brothers CMM

others CMM
2/11
| FEAST OF DON BOSCO IN TARAKAN | ‘CIRCLE OF MERCY’
TILBURG | SCHOOL IN MOSOCHO OPENED | INDONESIAN
‘AMBASSADORS’ | FORTY YEARS A BROTHER |
COMMITMENT FOR LIFE OF TWO ASSOCIATED
MEMBERS |
1

contents
COLUMN FROM THE
CONCERNING
BROTHER ANDREAS
SUPERIOR GENERAL 4 5
Mission statement
Mercy belongs to all times and places.
Mercy is at the centre of all world religions:
Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and
Islam.
The movement of mercy has left traces
throughout history.
The various forms in which mercy appears, are
expressions of the society in which it arose,
and of the spirituality that carries it.
The Congregation of the Brothers of Our Lady,
Mother of Mercy is rooted in Christian mercy.
COLOPHON
Brothers CMM {formerly Ontmoetingen (Encounters)} is
a quarterly publication of the Congregation of the
Brothers of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy (Brothers CMM).
A subscription is free of charge (available on request at
the address below). ISSN 1877-6256
Editorial Board: Mr. Rien Vissers (editor in chief),
Br. Edward Gresnigt, Br. Ad de Kok, Br. Lawrence Obiko,
Br. Ronald Randang, Br. Jan Smits, Mr. Peter van Zoest
(executive editor)
Translation: Mr. Bas van Alphen, Br. Edward
Gresnigt, Mr. Peter Huybers, Fr. Jan van
der Kaa AA, Mr. Tony Verhallen
Original design and layout: Heldergroen
www.heldergroen.nl
Printing: Franciscan Kolbe Press, Limuru,
Kenya, press@ofmconvkenya.org
Contact: Brothers CMM, Rhapta Road,
P.O.Box 14916 Nairobi,
Westlands 00800, Kenya
e-mail: magazine@cmmbrothers.nl
website: www.cmmbrothers.org
A voluntary contribution to meet the costs
of the magazine is appreciated: ING Bank
Account 106 85 17 for Fraters CMM Tilburg.
For international transfer, please use:
IBAN: NL30INGB0001068517
BIC: INGBNL2A
The Prodigal Son, Rembrandt.
Photograph cover: Brother Gustavus Menheere from Zonhoven, Belgium
in conversation with a refugee from Somalia in the brotherhouse
‘De Vuurhaard’, Udenhout (photo: Brother Broer Huitema).
Photograph back cover: olive tree in the south of Spain (photo: Brother Ad de Kok).
2

FEAST OF DON
BOSCO IN TARAKAN
6 SHORT NEWS
8
‘CIRCLE OF MERCY’ TILBURG
11
FROM THE
EDITORIAL BOARD
“We are willing to look for ways which will make
it possible for some people, as associates or
otherwise, to participate in our life and work
without sharing our way of life in everything.”
This is a quote from the Rule of Life of the
Brothers CMM. The spirituality that energizes
our Congregation touches men and women
throughout the world. It can make them
feel connected to a specific community or
inspire them to collaborate with the brothers’
mission and work. People express mercy and
brotherhood in their own lives through this
connectedness and participation. ‘Associated
membership’ reflects the most complete form of
participation. Currently this form of unity with
the Brothers CMM enjoys a strong development.
Associated members make a formal commitment
in which they join the Congregation. They
promise to incorporate into their daily lives
the spirituality of mercy and brotherhood.
They also share in the Congregation’s mission
by committing themselves to a specific task and
are associated with a particular community. It is
possible for associated members to live with
a community of brothers. This edition of
Brothers CMM, that contains news about the
Congregation from all corners of the world, also
reports the important commitment that two
associated members made. Henk and Christianne
van de Wal entered the Congregation as
associated members ‘for life’. Rien Vissers, editor
in chief, spoke with them. He observed: “They
have adopted a form of life that had increasingly
become more attractive to them. … The way of
mercy became increasingly theirs as well.”
BROTHERS FOR
40 YEARS
ASSOCIATED
MEMBERS
IN MEMORIAM
15
19
SAINT VINCENT
DE PAUL PRIMARY
SCHOOL OPENED
INDONESIAN
‘AMBASSADORS’
GET EXCITED
ABOUT MADRID
SHORT NEWS
SOURCES
12
14
17
23
3

