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Peace was also his special gift to his disciples
upon his ascension to heaven, “Peace be with you” (Luke 24:36). When
in our own country Kenya post-election violence threatened to spill blood
on an unprecedented level, many eminent people from all quarters rushed
to our rescue by leading peace efforts. The driving force for these men and
women can more correctly be discerned as mercy for the Kenyan people.
On the graves of our beloved ones we often read the message, ‘Rest in
Peace’. When we express this wish for our loved ones lying beneath the
face of the earth, we express a profound sense of mercy for them and indeed for ourselves when our turn to join them comes. We recognize their
struggles and challenges on earth, and we sigh a sense of relief that it is
now over, and they can sleep in peace for eternity.
4. MERCY AS JUSTICE
The encyclical “Rich in Mercy” of Pope John Paul II treats the uneasy relationship between mercy and justice. John Paul II argues that justice deprived
of mercy becomes in fact ‘injustice’ to the victim (no. 12). Mercy makes justice acceptable and able to serve the corrective aim of all punishments.
Mercy is not about the aggressed swapping places with the aggressor.
Rather, “mercy is manifested in its true and proper aspect when it restores
to value, promotes and draws good from all the forms of evil existing in the
PHOTO’S: WINDOWS CHAPEL BROTHERHOUSE NAKURU
A DESCRIPTION OF THE CMM SPIRITUALITY BY BR. ANDREA SIFUNA
CMM (SIKRI)
THE COLOURS OFMERCY
#06 SPIRITUALITY
SPIRITUALITY #07
world and in man” (no. 6). No punishment should be exercised in such a
manner that it deprives the victim of an opportunity to reform.
In Kenya, particularly in urban places, it is not uncommon to see mobs
baying for the blood of another person in the name of justice. John’s Gospel
chapter 8 gives a good example of this reality played out before the Face
of Mercy (Jesus). It is instructive to note that Jesus, when pressed to intervene, did not focus his first attention on the woman, but on the men baying for
her blood - ‘if you have no sin, be the first to throw the stone’. With this simple message Jesus gave a fundamental teaching regarding how we should
treat those we regard to be deserving of punishment as a restoration of just
relationships in society.
The factual search for truth should be exclusively left to the exploration in
sciences that uncover laws of nature. A human being is a far more complex being. Man, good or bad, in a sense enjoys a special protection with
regard to his God-given human rights that may not be violated under the
guise of searching for the truth. No matter how bad he may be, he should
never be approached as though he were just living biological matter.
6. MERCY AS GLADNESS
Mercy as gladness is that ability for each person to recognize his or her
need for mercy. And here it is not only true for divine mercy but even for
human mercy. It is a joyful and non-complicated way of accepting our limitations. It is perhaps easy to practice mercy towards others but more difficult to receive mercy. In her Magnificat, Mary gives us the best example of
how to receive God’s mercy: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my saviour; for He has looked upon the humiliation of his servant” (Luke 1:46-48). Mary, though recognized as having
no personal sin, receives God’s mercy as though she was a great sinner.
Her son Jesus would continue with this humility. He went about doing good
and healing people in his public ministry. But on Calvary He became
Himself a person in need of mercy.
Jesus’ behaviour on the cross, as sung by the early Christians (Phil 2:5-11)
demonstrated his greatness in receiving mercy at his lowest point in life. He
generously rewarded the ‘good thief’ who bestowed mercy on Him by
declaring Him innocent. None of us is so self-sufficient as to always be the
only one assisting others. None of us is always right and has never the
need to say: “I am sorry, please pardon me”. And even the poorest of the
poor can give us something back, a smile, a blessing. We should attach
value to that too.
7. MERCY AS HOPE
Who among us can live without hope? What would life be if all ended with
death? That indeed would have deprived human life of real meaning. But
for the Christian, life on earth is a rehearsal for life in eternity. Just as St.
Paul talks of ‘no gospel without the resurrection’, so for us too there is no
‘life without eternity’. Life would be unbearable and meaningless. And so
hope for salvation has inspired human history and rendered meaning to
human existence. And yet a critical look at this hope rests on God’s mercy.
Indeed for many people God’s mercy is the only realistic avenue through
which salvation can be accessed. And so the notion of salvation merited
through good lives excludes a vast majority of humanity.
In recent times, specifically in the pontificate of Pope John Paul II, the Feast
of Divine Mercy celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter was inaugurated. Within Church circles various movements promoting trust in God’s
mercy have increased. For instance, from the 2nd to the 6th of April 2008,
the First World Congress on Divine Mercy was hosted in Rome and participants came in the thousands from all quarters of the universal Church to
make a statement about this great spirituality of our time. This congress
brought together people from far beyond the confines of the Catholic
Church; they were all united in confessing trust in God’s mercy at this point
in history as the only source that brings peoples together as one family giving hope to a new world held together by bonds of brotherhood and
sisterhood. The Congregation as a stake-holder in the spirituality of mercy
was represented at this congress by two Brothers CMM.
MODERN WORLD
AND CHURCH
ABOUT MERCY
In the modern world, the notion of mercy is challenged by unbelievable breakthroughs in the technological
world. Tendencies are developing among the rich that man does not need mercy. The notion that development and science can solve man’s problems is easily seen in the increasing de-Christianization. To appear
to open up one’s horizon to the invisible hand of divine providence is in the judgement of new emerging
ideologies a certain form of withdrawal from reality to the infant world, or worse still, - the magical world.
The universal Church under the leadership of Rome offered several responses and challenges. In this respect
we can mention the recent encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI, “God is Love” (2007), in which he addresses
this tendency. He argues that at no point can human development replace the need for love and mercy
among peoples. There will always be in each person’s life a space that yearns for human love and understanding (mercy). His predecessor, John Paul II, in the early part of his papal ministry, devoted an encyclical on the theme of mercy (“Rich in Mercy”, 1980). These two encyclicals do address the same reality, the
merciful love of God for man despite the latter’s tendency to resist the face of a loving and merciful God.
ZWIJSEN,
VINCENTIUS AND
MARY
For us as Brothers CMM, our way to salvation is by living
the spirituality of mercy as received and handed over by
our Founder Bishop Joannes Zwijsen in the 19th century.
Zwijsen is believed to have been inspired by St. Vincent de
Paul, a French priest who devoted his energy and fervour
to serving the rural poor in France. When Vincent made
this choice, many priests of his time and location were
quietly concentrating their ministry on the urban rich from
whom they got fat stipends. His radical discovery of the
‘special presence of Jesus’ in the poor revitalized the
Church of his time and made him an icon of the poor in the
wider judgement of society - indeed far beyond the
boundaries of France. Many Congregations carry Mary in
their name, with all kind of titles. In the name of the
Congregation of the Brothers CMM Mary is indicated as
'Mother of Mercy'. For us it is an appealing title. Mary is
an example of a woman in the movement of mercy. ‘We honour Mary, the lowly one to whom the
Almighty has shown mercy, as the protectress of the Congregation: the Mother of Mercy’ (Constitutions
Brothers CMM).
PHOTO ABOVE: JOANNES ZWIJSEN | PHOTO LEFT (NEXT TO MARIA): VINCENT DE PAUL
5. MERCY AS TRUTH
Obviously we should make one point clear: mercy is not about hiding or
burying one’s face in the sand, or turning the other way so that you may
appear not to have seen a situation that requires action. On the contrary,
mercy can only be mercy when it rests on the bosom of truth, the truth about
man - sinful man. The encounter of Jesus with Zacchaeus offers us a good
example (Luke 19). The self-invitation of Jesus to Zacchaeus’ house and the
equally generous acceptance of this invitation demonstrate how the interplay of truth and mercy can be exercised in real life. Jesus knew and understood Zacchaeus’ background, and Zacchaeus accepted deeply and humbly his own unenviable standing in the religious society of his time. He was
a man considered to be far divorced from salvation. This story teaches us
that people are not afraid about the truths of their lives, even the most
embarrassing truths, as long as we can access this part in mercy as Jesus
did.
#08 CONGRATULATIONS
CONGRATULATIONS
FROM 7
DIFFERENT PROVINCES
AND REGIONS
FROM INDONESIA
BR. MARTINUS LENI CMM, PROVINCIAL SUPERIOR
“WE FEEL A PARTICULAR BOND WITH OUR BROTHERS
WHO FIND THEMSELVES IN DIFFICULTIES OR WHO
ARE WORKING IN DIFFICULT SITUATIONS.”