Column
FROM THE SUPERIOR GENERAL
The modern information and communication media bring into our homes what happens in the world the
moment it has happened or even when still in progress. Sadly, most of it brings negative news. The past few
months we again had to digest difficult news: the destructive tsunami in Japan, problems with nuclear reactors,
bloody revolts in several North African countries. Recently a man alarmed the Dutch when he wrought carnage
at a shopping centre in Alphen aan den Rijn. The media continue to give accounts of corruption, abuse, and
human trafficking. You read about financial and economic crises in one country that has immediate dire
consequences for the rest of the world. You sense that doom never will end. Violence, disasters, and death;
they all, almost daily, become part of our lives. We live in an era of anguish and uncertainty rather than one
of trust and harmony, more in a world of vindictiveness than one of mercy.
We too, in our own smaller environment, face setbacks,
struggle with sickness, and encounter death. During a
short period of time four brothers passed away in The
Netherlands and Belgium. A fellow-brother came to
inform me that now the number of brothers in Kenya
is equal to that of the brothers in The Netherlands.
The decline of brothers in The Netherlands moves fast
and has its accompanying consequences. We especially
realize that we can do less and less, while so much still
needs to be done! So it feels good when something
happens that brings sheer joy. Two associate members
committed themselves for life to the Congregation
on Saturday, April 2. They formally declared that they
wished to join the Congregation for life during a quiet,
thoughtful celebration of the Eucharist in the chapel
of the Joannes Zwijsen brotherhouse. We experienced
a day of pure joy with the sun shining abundantly. But
it was not just the sun’s rays that warmed everyone.
The mutual exchanges during and after the celebration
warmed us and brought true happiness. This was not
just happiness for the moment but also joy about the
promise of commitment these two persons made to
be people of mercy and to make that promise a lived
reality within their own lives and as members of
the Congregation.
A few days after the celebration I was reading
Hein Stufkens’ book about joy Mededogen als
menselijke bestemming (Compassion: a Human
Destiny). For Stufkens the joy that enters into a
person’s life is a form of grace. He wrote a poem
about it; the second stanza reads: She (joy) lightens
my tread and to my love gives air. She smiles at me
and unburdens where I despair.
Brother Broer Huitema
4

CONCERNING BROTHER ANDREAS
THE RULE OF
THE CIGAR BOX
The Congregation had, from its very beginning, an endless series of rules and regulations. For each daily
activity one could easily find a directive that showed how far one was allowed to go. The brothers had
precepts on how many sandwiches to eat for breakfast, how many Hail Mary’s to pray, how many walks
during the week one could go on, and how long they could last.
Brother Andreas did his noviciate year in this atmosphere
where everything was measured and regulated. He
belonged to the younger brothers who could easily handle
those stipulations. He did not see any distance between
what the rule prescribed and how he lived. “He became an
embodiment of the rule, a shining example of punctuality
and perfection”, said one of his fellow-brothers. He
could become embarrassed in a situation for which no
regulation existed or to which two rules could apply.
Quite some anecdotes exist that illustrate Brother
Andreas’ total commitment to the rules and relate how
his fellow-brothers like true scribes closely watched his
behaviour and took a certain delight in testing him. The
account that follows should be seen in this context.
One of the local superiors at the Ruwenberg community
allowed a box of cigars to go around twice which was
contrary to custom. The brothers looked at one another
in surprise but lit convivially an extra cigar. The next day
the superior passed the box again. The brothers, without
hesitation, took another cigar. When this happened a third
day a young brother went to Brother Andreas who quietly
sat smoking in a corner of the room. He said: “How can
you sit there, calmly smoking when the rule does not allow
this? I decided to let the box pass by.” Brother Andreas
looked at the young man and smiled: “It never occurred
to me that a superior gives permission for something, yet
would have no authority to do it.”
In a world where everything existed by strict measures,
the boldness of a superior caused confusion. Brother
Andreas was not bothered by it. Did he hide behind the
authority of the superior? Did his faithfulness to the rule
simply reflect slavish obedience to the authority of the
community’s leader? Was the young brother a slave to
the rule? Strikingly we encounter here a relaxed Brother
Andreas, rather than a person who shows anxious
attention to the rules. He kindly, yet decidedly, corrected
the young brother: don’t exaggerate! So now, what is the
cigar box rule? Brother Andreas, well versed in the rules,
knew that respect for the superior and for one’s fellowbrother
is more important than any specific rule.
Charles van Leeuwen
Brothers smoking their cigar or pipe in the garden
of the Ruwenberg community, circa 1912.
5

of our patron saint”, said Brother Frans Kilat in his
speech on behalf of the school board during the
ceremony. “We are not here only to receive schooling
and instruction, but to absorb Don Bosco’s temperament
of goodness, and faithful spirituality.” Sport events
followed the flag ceremony and both students and
teachers participated. The Catholic book publishing
company ‘Gramedia’ had a large number of books on
display for both students and staff.
Day of reflection
The individual schools celebrated the feast from January
25 until January 27. Staff members participated in a
day of reflection on January 28. Brother Dion Lamere,
chairman of the central school board, directed the
day, which had as theme: ‘Serving as professional
instruments of salvation in God’s hand’. Around seventy
people participated. Among them was a small group
of student interns of the Borneo University of Tarakan.
Participants, in plenary sessions and in small groups,
evaluated suggestions and exchanged views on what
is needed to be a good teacher. The day ended with
the celebration of the Eucharist.
The feast reached its climax on January 31st. The day
started when Brother Dion Lamere was decorated
with garlands of flowers. All entered the fairgrounds
to celebrate the Eucharist with Antonius Rajabana
OMI, the Vicar General of the Tanjung Selor Diocese in
attendance, and accompanied by the ‘Don Bosco’ drum
band. About 900 people were present. A ribbon cutting
ceremony after the sermon formally opened a new
building for the high school, followed by the blessing
of the building.
After the Mass festivities continued with a formal
gathering. Four staff members, who had worked for
25 years in the school board, received a gold ring. The
various schools provided entertainment during the
shared meal with regional dances, singing, and music
performed by the students.
Brother Anton Kean
Don Bosco School, Tarakan.
Don Bosco.
7

SHORT kort nieuws NEWS
RELIGIOUS INDONESIA CONCERNED
ABOUT DECLINING VOCATIONS
Religious in the Diocese of Semarang organized a
Vocations Congress in Klaten on the Indonesian Island
of Java on January 29-30. The CMM Community of
Yogyakarta belongs to this diocese and the brothers
were invited to take part in the congress. The Brothers
Martinus Mangundap and Lambertus Kato’o participated.
The congress was organized because of the decline in
vocations in the past five years. The conclusion was
reached that Religious Orders and Congregations need
to join forces to effectively inspire young people for
the religious life with an approach that matches their
lifestyle. The goal could be that every religious would
endeavour to recruit one vocation. At the closing of
the gathering which proceeded in both small groups
and in plenary sessions, a vocations team was
put together in which Brother Lambertus Kato’o
represents the Congregation CMM.
The Annual Meeting of the administration of the
National Council for Religious in Indonesia, which
took place in Jakarta from February 22-25, also paid
attention to the decline in vocations. Present were
the Major Superiors of the Religious Congregations in
Indonesia, priests, sisters and brothers. Attending the
meeting was Brother Martinus Leni, Provincial Superior
of the Brothers in Indonesia. He also represented the
combined body of all the congregations of brothers in
the country. It was decided that the decline in vocations
will be placed on the agenda of the Plenary Meeting
of the National Council for Religious to be held from
October 12-18. The theme of that meeting will be:
‘The mystical and prophetic call to the apostolic life
in our time’.
GOOD EXAM RESULTS IN
KENYA AND TANZANIA
“The final exam results – Secondary Schools – have been published. I am glad to share them with you”, writes
Brother Andrea Sifuna, the Provincial Superior, in the CMM Kenya Newsletter, which he publishes on behalf of the
Provincial Board. There was a noticeable improvement over previous results. St. Justino in Nairobi really excelled.
“In the category Private Schools nationwide the school took place 34. The average result for St. Justino was 8.3;
for St. Vincent 6.6 and for St. George 6.2”. Brother Andrea continues: “We congratulate our students, our teachers,
parents, brothers and all others who have contributed to achieve these results. They are important to our students,
especially as they have been achieved against a background of social deprivation and a far from ideal learning
environment. The schools have demonstrated that these obstacles can be overcome.” The sequence of good exam
results of recent years at St. Vincent de Paul Secondary School in Urambo, Tanzania, continued into 2010 under
the new leadership of Brother Eric Magoka. His predecessor was Brother James Ochwangi Nyakundi, who since
the beginning of the school for four years successfully accompanied the building project and the development of
the education programme.
8
Superior General Brother
Broer Huitema (right) with
Deputy Brother Edward
Gresnigt inspecting the
school in Urambo, during
a visit in 2008.