“Our heartfelt Congratulations to
novices, started a community in Urambo (Tanzania)
the Province of Kenya on the
and the brothers from Indonesia got the opportunity
occasion of the 50th Anniversary.
to study in Kenya. We realized that in the course of
Hopefully, the Province of Kenya
these exchange programs there were many challenges
will grow and become a strong
and difficulties. But we do not have any doubt about
province in our Congregation. It is like, “…the smallest
improvement. We shall continue to cooperate with
of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it will become a
the Province of Kenya. Thanks for your friendship!
huge tree and the birds of the sky will come and
Selamat Pesta!”
dwell in its branches.” In the recent past years, the
Province of Kenya and Indonesia have had good
(CONSTITUTIONS, I, 169-170)
cooperation. We had exchange programmes for
FROM THE NETHERLANDS
BR. JAN KOPPENS CMM, PROVINCIAL SUPERIOR
FROM BELGIUM
BR. RENÉ SEGERS, REGIONAL SUPERIOR
“On behalf of our province I
for Oyugis to help to continue this work of mercy.
“The region of Belgium congratu-
would like to congratulate the
Last, but not least, I remember vividly the intense
lates the province of Kenya with
tion, expressed as an amount of brothers in the
Kenyan brothers with the 50
contacts by phone with Kenyan brothers during the
this golden jubilee. May the brot-
Kenyan mission, has been very modest, but fortunately
years jubilee. We feel a deep
crisis after the elections, December 2007. The violence
hers in Kenya keep doing their
we could give a lot of financial and moral support for
relationship with the brothers in
seemed to destroy your beautiful country. I was tou-
merciful work for the poor in the
the OIP via our foundation `Hartesteun´. I’m glad that
Kenya. I think of three important moments in recent
ched by the brotherhood in the Kenyan communities
future fruitfully! We feel quite involved in the educa-
we can thus give meaning to our brotherhood, world-
Kenyan history that touched us very much and dee-
as an example to overcome the trible conflicts. We
tional work, also because of the Belgian brothers who
wide. We really hope the Kenyan province will grow
Oyugis Crafts Training Centre (OCTC). Our contribu-
pened our involvement. First I think of the tragic death
like to express our feelings about these moments by
worked or still work in Kenyan schools. I think of Br.
with brothers who want to dedicate their lives disinte-
of Brother Anthony Koning who inspired so many
some poems on different pages in this journal. May
Raymond Wouters (†2005), Br. Marcel Achten with
restedly to this work for Kenyan society, May the Lord
people. Secondly, I think of the important work in
the Lord bless you!”
his work for sign language, and Br. Frans Janssen who
bless this beautiful work abundantly and may our
Oyugis. In The Netherlands there is a lot of support
is still dedicated to the St. Anthony School and the
Lady, the Mother of Mercy, protect it!”
FROM BRAZIL
FROM CALIFORNIA
BR. CRISTINO GEMEN CMM, REGIONAL SUPERIOR
BR. ANTHONY SMULDERS CMM, REGIONAL SUPERIOR
“It is with a great sense of delight
the context of Kenya. In the year of the Apostle Paul
‘Congratulations on the 50th
that the brothers of the Region
we want to repeat the words of his Second Letter to the
Anniversary
Kenyan
thought: “Maybe one day I will be able to go to
Brazil make use of this opportunity
Thessalonians: "We ought to thank God always for
Province. It is quite a milestone,
Kenya.” It was not to be; I was selected to be one of
the five pioneers to start the CMM Region California,
of
the
given to the first group of brothers. In my heart I
to send you their heartfelt congra-
you, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith flourishes
achieved with hard work, loving
tulations, on the occasion of the
ever more, and the love of every one of you for one
support and prayer. The Brothers
USA. Over the years our small region has been for-
fifty years’ presence of the Brothers CMM in Kenya.
another grows ever greater. Accordingly, we ourselves
of the Region California want to wish you all the
tunate to support the work of the brothers in Kenya
Much has happened in those years. Together you
boast of you in the churches of God regarding your
best. When I was a young student at St. Stanislaus
through financial means and providing for a variety
have experienced joy and sorrow. Together you have
endurance and faith in all your persecutions and the
Teachers’
The
of magazines, as well as prayer books and journals.
Both Br. John Grever and I had the opportunity of
Training
College
in
Tilburg,
also looked for new approaches, found creative ways
afflictions you endure." (Thes 1:3-4). May the Prince
Netherlands, I distinctly remember the 1958 visit of
and adapted them to the direct pastoral needs to give
of Peace give you always peace, joy and happiness
then Bishop Maurice Otunga, who was asking for
visiting the Province of Kenya in person. We are with
expression to the Movement of Mercy. And together
in all your pastoral activities. On behalf of the brothers
brothers to be sent to Kenya. I also recall the farewell
you in thought and prayers.
you have given shape to the religious way of life as it
of Brazil I wish you all a splendid celebration and the
is lived in the congregation, but then in a new way in
very best for the future.”
FROM NAMIBIA
BR. HERMENEGILDUS BERIS CMM, REGIONAL SUPERIOR
FROM SURINAM
BR. LAMBERTUS BERKERS CMM, REGIONAL SUPERIOR
`On the occasion of the 50-year
the Kenyan Provincial Board was generous enough
“During my year as novice (1957-
Kenya. The news produced immediate a new élan,
celebration of the Province of
to send brothers for the initial formation of candidates
1958) the decision was made to
not only in the noviciate, but in the congregation as
a whole. The foundation in Kenya has prospered and
Kenya, the brothers in Namibia
in Namibia. Furthermore, they agreed to accept
start a foundation of the Brothers
would like to congratulate the
Namibian postulants and novices in their formation
CMM in Kenya. I recall that
now the Province of Kenya is administered by Kenyan
province as a whole and all indi-
houses, as since by that time Namibia did not have
Brother Novatus Vinckx, the then
fellow-brothers. A cause for immense gratitude and a
vidual brothers most sincerely. We wish you God’s
any hope to launch soon an own formation
recently elected Superior General, personally came
abundant blessing over the years to come. Namibia
programme. From that time on, Namibia is sending
to tell that news to the 20 (!) novices. With Brother
On behalf of the Brothers Laurenti Verhoeven, Adolfus
has an extra reason to be happy, because a special
each year some postulants to the noviciate at
Engelbert Verrijt, who had been in Surinam for a long
Mallens and Johannes van Berkel of the 106-year old
relationship has been built up between the Province
Sigona. Thank you, Kenyan fellow-brothers! May
time, he came back from a working visit through
Region of Surinam, our heartfelt congratulations!”
of Kenya and the Region of Namibia. When some
CMM grow in Kenya for the benefit of the poor and
ten years ago the first signs of vocations appeared
disadvantaged, and for the missionary efforts of the
in Namibia, the Kenyan Province was asked to
Brothers CMM in Namibia and Tanzania. Ad
come to our assistance and send some brothers to
Multos Annos!!`"
guide the applicants. In spite of a shortage of brothers,
reason for congratulations.
WORK OF MERCY: EDUCATIONAL APOSTOLATE #09
EDUCATION
FOR THE LESS
FORTUNATE
BY MR. CYPRIAN MAKIYA,
GUARDIAN OF A CP MOSO
CHO STUDENT
CP SCHOOLS
ASSISTANCE FOR A
BRIGHTER FUTURE
BY BR. ANDREA SIFUNA CMM
“For the Brothers CMM the origin and purpose of the CP
schools in Kenya have to do with the proclamation of the gospel of mercy. From a historical point, the schools are an offshoot of the Diocesan Youth Meetings, the Brothers’ community of Mosocho started hosting annually, in 1993. This exposure to the world of young people also disclosed another deepseated need, that of further schooling after primary education.
The costs of secondary education had escalated beyond the
reach of poor folk. In one such meeting Mr. Peter
Nyambasora told the young people that despite the fact that
he was a respected head teacher of St. Mary’s Primary, few
people knew that he himself as a student never had set foot in
a secondary school. His formal education ended at standard
seven (primary) due to poverty. However, he chose to further
his studies privately by studying on his own at home with the
aim of registering himself for a secondary school certificate
once he felt ready. This indeed he did, and obtained a satisfactory pass that allowed him to enrol in a teachers’ training
college. He successfully graduated and was posted to teach
in primary. This testimony of Mr. Nyambasora gave the
Brothers CMM a much needed life example of how young
people, confronted by poverty, could be assisted to claim a
brighter future and a life of promise and dignity, through a
simpler and affordable way. A year later, the Brothers CMM
in Mosocho sought the Provincial Board’s permission to assist
young people based on Mr. Nyambasora’s experience. In
February 1995, the first four needy youths from the Mosocho
area started their journey in the secondary school syllabus.