RESTYLING
‘BROTHERS CMM’
– REACTIONS
The restyling of Brothers CMM has produced a good
number of positive reactions. Especially well received
was the transfer to full colour with greater emphasis on
illustrations, as evidenced by the reactions of Brother
Eduardus Senu of the CMM Community in Lembata,
Indonesia and of Christianne van de Wal, Associated
Member from Oirschot. “Brothers CMM exchanges
information and communicates with brothers and
interested parties all over the world”, concludes the
Indonesian brother. “It is not completely new, because
prior to it there was a somewhat simpler magazine, which
no longer quite suited the needs of the brothers.
In the printing of the previous magazine the colour
blue dominated both the cover and the photographs.
The articles and news items were up to 2009 all written
in Dutch, a language many brothers did not master.
Fortunately, the general board changed course, following
a wish expressed at the General Chapter of 2008.
Thus starting in 2010 Brothers CMM became an attractive
full colour magazine with lots of photos and text in three
languages: Dutch, English and Indonesian. The entire
presentation of the magazine is high quality. I am very
happy with the result. I wholeheartedly hope the brothers
worldwide will support the editorial board with sending
them news items and articles. Brothers CMM will thus
promote the building up and spreading of the spirit of
brotherhood and compassion.”
Christianne van de Wal.
Brother Eduardus Senu.
Christianne van de Wal calls Brothers CMM “a publication
to be very proud of”. “The cover photographs have always
stimulated me to find a quiet place and open it to browse
through the pages. Each time the clear and appealing
photos invite me to find out more about the CMM family
and to read the accompanying articles with eager interest.
Recognizing that which the brothers have accomplished
and still are accomplishing, the stories about and from
brothers I know and have befriended, their short histories,
dreams and activities … it always makes me curious for
more. The magazine also invites me to pick up my pen to
write something myself. The source of inspiration is there,
all I need now is a clattering fountain of words.”
9