Three of these were from the Youth Meetings. The classes
were conducted in the Mosocho library in the afternoons, and
the teachers were all volunteers. The young people came as
they were, and participated in the Coaching Programme (CP)
- as it was known at that time - in the measure that suited their
personal situation. The brothers purchased textbooks for them,
provided study facilities and also recruited qualified coaches
(teachers). This groundbreaking event captured the admiration of many locals and soon there were more young people
who wanted to enrol in the programme. But that was not all,
more schools not directly managed by the Brothers CMM, but
inspired by the same spirit, continued to open and operate in
close consultation with the Brothers CMM.
Presently, the brothers have three CPs directly under their care
and one (St. Patrick’s) taken over by the government. Also the
structure has since changed and the CPs now run like normal
secondary day schools, but with a clear preference for the
poor. Today many graduates of the CP schools are to be
found at all levels of social, political and economic life, giving
their contribution and service to society. Indeed many of them
endeavour from their different perspectives to live the word
about mercy. The CP schools’ commitment to quality and holistic Christian education has been amplified by the good results
that all of them have obtained, often meriting mention in the
category of best performers in the country."
CP SCHOOLS
KENYA/TANZANIA
ST. JUSTINO SEC. SCHOOL (NAIROBI)
ST. VINCENT SEC. SCHOOL (OYUGIS)
ST. GEORGE SEC. SCHOOL (SIKRI)
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SEC. SCHOOL (URAMBO)
OPEN-MINDEDNESS FOR
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
BY MR. PAUL WANGILA, FORMER PRINCIPAL CP SCHOOL
NAIROBI
“One point that keeps impressing me, as a collaborator in the CP School,
is the cooperation between lay staff and the Brothers CMM. In my opinion
the secret for the success of such work lies in the open-mindedness that
allows for community participation. It is the communion within the Church
where lay people collaborate with the religious to carry out the mission of
Christ. The famous American writer Steve Covey describes this as a move
from independence to interdependence. In this state of affairs we recognize
the good, both in ourselves and in others, and put it into a common pool in
order to accomplish many tasks. The special calling of the Brothers CMM in
this area has proven the truth of the saying that ‘you only know the tree from
its fruits.’ Yes, I am convinced that the future is still green in the field of
education for the poor in Kenya. To expand this kind of education I would
suggest: provision of primary education in the same spirit, as well as postsecondary school training in skills and creative maintenance of the current
CP school.”
`Long live CMM! I feel so much indebted to these great missionaries of good will who are doing an incredible job in
providing education to the less fortunate. In my case, without a sustainable source of income, yet bound by the
parental responsibility of providing education for our children, only God knew how it was going to be possible for me
to educate our son. But the Brothers CMM created a way.
The fee at St. Patrick’s CP was less than at other schools, but
still al lot of money for me. Even though I could only afford
a fraction of it, my son finally finished school. The Brothers
CMM are blessed to attract partners who assist improving
our school’s classrooms and labs. Together we even introduced a program for providing lunch to our children, who
before had to learn on empty stomachs. CMM knows better
than just to settle for low quality education: they keep the
teachers motivated. The teachers do their job with zeal, enabling our sons and daughters to perform well and later pursue further education. Some of them have now completed
university and are successfully jostling for good jobs in
today’s competitive job arena. Thank you, Brothers CMM,
for rescuing us! May your mission live ever longer.`
ST. VINCENT’S
SCHOOL IN
TANZANIA
BY BR. JAMES O. NYANKUNDI CMM
“A school abroad under the responsibility of CMM Kenya is
the St. Vincent de Paul Secondary School in Urambo
(Tanzania). The start of the school in 2006 was an answer to
the late Archbishop Mario Mgulunde's request to have a missionary school in his Archdiocese. Since the start the school
has successfully expanded in terms of infrastructure and population. The first group of Form Two students sat for their
national exams in 2007. All students passed the exams!
Teachers from Kenya, Tanzania and Indonesia played an
immeasurable role in the improvement of our school. They
have worked and they are still working for the academic,
religious and social excellence of the school. Good public
relations exists between the school, the Archdiocese and the
society. Parents are thus assured of their children's growth,
academically, physically and spiritually. We live in a world
where values and lifestyles are constantly changing. We try to
deal with those challenges by dialogue with students, the
Archdiocese and parents, together with regular guidance and
by offering counselling sessions to the students. With the
support of CMM we intend to offer the Advanced Level (Form
Six) by the year 2012 to ensure a smooth transition between
secondary a tertiary education.”
#10 WORKS OF MERCY
OIPHELP
LIVING
POSITIVELY
WITH A
DISEASE
BY LILIAN ATIENO OGONYO
OIP MERCIFUL
PRESENCE FOR PEOPLE
LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS
BY BR. LEO VAN DE WEIJER CMM (COORDINATOR OIP)
OIP stands for Oyugis Integrated Project.
The project started on January 1, 1997.
Br. Anthony Koning (†2005) had made a
survey of the HIV/AIDS situation in the
Kasipul Division (Oyugis) in Rachuonyo
District. He concluded there was a need
for a holistic approach, because AIDS
encompassed - and still encompasses medical, social and nutritional issues.
The integrated care for these three aspects was entrusted
to the Brothers CMM, to some sisters and to a group of lay
people. For fourteen years the Shirikisho Senta in Oyugis
has been a place where the Brothers CMM give attention
to the pressing needs from their surroundings: water,
healthcare, housing and books for school. We offer medical care in a medical post in Oyugis. Here we can do
some research and blood tests for people with HIV/AIDS.
Important is also our Home Based Care program for those
who are bed-ridden. About 120 volunteers work in ten
zones. Each of them takes care of two or three patients.
These volunteers are often trained on several aspects and
they weekly have a meeting with a nurse. In the environment of Oyugis a lot of people die because of HIV/AIDS.
That means that a lot of orphans are left behind because
of the death of parents and relatives. Sometimes a brother
or a sister takes care, but that’s not appropriate. Most of
the time the orphans are all alone. For these orphans OIP
tries to arrange support in their own communities by providing them with education, health care, nutrition, housing
and clothing (school uniforms). The grandparents especially take care of them and we try to empower them. By
means of a school fund and a library, OIP supports the
education of these children, because education is their
best hope for the future. Supported by a management
team, a lot of workers and volunteers, the Brothers CMM
in Kenya run this important OIP project. We cannot prevent the death of a lot of people, but surrounded by our
care they can die peacefully. We support their children in
creating a good future for them. Our motto is: helping
others helping themselves. The project also cooperates with
other organizations, such as the Heifer Project International
(providing livestock), hospitals and dispensaries. The
Brothers CMM cover the costs, and we receive great support from a special OIP-foundation in The Netherlands.
We try to live day by day the following words of Jesus, our
merciful Brother: “What you do for the least, you do for
Me.” He himself was a merciful presence for all those who
came for help.”
“The Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP) is very important for
me because it made my life stable; I now feel that I really
am somebody. Before I came across OIP, I was struggling
with diseases as malaria and typhoid. My father died in
1997, leaving my mum a widow with five children. Nobody
was taking care of us. We lived in a muddy house and slept
on a mat on the cold floor. Our shamba (little garden) gave
us some food. I went begging people for money to support
us. My eldest brother passed away in 2000, leaving us with
three children to care for. Life was very difficult for us.
OIP provides us with good and cheap healthcare. We are
learning to use our shamba in a good way; now we produce food for ourselves and can even sell some on the market. Ever since I tested hiv-positive, I am a member of
Tushauriane . Every Monday we come together to share our
challenges. We sing and dance to make our life happy. We
play drama to show people the causes and dangers of aids
in daily life. So we teach people to be aware of hiv/aids.
We learn to live positively with the disease.”
COMPASSION
AND CARE IN OYUGIS
BY BR. FRANS VAN PINXTEREN CMM (THE NETHERLANDS)
Here I am, reliving an experience of the recent past. Pamela is a nurse in Oyugis. When I am there for a visit, she proposes to
join her visiting a few ill persons in the bush. We take blankets with us. Pamela herself wears a headscarf and an apron to protect her perfect white uniform. Then, we are on our way by truck. The first kilometres we have a reasonable road, afterwards
paths of sand. No more villages, just cottages. Our driver doesn’t know anymore where to go. An old man appears. He shows
us a path to a small house with a grandmother and her grandchildren. We are welcome. The old woman first want to pray with
us. When I look to nurse Pamela I see not only her self-consciousness, but also her compassion. The grandmother takes care of
her two grandchildren. All other members of the family have died. One of the grandchildren is ill. I assume she has fever. She
needs medical care. A girl in another small house looks very ill too. Pamela tries to convince her to come to the hospital. The girl
refuses. Three years ago one of his brothers was brought to the hospital. The staff had promised he would become better, but he
never came back. He died in the hospital. So she resists. I see her tears of grief. Nurse Pamela respects the decision and gets
the blankets for the woman and the children. We say goodbye and visit another patient. In the shadow of the roofs of two cottages lies a woman on a mattress. She has become very thin. Once she was a volunteer at the OIP, now she is very ill herself.
She has to go the hospital again for medical help. We pray with her, full of compassion, and take her with us in the truck. On
our way to Oyugis I am very quiet, impressed by what I have seen. But behind me, I hear laughing in the truck. The people here
have the ability to be glad in sadness. That strikes me and strengthens me. I’m glad to have this experience.
WORKS OF MERCY #11
Br. Linus Schoutsen and his team bring hope and joy within
the walls of Kenyan prisons by visiting convicts. The circumstances in the Kenyan prisons are poor. They are overcrowded and filthy. Br. Linus gives not only personal attention
but organizes trainings for the prisoners as well, so they are
prepared for their return to society. He also supplies them
with medicines and brings books and sports equipment for
entertainment and distraction within the four walls.
“They are people too, so we cannot let them down.” That is
what Br. Linus Schoutsen thought when he visited one of
Kenya’s prisons in 1977. “One of the prisons in Kakamega,
in the west of Kenya, was built for 400 prisoners. Now
there are 1300 people. This is typical for other correction
facilities. The government does nothing for the people who
are literally stacked. In some cells the inmates have to wait
their turn to sleep at night.” It does not look like the situation
in the prisons will change in the near future. Partly because
of the gap between rich and poor and the reigning corruption, the crime rates have increased to alarming heights.
“My dream is one of better circumstances for the prisoners;
justice and humanity for the voiceless. So detainees may
have hope and faith in this life again.”
A recent highlight were the national exams of 2007: over
3,000 prisoners around the country sat for national exams
FOTO TE KLEIN
in November. 414 Prisoners sat for the Kenya Certificate of
Primary Examination (KCPE), while 2,716 did tests for
various trades and crafts, while another 129 are registered
for professional examinations. ‘We are happy to see that
our prisons are becoming more and more places of training
and learning,’ Br. Linus says.
The Fr. Grol’s Welfare Projects of Br. Linus works in the
country’s 95 prisons, with an official population of about
50,000. The organization currently has a permanent team
of only five and two part-time workers.
More information: www.frgrols.org
EX-PRISONER
NOW FASHION
DESIGNER
Catherine was jailed for three years at the age of 21 years
for assault. In prison she undertook a course in dressmaking
and sewing and excelled in grade III and II. She was released
from prison in 2005 and was provided with a sewing
machine by Father Grols Welfare Project. With The skills
learned in prison and the machine provided she is now fully
employed at Vera Beauty College where she works as a
fashion designer. She is now able to cover all her expenses
and also take care of her family.
CMM AT WORK
IN PARISH COMMUNITY
KIKUYU
TOUCH MEPOEM
BRINGING
HOPE FOR ETAINEES
THERE SHE STOOD
A BEAUTIFUL,
YOUNG AFRICAN,
STRAIGHT AS AN ARROW.
I AM HIV POSITIVE!
FOR A LONG TIME
I CONCEALED IT PROFOUND PAIN,
SHAME, FEAR.
STRUCK BY THE ‘KILLER’
I SLIPPED AWAY INTO A DEEP RAVINE.
I YELLED
LIKE A HYENA IN THE NIGHT
CRIED LIKE A MONKEY
STRUCK BY A POISONED ARROW
STAMPED LIKE A RAMPANT
ELEPHANT.
A HAND REACHED OUT
TOUCHED ME
AND MADE ME STAND UP.
SLOWLY I CRAWLED OUT OF THE
RAVINE.
DEEP WITHIN ME
A POSITIVE VIEW DEVELOPED
ABOUT THE REST OF MY LIFE.
… THE REST OF MY LIFE …
I DO NOT KNOW
HOW LONG I MAY STILL LIVE.
WHEN NEXT TIME YOU …
WILL I STILL BE HERE?
SHE MOISTENED HER LIPS
SILENCE
BY BR. JOHN KARUNGAI CMM, NOVICE-MASTER
“One year ago we moved to a new parish, Peter the
Apostle. The pastor Fr. Wallace Nganga and his assistant
Fr. Martin Kemama, welcomed us warmly and made us feel
at home; we have become part of the parish community.
Now the brothers in the noviciate, help in distributing holy
communion every Sunday in the main church (Kikuyu), as
well as in one of the outstations, known as St. Anne
Muthure. We are also assisting in PPI (Pastoral Programme
Instructions). Brother Zacchaeus Odongo, a second-year
novice, is teaching at Gatara Primary School of the parish.
All of this is done under the supervision of the priests.
Not only did we help the people, but assisting them has
brought us closer together. It has given us the opportunity to
witness mercy in a worldwide brotherhood to both young
and old. Our service to the people of God in the parish
made us grow in being better merciful brothers towards
each other. Our Constitutions state: “Being of service is our
task in life”. Since we live in a formation house, we feel that
this is a good apostolate for the young brothers. They have
to learn how to serve in all fields. We are happy to be
members of Peter the Apostle parish. The service we carry
out we do for the Kingdom of God. The parishioners are
happy and appreciate our presence in the parish.”
I AM A HUMAN BEING
JUST LIKE YOU
YEARNING FOR LOVE
FOR WARM AFFECTION.
TOUCH ME
LAY YOUR HAND ON MY SHOULDER
FOR ME TO FEEL THAT I AM HUMAN
YOUR SISTER.
BR. JAN KOPPENS CMM
#12 CMM WORLDWIDE
CONGREGATION
WORLDWIDE
IN EIGHT COUNTRIES OUR CONGRE-
ELIM, THE NETHERLANDS
The Elim community in Tilburg weekly welcomes a lot of young people
and adults. They participate in one of the choirs Elim is facilitating with
a real studio. Or they join the meditations and prayers in our meditation
room. We also offer a course program with formation courses about
spirituality and Christian life. In these three ways we try to be a source for
modern people. That’s why we chose the name Elim for our community. In
the Holy Bible Elim is the watering place in the desert where the people
of Israel, moving from Egypt to the Promised Land, finds a refuge and a
shelter. At Elim they were able to quench their thirst and regain strength.
At Elim they were filled with energy in order to tackle new challenges
they would face on their ways. In our community in Tilburg we try to
achieve the same: to those who come to our community we want to offer
a place of rest, of spiritual nourishment and of relaxation. In this
atmosphere, people can hopefully find new tools in order to return
peacefully and strengthened to their daily activities and commitments.
GATION WORKS IN THE FIELDS OF
EDUCATION, YOUTH MINISTRY, SPIRITUALITY, AIDS CARE AND REFUGEES.
BY DOING THAT WE FEEL ASSOCIATED
WITH ALL THOSE PEOPLE WHO WANT
TO LIVE IN THE WAY OF MERCY,
ACROSS BOUNDARIES OF TIME, BACKGROUND AND RELIGION. ON THIS
PAGE WE GIVE A FEW EXAMPLES OF
OUR WORKS OF MERCY.
CHILDREN’S VILLAGE, BRAZIL
The city of Coronel Fabriciano is situated in an area of heavy
metal industry. On the outskirts of the city there is much
poverty and many people are living miserable lives, without
any perspective. In 1976 Bishop Dom Lara founded a
Children’s Village to alleviate the plight of the neglected
youth. Since 1988 the Brothers CMM are responsible for this
Children’s Village. The Brothers Cristino Gemen and Adriano
van den Berg were teachers and took care of the spiritual
needs of the youth, while Brother Theodoro Adams was principally the educator at the Children’s Village. In spite of the
economic progress during the past years of Brazil, the gap
between the rich and the poor remains extremely large. Even
the social programs of the government authorities does not
solve all the social problems. During the past summer we
were especially busy. There were of course quite a few
children who were on vacation, nevertheless we received
many requests for temporary childcare. We also took care of
two babies. That means a lot of extra work, because the
babies are malnourished and sickly. Their mothers are young
and often are not able to properly take care of the children.