SHORT Indonesië NEWS
Young brothers from East Timor
with Brother Edward Gresnigt in
yellow shirt. Top right: Brother
Silvino Belo, Regional Superior.
PASTORAL VISIT TURNING
OBSTACLE COURSE
From January 24 till February 17, the Brothers Edward Gresnigt and Ronald Randang, members of the general board,
paid a pastoral visit to East Timor and Indonesia. After visiting the brothers in East Timor they were meant to drive
from the capital Dili to the CMM community in SoE, the Indonesian section of the island. “But at the border between
Indonesia and East Timor, I was not allowed to enter Indonesia as I had no visa”, Brother Edward Gresnigt said.
“There was no other choice than to return to Dili. The next day I flew first to Denpasar in Bali, where a visa for
Indonesia was prepared and then via Lubuan Bajo and Ende back to Kupang, the capital of West Timor. Meanwhile,
in Kupang, Brother Martinus Leni, the Provincial Superior of Indonesia, had organized tickets for the Island of Lembata,
enabling us the next day to visit our community there first. Later, the brothers in SoE and Kupang got their turn.
All in all a pastoral visit with lots of ups and downs. But in the end all went well.”
SURINAM MEDAL FOR BROTHER
LAURENTI VERHOEVEN
On March 16, Surinam President, Desi Bouterse,
presented seven foundation members and co-workers
of the ‘Special Olympics’ at the presidential palace with
medals of honour. One of them was Brother Laurenti
Verhoeven. From now on he is allowed to call himself
‘Officer in the Order of the Yellow Star’. The distinction
was bestowed on him for his active participation for
30 years in the Surinam Special Olympics as boardmember
and treasurer. Special Olympics is an
international organization which organizes sports
training and games for people with an intellectual
disability. At the presentation of the medals Bouterse
expressed his appreciation for the people behind Special
Olympics: “They succeeded in pushing sports people with
an intellectual handicap to the foreground. Right now
Special Olympics has become a permanent fixture. Our
athletes have been able to participate in all international
games and always brought home some medals.” President
Bouterse promised that the government will commit itself
to pay the necessary attention and support to the Special
Olympics athletes. Every two years there are games for
young people with an intellectual disability in Surinam,
supported by schools for special education. They always
start with a spectacular opening ceremony. The band of
the Police Corps plays, there is a parade with flags and
banners and the Olympic fire is lit. The official opening
is performed by a dignitary.
Brother Laurenti Verhoeven
with the Surinam medal of honour.
10

NETHERLANDS
‘ CIRCLE OF MERCY’
MEETS AT ELIM BROTHERHOUSE
IN TILBURG
In a few places in The Netherlands a ‘Circle of Mercy’ has recently been set up. These are groups of people who
meet to discuss ways in which they can give expression to ‘mercy’ in their own neighbourhood, community or
workplace. Tilburg also has a Circle of Mercy.
The Sisters SCMM took the initiative. Several times
interested people came together at the provincialate
of the sisters in Tilburg. Because of elaborate building
alterations over there the group moved to the
brotherhouse of the Elim Community for their February
12 meeting. Some 40 people turned up to share their
commitment and to encourage one another. Among
them were eight brothers and associate members.
‘Gentle power’
The meeting began with a reflection entitled
‘Mercy, Gentle Power – Powerful Gentleness’, based
on Henri Nouwen’s book Return of the Prodigal Son,
translated into Dutch under the title: Home at last.
Marius Buiting, chairman of the national Movement of
Mercy, presented a lecture on ‘Mercy in Society and
in the Workplace’. Erik de Ridder, member of the CDA
(Christen Democratisch Appèl – Dutch political party
finding its inspiration in the Bible), City Council member
Financial Affairs Tilburg, told the meeting how in these
difficult times the City Council tries to be merciful.
However, handing out subsidies doesn’t always translate
into ‘being helpful’. Caring for one another in particular
is equally important in showing mercy.
Bic Driessen, coordinator of the ‘Huis van de Wereld’
(House of the World) in Tilburg, a platform for
multicultural exchange and global awareness,
emphasized the importance of showing mercy
together rather than on your own as an individual.
Following the introductions there was an opportunity
to react, to ask questions or to come forward with
ideas. People made ample use of this time. The meeting
brought to the fore that ‘mercy’ is not just a stuffy old
concept, but stands right in the middle of our present
day reality. The Tilburg Circle of Mercy shows that
people are touched and moved by mercy and want
to get into action.
Brother Jan Koppens
Mercy expressed in art, by Corry Ammerlaan - van Niekerk.
Sculpture in the garden of the generalate of CMM.
11