Our Children’s Village is a care facility for children and
adolescents of problem families, who all can make use of
one or more of the following services:
a) Childcare in a foster home. We have three homes with a
married couple who wants to take care of eight to ten
children. They try to educate the children in a family
atmosphere;
b) Single mothers in the poor neighbourhood around us can
take their little ones to our nursery and kindergarten;
c) In order to assist the school children with their load of
homework we offer tutoring and sports. In that way we
try, together with others, to prevent that they enter the
field of childlabour. For that reason we have many
educational, sport and cultural activities;
d) We also educate young people in vocational training.
We now have 12 courses! For technical skills, for building, for beauticians, for cooks, for tailoring,for creative
painters, etc. We are able to do this thanks to volunteers
and interns of the university.
DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION, CALIFORNIA
Br. Anthony Smulders has been working in an advisory capacity in the area of drug abuse
prevention, intervention, treatment and education, since the early seventies. He was for 30
years a member of the Los Angeles County Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Commission
and served an unprecedented three terms as its chairman. He still serves in an advisory
capacity to the Director of the State of California's Department of Alcohol and Drug
Programs. He has done research in the area of methamphetamine, alcohol and marijuana
at the Integrated Substance Abuse Program at the University of California, Los Angeles
(UCLA). He teaches a popular college course: ”The Physiology of Drugs” at Loyola
Marymount University.
HOSPITALITY FOR REFUGEES, THE NETHERLANDS
IN THE COMMUNITY DE VUURHAARD
The Elim community in Tilburg weekly welcomes a lot of young people and adults. They participate in one of
the choirs Elim is facilitating with a real studio. Or they join the meditations and prayers in our meditation
room. We also offer a course program with formation courses about spirituality and Christian life. In these
three ways we try to be a source for modern people. That’s why we chose the name Elim for our community. In the Holy Bible Elim is the watering place in the desert where the people of Israel, moving from Egypt to
the Promised Land, finds a refuge and a shelter. At Elim they were able to quench their thirst and regain
strength. At Elim they were filled with energy in order to tackle new challenges they would face on their ways.
In our community in Tilburg we try to achieve the same: to those who come to our community we want to offer
a place of rest, of spiritual nourishment and of relaxation. In this atmosphere, people can hopefully find new
tools in order to return peacefully and strengthened to their daily activities and commitments.
MEMORIES #13
MEMORIES
SIGN
LANGUAGE
AND SPORTS
BLACKDOLL
BY BR. CASPAR GEERTMAN
(THE NETHERLANDS; KENYA 1991-1994)
”In Kenya I was a teacher at the Kaplong School of Nursing.
We had three classrooms: two for lectures and one for
practical instructions. The latter had a variety of items to
teach nurse students on nursing skills. Also a doll for instructional purposes. Unfortunately it was a doll with a white skin
and it was damaged! For me it was a peculiar this doll
wasn’t black like the students themselves. Thanks to many
benefactors in Holland we could later purchase a black
instruction doll in Nairobi.
Br. Marcel van Achten (1911) from Belgium was in 1978
and 1979 in Kenya. Although his memory is fading, he
remembers his period very well, because in his second year
there he stopped smoking. Apart from his vocation, this was
an important turning point in his life. One evening he was
waking with a farmer to watch over the cows. “This farmer
took a small piece of journal paper to roll the tobacco he
took from the ground, while I was smoking a beautiful cigar.
The contrast felt enormous, so I told the brothers driver he
wouldn’t have to get cigars for me any more.”
It was quite an adventure for Br. Marcel to leave Belgium for
Kenya. He was already a retired teacher and principal,
when he was asked to go to Kenya. He first asked his aged
mother if she could miss him. She agreed, so he went. Br.
Marcel was adviser sign language for the deaf at Sikri. He
taught sign language to the teachers of the school. “I was
surprised they learned it fast and quite well. But we did
more. We built a gym hall in Sikri and we taught the pupils
a lot of sports, like football and swimming. The brothers joined the games, so they also could have some sport`, so he
says. Br. Marcel was a driven sportsman himself. A still
painful knee reminds him of that period. Nevertheless, he
had a good time in Kenya. ‘I really felt brotherhood
between the European and the Kenyan brothers”, he says.
It came one day, all the way from Nairobi. It was a beautiful
one and brand new, without any incomplete parts or whatsoever. Hopefully this doll is still alive, rendering services to
many Kenyan future nurses! During my stay in Kenya I experienced real brotherhood, stressing more the unity than the
cultural differences. I met lots of good and dedicated persons.
I still have nice contacts with a few Kenyan fellow brothers.
Kenya, thanks for all the things you taught me, while I was
supposed to teach you!”
THE INSPIRATION OF BR.
ANTHONY KONING
BY HENK & CHRISTIANNE VAN DE WAL,
ASSOCIATED MEMBERS CMM IN THE NETHERLANDS)
BR. SJAAK
MAAS AND HIS
“Brother Anthony Koning CMM changed our life. We met him when he was
the coordinator of the Oyugis Integrated Project. He inspired us, because he
was a fighter and a very faithful Christian. He had a passion for Jesus and
his patron St. Vincent de Paul, who said: “The poor people, that’s Jesus!”
With heart and soul Br. Anthony devoted himself to relieve the life and death
of aids patients. He did not just believe in a life after death, but also in a
life before death. With great devotion and perseverance he inspired people
in his neighbourhood to take care of the poor, the widows and the orphans.
His goal in life was to enlighten their suffering lives. A year before he died,
Brother Anthony told us: “I still believe that, after a life of teaching in a
secondary school, of directing all kinds of educational and athletic organizations, of being a member on several boards in the Congregation CMM,
still OIP is the best that ever happened to me. Because of OIP, I could work
directly with the dying and the marginalized people; God has given me in
that way a challenge for which I’m very grateful.”“Reactions at the time after
his death taught us that Brother Anthony has inspired a lot of other people
too. He was an example to fight aids, poverty, unfairness, and inhumanity.
He motivated people to be united on the way of mercy.”
LOVE FOR
NATURE PRACTISING EQUALITY
Brother Sjaak Maas (1928) has been living already for
more than forty years in Kenya. He arrived in 1961 and
never left. The greater part of all those years he spent
teaching biology at Cardinal Otunga High School in
Mosocho, Western Kenya. Currently he is quite busy writing
the history of the Brothers CMM in Kenya. But also the
Kenyan nature, particularly her plants and trees, do have
his special interest. He taught his students to identify plants
and trees, and how to build a herbarium. His own herbarium
became a treasure-house of data. Our octogenarian still is
making his daily 2-hour rounds each morning, walking
through nature, observing changes and developments,
noting down what is remarkable about trees and plants. In
September 2007 he discovered a small plant he never had
seen before. Identifying this one took some extra time, but
he ended up having gathered.
BY BR. PATRICK KAPTEIJNS (THE NETHERLANDS; KENYA 1970-2006)
“My stay in Kenya has been the most important period in
my life as a brother. I arrived in 1970, so I was a brother
of the second generation. First there were merely European
brothers, but soon the communities became more and more
mixed with Kenyan brothers. One of the rules for living in
good brotherhood was not to speak in our native language
when Kenyan brothers or teachers were around. Also in our
cooking we tried not to dominate the European culture. So
we applied a diversity in preparing our meals. From time to
time we also ate Ugali.
During my stay I saw the Kenyan province becoming really
grown up, with more Kenyan brothers and finally with a
Kenyan superior, Br. Athanasius. He did a very good job.
As European brothers we learned to respect more and more
the approach of the Kenyans brothers. The more responsibilities they could take over, the more the Europeans were
challenged to practice equality. That’s why it didn’t feel like
a repatriation to my home country, when I returned to the
Netherlands in 2006. In an internationally organized congregation the place of real brotherhood becomes one’s
home. That brotherhood I felt in Kenya. Because I’ve been
transferred quite often, I know most communities and a lot
of brothers. I still have a lot of contacts with them. Kenya has
got a special place in my heart.”
Br. Patrick has served several schools as a teacher. From
1993 tot 2006 he was Provincial Superior in Kenya.
#14 HISTORY
50 YEARS
BROTHERS CMM IN KENYA
WELCOME FRATERS
The brothers will take over two schools: five brothers
will initially work at the Teacher Training College in
Asumbi and two brothers will run a primary and
lower intermediate school in Nyabururu. The school
children welcome their new teachers on 16 October
1958.
A TRAIN TO KENYA
Seven brothers leave for Kenya on 29 September 1958: Adelbert van de
Heuvel, Amator van Hugten, Innocens de Kok, Sixtus van Elewout,
Roeland van Geloven, Petrus Nolascus Broeders and Simeon Luybregts,
waiting here for the international train in Roosendaal.
INVITATION FROM AFRICA
IT IS THE YOUNG BISHOP MAURICE OTUNGA
(1923-2003) WHO ASKS THE CMM BROTHERS TO COME TO THE WEST KENYAN DIOCESE KISUMU, IN ORDER TO TAKE OVER
SOME MILL HILL SCHOOLS AND BUILD UP A
NETWORK OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION. AFTER
A WORK VISIT TO THE BROTHER’S HEADQUARTERS IN THE NETHERLANDS, IN JULY
1958, OTUNGA WRITES A SHORT LETTER TO
ALL FRATERS ‘HOPING THAT MANY OF THEM
WILL ONE DAY SHARE MY WORK…’ THE
DUTCH BISHOP BEKKERS WARMLY SUPPORTS
THE INVITATION OF HIS AFRICAN COLLE-
HARD WORKING
The brothers have some months preparation time before teaching begins.
But it is hard working for them: they have to organize their schools, learn
the local language(s) and select the students: that’s delicate because
there are far more students than places available.
Picture: the community of Asumbi in a calmer moment, drinking a cup of
coffee after the Sunday Eucharist.
AGUE: ‘THE RELIGIOUS SHOULD GO WHERE
THEY ARE MOST NEEDED’.
TEACHER TRAINING COLLEGE
The TTC in Asumbi offers a two years programme for about 50 students per
year. It is a boarding school for teacher students and the brothers are
responsible for both teaching and lodging. The programme offers also a
supervised practical training on schools in the region. The school population
is mixed from the beginning, with 68 Luo, 24 Kisii and 2 Kuria students. The
brothers teach as well some classes of a girl college close to Asumbi.
Pictures: Br. Adelbert van de Heuvel teaching biology; 2nd year’s class
in 1962.
AFRICAN CULTURE
Br Sixtus van Elewout is among the younger brothers sent to Kenya and
he will stay in the country for more than 35 years. He is one of the
brothers who are much interested in studying the local languages and
culture.
Picture: brother Sixtus with Luo-students performing a traditional dance.
INSPECTOR OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Br. Adelbert van de Heuvel is appointed inspector of
catholic schools by bishop Otunga. He supervises the
900 teachers in more than 200 catholic schools in
the diocese. Among his tasks: the general education
THE COMMUNITIES
policy, contacts with national authorities, quality
Only about one year after arrival, the community looses Br. Amator van
assessment and also many practical issues such as…
Hugten, who dies from a tropical disease. In the following years, some
the payment of teacher salaries!
other brothers from the Netherlands and Belgium join the mission.
Picture: Br. Adelbert pays the salaries in a mission
Portrait of both communities during the visit of the General Superior in
school.
1962: the brothers Sixtus van Elewout, Salesiano Hazen, Adelbert van
de Heuvel, Roeland van Geloven, Wilbert van Weert, Jozuë Kuysters,
Macharius Maas, Rainaldis Dinklo, Br. superior Novatus Vinckx,
Gonzaga van Riel and Hugolinus Nuyen. Below: a village school in the
region that is supported by the brothers.
HISTORY #15
CARDINAL OTUNGA HIGH SCHOOL
In the beginning of 1961 the brothers start as well with a new secondary school: for this
school they prefer the site of Mosocho, not far from Kisii, where they start building in 1962.
Mosocho develops into a huge school complex, which covers more than 16 hectares (including gardens and sports fields). The school is called Bishop (later: Cardinal) Otunga High
School and offers quality education to 800 students per year.
Pictures: Bishop Otunga and Brother Superior at the opening of the school in 1962; a model
of the school in 1984.
BROTHER MOREMBOCHO
GEOGRAPHIC CONCENTRATION
Brother Innocens de Kok, first
In 1967 the Nyabururu primary
Director of the Mosocho High
school and brother house move to
School, is a very efficient admini-
Mosocho as well. This has several
strator who brings the school to
advantages: in this way the
high and flourishing standards.
congregation can realize a new
The African students call him
building and deal with both
Brother Morembocho, as he is a
schools on one site. And as many
very perfectionist man who wants
brothers are often traveling, it is
to realize things (too) quickly.
helpful for them to live in a bigger
community.
Picture: St. Mary’s Primary School
in Mosocho.
READING CULTURE
The brothers invest in several
library structures, not only for their
own students but also open to
MOSOCHO SCHOOL ORCHESTRA
The CMM brothers are well known for the music edu-
other young readers. Stimulating
cation they integrate in their school programmes. In
a reading culture is one of the
Mosocho they create a swinging school orchestra
elements of the congregation’s
which plays both European and African repertoire. In
educational policy.
its heighdays, with conductor brother Innocens de
Picture: the new school library in
Kok, the drumband is playing in many festivals across
Mosocho in 1972.
the country.
SPORTS
Sports always have an important place in the programme of CMM boar-
TEACHING AND SERVING APOSTLES
ding schools. They help creating a good atmosphere among students
‘In order to carry out his apostolic task, a brother mis-
and add to the school’s prestige. Students of Mosocho often win first prices in national competitions. But Cardinal Otunga High School will never
sionary should take distance from western civilization,
become an elite institution: the brothers keep the school tuition low and
even if Christendom and Western culture are closely
distribute scholarships among poor students.
Picture: brother Anthony Koning and his students.
interlinked, and adapt as much as possible to the local
culture in which he is living and working. He has to
PRESIDENTIAL VISITS
Immediately after the country’s independence in
1963, the President of Kenya, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta,
visits the TTC in Asumbi. In 1984, his successor
Daniel Arap Moi visits Cardinal Otunga High School.
The brother’s educational and developmental policy
is much appreciated by the national government,
especially as the congregation pursues a gradual
‘africanisation’ of its staff and school structures. Good
and accessible education is a national development
target.
respect local culture and pay serious attention to it.
Serving in another world is demanding great courage,
humility and flexibility: and Christ asks us such an attitude of serving. A brother-missionary has to treat all
man as equal, which means that he acts against all
kind of racial and ethnic discrimination. He has to be
colour¬-blind, in order to live the ideal of Christian,
worldwide brotherhood.’
Picture: president Kenyatta in Asumbi, on the background regional superior brother Roeland van
BROTHER SUPERIOR NOVATUS VINCKX,
Geloven.
TASKS AND ATTITUDES OF BROTHERS IN THE MISSION (1963)
#16 HISTORY
NEW SCHOOL
AND COMMUNITY IN SIKRI
In 1970 the brothers start with a
new school in Sikri: it is a specialised institute for the blind, as this
kind of education is still scarce in
Kenya. Its first director is brother
Theophaan Verhoeven, a Dutch
specialist in the field.
Picture: br. Theophaan giving
orientation exercises in Sikri.
AGRICULTURAL TRAINING CENTRE
FOR THE BLIND AND DEAF
The Sikri school offers a higher
agricultural training, in order to
allow blind students, and from
1976 also deaf students, to make
a living in this sector. For this
BRAILLE PRINTING OFFICE
purpose the brothers start next to
Among the activities in Sikri is from 1970 till 1986 also a small braille
the school a huge animal and
printing office, which produces numerous books for the blind in Kenya
crops farm.
and surrounding countries.
Picture: blind students harvesting
Picture: the brothers Albertien van Rooij and Sixtus van Elewout, together
Nepiah.
with staff member Leonard Koyo Chiagra, in the printing office.
VILLAGE POLYTECHNICAL SCHOOL
In order to further develop the Sikri and Mosocho
schools, the brothers withdraw from the Asumbi TTC
in 1974, which is handed over to African staff.
Technical training is a concrete means to help the
poor, especially if linked to workshops where students
can receive practical training and – getting the tools
- continue working after graduation.
Picture: Polytechnical school in Kenyamware.
SHARING
A small library next to the brothers community in Oyugis, a place of
reflection and sharing. ‘We consider our fraternal sharing to be an act
GIVE SIGHT GIVE LIFE
of justice, convinced as we are that the goods of this world are meant
Brother Athanasius Onyoni working in Sikri. Offering training to handi-
for all’ (CMM Constitutions, 139).
capped students is not common in Kenya. Promotion is essential, not only
for the recruitment of new students, but also for a wider acceptance of
the handicapped in society.
RURAL WATER DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
The brothers bring to the Sikri region still another
Dutch specialism: water management. The Rural
Water Development Project starts in 1968 with several partners and aims at cleaning and creating new
water sources and canals in West Kenya. The project
is successful in preventing the spreading of diseases
through polluted water and improving the quality of life
in the region.
Picture: drilling machine of the project.
NEW NOVICIATE IN OYUGIS
It is again Cardinal Otunga who asks the brothers to consider a new
approach. He very much appreciates their work in the field of education and development, but he feels that the Dutch brothers will not be
able to continue this work for a long time. Weren’t they getting fewer
and older? Therefore he insists in opening a new CMM noviciate for
African brothers, preceded by a thorough religious formation programme. The brothers are hesitating: their first experiences in the 1960s
with candidates from Kenya had been difficult and unsuccessful. But
???
Young African brothers in the Sikri
community, the brothers Athanasius Onyoni, Paul Onyisi and
Balthazari
Musyoh
Karingi.
Behind them the portrait of bishop
Joannes Zwijsen, founder of the
congregation.
they agree with Cardinal Otunga that it is the only way to consolidate
their projects in Africa. The congregation appoints two brothers responsible for the new formation programme, brothers Salesiano Hazen and
Anthony Koning. And they open two new communities: in 1983 a
noviciate in Oyugis, close to Sikri, and in 1984 a pastoral centre and
postulant community in Sotik. New African candidates will be coached
intensively and get a long acquaintance programme with religious life.
The new formula is immediately successful and from the early 1980s a
number of young Kenyan brothers joins CMM.
HISTORY #17
CARING FOR THE SICK
DANCING
Among the young brother’s tasks
Local people in Oyugis wel-
is caring for the patients in a local
coming visitors from the Nether-
clinic in Oyugis. This work of
lands with a dance.
mercy is becoming more and
more demanding with the quick
dissemination of AIDS in the
1980s.
CARING FOR ORPHANS
There are many orphan children in Oyugis who depend on the brother’s
support. The brother’s don’t want to build a separate orphanage for
UNDERSTANDING
them, but prefer to enable their relatives (grandmothers & aunts) in caring
THE EUROPEAN ROOTS
for the children.
One of the challenges in the
Pictures: grandmothers en orphan children in Oyugis.
Kenyan noviciate is making a link
with the congregational roots in
Europe and bridging intercultural
OIP IN THE NETHERLANDS
differences. Picture: the brothers
AND BELGIUM
Peter Chiori and James Makovo
The work of the OIP is supported
with a novice in the Oyugis com-
by a huge network of schools and
munity before the congregation
volunteers in the Netherlands and
bulletin board.
Belgium.
Picture: CMM Associated Members
Henk and Christianne van der Wal,
coordinators of the Dutch OIP-network, together with brother Francis
Odoyo.
NAMIBIA
From 1995, the CMM formation
programme receives as well some
young brothers from Namibia.
Picture:
Brothers
Sebastianus
Seters and Lawrence Obiko with
young Kenyan and Namibian
brothers in Sigona.
SHIRIKISHO SENTA
From the early 1980s the brothers organize many bible meetings for young people in the so-called Christian
Awareness Programme. In this way they get into contact with young people interested in religious life. The
Shirikisho Senta (Sharing Community) in Oyugis develops as well a series publications about the spirituality of
Mercy and Brotherhood. Picture: a meeting of the Christian Awareness Programme.
CMM-HEADQUARTERS IN NAIROBI
In 1986 the brothers open a new community in
Nairobi. In this way they can allow their young fellow
brothers to follow studies at schools in the capital.
And the congregation gets closer to the government
and church administration (Nairobi is also called ‘the
small Vatican’). In 1993 the growing community in
Kenya gains the ‘provincial’ status in the congregational organization, with more autonomy, and Rhapta
Road Nairobi becomes the CMM-headquarter in the
country.
NEW FORMATION HOUSE IN SIGONA
Picture: brother Rob Swinkels in front of the old brot-
In 1999 the brothers open a new noviciate community in Sigona, not far from Nairobi. As
her house.
many novices join also other formation programmes, it is better to have the formation house
in a central position.
COACHING PROGRAMMES
The brothers continue their educational work also in Nairobi. They set up several ‘informal’
secondary schools for the poor, also called Coaching Programmes (CP’s), which are gradually developing into official secondary schools.
Picture: St. Justino secondary school in a provisional building.
HOSPITALITY IN NAKURU
THE GOSPEL IN THE SLUMS
In 2005 also the postulants community moves closer
Many of the poor moved from the countryside to the city, where they live
to Nairobi, in Nakuru. It has moor rooms and a nice
in enormous suburbs under difficult circumstances. The brothers try to be
chapel. And it offers better hospitality facilities than
present in the slums, offering all kinds of support and living close to the
the house in Sotik. It allows brothers to organize mee-
poor.
tings and retreats.
Picture: one of the brothers visiting a poor family.
#18 HISTORY
SHORT HISTORY OF
EDUCATION AND
BROTHERHOOD
IN KENYA
BY BR. SJAAK MAAS CMM (MOSOCHO)
“In 1957 Pope Pius XII wrote a letter to the Church calling for more support for the missions in Africa. The Church should find its place in developments towards political independence by promoting Christ’s love among its people and increased indigenisation
of its cadre. In the same year the Congregation CMM had a General Chapter which
wished to respond to the Pope’s call.
Already the following year seven missionaries were sent to
Kenya. Five brothers took over the Asumbi Teachers Training
College. Priests were released for direct evangelisation and
education of teachers was not interrupted. In 1959 P3 training started and in 1966 and 1967 P1 and P2 training.
More Brothers came to Asumbi up to 1970 and lay staff
was increased. After independence government influence
became greater through control of admission of trainees
and the men’s and women’s colleges merging. Because of
age, health and needs elsewhere the Brothers had to leave
Asumbi in 1974. Two Brothers went to Nyabururu St.
Mary’s intermediate school. After having started teaching in
January 1959, Brother Aldelbert van den Heuvel was
appointed as supervisor of all schools in the southern part
of the diocese. Already in August Br. Salisiano (Frederik)
Hazen arrived to teach and Br. Innocent de Kok became the
headmaster. The following year another brother came to
help in the boarding and to do shopping in Kisii town.
TOP SCHOOL
The success of the school in national examinations improved
from 55% passes in 1959 to 90% in 1960. Already in
1960 there were 200 applications for admission in
Standard 5. Only 40 could be accepted. In 1960 the government wanted to convert the school into a secondary
school. In 1961 Br. Innocent started a new secondary in
two buildings of the mission. Meanwhile the General Board
had approved to have the secondary at a plot of St.
Patrick’s primary school. It was ready for occupation early
1962. At Nyabururu now headed by Br. Salisiano the problem of housing remained until the General Board was able
to finance a entirely new school. After long negotiations the
new St. Mary’s was built also at Mosocho next to the secondary school and started in 1967. The Brothers formed one
community. St. Mary’s continued to perform excellently and
was one of the top schools in the country. In 1983 the deputy headmaster, Mr. Peter Nyambosora, took over and maintained the standard. He retired in 2004 when the Sisters of
the Blessed Virgin started to run the school. Until 1998 one
brother remained in charge of the boarding.
SPORT RESULTS
At the official opening and blessing ot the school at Mosocho
it was named Bishop Otunga Scondary School after the first
Bishop of Kisii. In 1973 it became Cardinal Otinga High
School. It was a complete boarding school of four classes, a
brotherhouse and a teachers’ house. The result of the first examination of Form IV in 1964 were satisfactory. Already the
following year they were very good and remained like that to
make B.O.S.S. well-known in this country. In 1965 and 1966
the government added two more streams and in 1970 and
1973 the Forms V and VI in arts and science. These years of
expansion saw much building activity, the first being the chapel, blessed by the Bishop in 1966. Br. Linus Schoutsen in
charge of the compound learned the trade and after a few
years acted as the contractor. The government began to give
money also. Through foreign aid overseas teachers were contracted from 1965. The government upgraded local teachers
by special courses and founded more training institutions and
more Brothers joined the school. Br. Anthony Koning was one
and he became soon deputy headmaster. A few Brothers
became active in curriculum development and Br. Anthony
with the students did research in local history and culture.
Their publications were exchanged with papers from Britisch
and American universities. The school became also very
famous for its athletics programme. A number of runners were
recruited by colleges in the USA as student-athletes. In the
1980’s the hockey and basketball teams each became once
the national champions. In 1987 the first African headmaster
was appointed and the Brothers gradually retired for health,
age or personal reasons..
FOR THE BLIND AND THE DEAF
In 1963 Br. Theophane Verhoeven came to Asumbi. One of
his assignments was to investigate the possibility of founding
a school for the blind in Kenya. He had been the principal of
such a school for the blind in The Netherlands. He realized it
in 1970 when the Vocational Training Centre for the Blind
was started at Sikri. The trainees were mainly taught agriculture, animal husbandry and making local tools and other
implements. In this way they would be able to become largely independent and earn their own living, even advise farmers
in their own communities. In 1971 Br. Theophane became
seriously ill and hat to repatriate. He died already in 1972.
At Sikri things became difficult without his leadership. The
number of trainees remained low and the boys who never
had been to school were taken in. In 1975 deaf ones were
admitted and came to outnumber the blind. With them speaking was the problem until Br. Marcel Achten came twice to
develop complete communication by lip-reading and sign language in combination.
VOCATIONS
Because of secularisation in Europe religious vocations were
very few. The General Board asked to recruit members in
Kenya. The Regional Board made a programme and asked
all the Brothers to be involved. In 1982 the Shirikisho com-
munity was started by the Brothers Frederick and Linus, later
followed by Br. Leo van de Weijer who would become the
novice master. Also in 1982 the Christian Awareness
Programma began. In parishes and schools Brothers conducted five meetings with youth to take their lives as catholics
seriously. At the end those interested were invited for seminars at Shirikisho to explore further and religious life was considered. Those who wanted to become brothers could come
and stay with the Brothers and experience their way of life.
The first one to stay on was Vincent Odhiambo who became
a novice in 1983 as Br. Vincent. As part of the formation programme candidates and novices did some nursing and social
work among the people. In 1984 the candidates moved to
Sotik, later followed by the novices. In 1999 the novices got
their own community at Sigona. Sotik was left in 2005 when
the postulants settled in Nakuru. After the noviciate the
Brothers did a temporary profession for one year, repeated
until ready for the final vows. They were posted in other communities for different apostolates or professional studies. In
1983 the Oyugis Craft Training Centre was started by the
Brothers Martin Peters and Rob Swinkels. Rural young men
were trained to be able to get skilled employment in the area.
In 1986 Rhapta Road community in Nairobi was founded
and in 1989 at Umoja. Both served as a basis for professional studies and apostolate of the young Brothers. Later
Rhapta Road became the provincial house after Kenya had
became a province of the Brothers CMM in 1993. Teaching
at Cardinal Otunga High School, Br. Andrea Sifuna started a
Coaching Programme for poor students in 1995. It grew into
St. Patrick’s Day Secondary School. Later similar schools in
Oyugis area, Sikri and Soweto in Nairobi started. Finally, in
2005 a secondary school was started at Urambo in Tanzania
by two Kenyan and two Indonesian Brothers.”
HISTORY #19
WEBSITE
IT GOT DARK IN KENYA.
NO SUN NOR MOON.
PEOPLE FEARFULLY LOOKED
AT THE BLACK HOLE.
IT GOT DARK IN KENYA.
HANDS DID NOT KNOW
WHERE TO GO,
EYES LOST THEIR STRENGTH,
MORNING WAS NO MORE.
IT GOT DARK IN KENYA.
IN ONE SECOND LIFE WAS
GONE,
MOWED DOWN ON THE
HIGHWAY,
THE IRREVERSIBLE BLOW OF
DEATH.
MY CALL
TO BROTHERHOOD
BY BR. ZACCHAEUS ODONGO CMM
“While at St. Justino, a CP school of the Brothers CMM, I felt the desire to
become a merciful brother. Such a life of service for those in need, that love
and total sacrifice appealed to me. The brothers’ life of sharing made me feel
the desire to also become a person of service as a Brother CMM. From that
time onwards, I felt the call from God. Once a brother said: “Everyone has
his road to follow and follow it he must. Each and every person has been
called by God to serve Him. This may be in different ways, and one of them
is by giving oneself totally as a religious brother”. From then, I said: “I want
to belong totally to God.” I thought about this for a period of two years and
prayed about it. In my process of discernment I received encouragement
from Br. Zacchaeus Odhiambo and Br. Peter Chiori. For that I am grateful.’
The CMM Brothers have a worldwide website. The address is www.cmmbrothers.org.
The website is in English, Dutch, Indonesian
and Portuguese and contains news and
background information from all congregational levels, provinces and regions. The site
is meant to inform all the brothers and their
relations about the worldwide work and the
projects of the congregation. The website
contains texts, pictures, downloads and
even video programs.
IT GOT DARK IN KENYA.
HE, WHO KEPT ON SOWING
HOPE
RETURNING LIFE TO THE
DEFENCELESS,
SUDDENLY LAY LIFELESS, CUT
DOWN HIMSELF.
THE NETHERLANDS
TEL.: +31 13 543 27 77
FAX: +31 13 544 14 05
GENERALBOARD@
CMMBROTHERS.NL
PRINTING
Franciscan Kolbe Press
Nairobi, Kenya
5041 DT TILBURG
BR. JAN KOPPENS CMM
DESIGN
B&M Design
Brielle, The Netherlands
GASTHUISRING 54
PHOTOGRAPHY
?????
ADDRESS
GENERAL BOARD
CMM BROTHERS
COORDINATOR
Paul Simons
OYUGIS, MOURN NO
LONGER!
THE NIGHT IN THE TROPICS
WILL TURN
INTO A PALETTE OF COLOURS
THAT LIVE.
TAKE MY HAND, TOWARDS
THE FUTURE.
TRANSLATION
Paul Simons
Br. Edward Gresnigt
Br. Louis de Visser
IT GOT DARK IN KENYA.
BUT THE NIGHT WILL NOT LAST,
BECAUSE SO MANY BELIEVE IN
THE DAWN
IN WHICH LIFE WILL FLOURISH.
CONTRIBUTORS
NIGHT IN THE TROPICS POEM
‘ANTHONY IS NOT DEAD,
HE LIVES.’
WWW.CMMBROTHERS.ORG
50 YEARS
JUBILEE
BROTHERS CMM
PROVINCE OF KENYA
OCTOBER 2008
50YEARS
OF DEDICATION
INTRODUCTION BY
BR. ANDREA SIFUNA CMM
“As the Provincial Superior of the CMM Brothers in Kenya
I am honoured to offer you this jubilee publication about our
works of mercy in Kenya and Tanzania. October 18, we
celebrate the 50 years presence of CMM brothers in Kenya.
I am very glad we have grown in all those years to a vivid
province with about 50 brothers in seven communities in the
South West of Kenya and in Tanzania. We are dedicated to
the work of mercy for the poor by giving education and by
community development. In this jubilee publication we inform
you about our actual work, about our inspiration, about our
own history and about the worldwide work of the CMM
Brothers. So you might learn to know us better. May it inspire
us all to continue this important work for the Kenyan people
and for the Kingdom of God.”
THE COLOURS
OFMERCY
A DESCRIPTION OF THE CMM SPIRITUALITY BY BR. ANDREA SIFUNA CMM (SIKRI)
“Mercy is no doubt a rich spirituality. It is a spirituality that
marks the earliest known relationship of man with God. It has
been throughout salvation history the basis of every turning
point of new God-man relationship. Israel of old looked to
God’s mercy as a source of inspiration and a guarantee that
God will fulfil his promises to them. In the new biblical testament, the story of Mercy assumes new and unprecedented
proportions in the incarnation of God’s son in human flesh,
a fact that surpassed all expectations of Israel, and indeed
all human expectations of the entire history. Even today, a
God who shares human nature with us is not readily
embraced. Mercy as a spirituality can be seen in several
aspects that we can conveniently call colours. Like a ray of
light, looking at the overall concept denies one the view of
the details, the greens, blues, reds and so forth. In this article,
we shall briefly look at ‘the colours of mercy’, so to say, in
order to see the entire concept of this spirituality in relation
to our ordinary day-living.”
Read the complete article at pages 6 and 7.
TABLE
OF CONTENT
PROVINCIAL
AND GENERAL BOARD
02/03
BROTHERHOOD
04/05
SPIRITUALITY
06/07
CONGRATULATIONS
08
EDUCATIONAL APOSTOLATE
09
WORKS OF MERCY
10/11
CMM WORLDWIDE
12
MEMORIES
13
HISTORY
14/15