Kenia
SAINT VINCENT DE
PAUL PRIMARY SCHOOL
OFFICIALLY OPENED
On March 5 in Mosocho, Kenya, the official opening took place of the St. Vincent de Paul Primary School.
Among those present were Bishop Joseph Mairura of the Kisii Diocese, Brother Broer Huitema, Superior General
of the Brothers CMM, Brother Lawrence Obiko, General Board-member, and members of the Provincial Board
of the Brothers CMM. In 2009 the Congregation bought the private school whose administrative team had not
come up to expectation. The building was given a total revamp and a new administration was appointed.
The school’s administration consists of five members:
Mr. Peter Nyamweya and the Brothers Leo van de
Weijer, Richard Sure, Andrea Sifuna and Francis Ogero.
Headmaster is Brother Francis Ogero. With the school
personnel and his fellow-brothers of the Mosocho
community he had prepared the opening.
‘Education for life’
Preceding the opening ceremony the invited guests,
brothers, teachers and pupils first celebrated
the Eucharist. Pupils of the new school, as well as from
other schools run by the brothers added extra joy to
the celebration with song and dance.
After the celebration of Mass, Brother Broer Huitema
proceeded with the opening ceremony. He cut a ribbon and
unveiled a memorial plaque with the text: ‘This school was
blessed by his Lordship Bishop Joseph Okemwa Mairura
of Kisii Diocese and opened by Rev. Bro. Broer Huitema,
Superior General of the Brothers CMM on the 5th of March
2011.’
In a brief address the superior general recalled how the
brothers had come from The Netherlands to Mosocho in
1958 and had taken charge of the Saint Mary’s Primary
School. However, due to declining numbers of brothers in
The Saint Vincent de Paul Primary School.
12

Saint Vincent de Paul Primary School pupils singing a song.
Brother Broer Huitema unveiling the memorial plaque.
Being watched with a generous smile by Bishop Mairura,
Brother Broer Huitema signs the visitor’s book.
The Netherlands they had to leave the school again. With
the growing number of Kenyan brothers the Congregation
is once more able to play a role in primary education.
The superior general quoted two texts from the
Constitutions of the Congregation: ‘The concern of our
Congregation is especially directed towards youth. Through
education and other forms of guidance we want to help
them to find their way in the world of tomorrow.’ And:
‘Our Founder was particularly concerned about religious
education. He wanted his followers, with Vincent de Paul
as example, to serve God in his fellowmen and thus bring
them to God.’ “These quotations”, he said, “reflect very well
the motto of the school: ‘Education for Life’ and they are
also typical for the patron saint of the school, Vincent de
Paul. The mission of the brothers, however, goes further
than education and aims to develop a more human world,
thus contributing to a better life for everyone. This is
achievable in a climate of dedication, discipline and love.”
Bishop Mairura spoke to those present and let them know
that he was a pupil at the brothers’ school. He showed
great gratitude for all that he learned from the brothers.
Eighty pupils
To confirm the opening of the new school Bishop Mairura
and Brother Broer Huitema signed the visitor’s book. The
subsequent traditional cutting of the cake was accompanied
by song and dance forming a joyful conclusion of the
opening celebration. The Saint Vincent de Paul Primary
School consists of the years five and six and started
off with eighty pupils.
Brother Edward Gresnigt
13

Indonesia
INDONESIAN ‘AMBASSADORS’
GET EXCITED ABOUT MADRID
In Brazil, Indonesia, Kenya, Namibia, The Netherlands, Tanzania, and East Timor preparations started taking
place for an international gathering of the ‘Ambassadors of a Worldwide Brotherhood’. Eight young people were
chosen in Tarakan, located in Northeast Kalimantan, Indonesia to be sent as Ambassadors. Brother Wilfridus
Bria, assisted by his fellow-brother Agustinus Nai Aki, runs the Ambassador project in Indonesia. Here follows
his report.
Since December 2010 the Ambassadors have met every
third Saturday evening of the month in order to prepare
for their assignment as ‘Ambassador of a Worldwide
Brotherhood’. During the meeting of January 2011 the
idea was launched to organize a meditation program
for a larger group of youngsters. For this reason the
leadership of the Catholic youth organizations in Tarakan
was invited. The commission Sebuku-Sepao has been
founded as well; it organizes the celebration of the
World Youth Days in the Diocese Tanjung Selor, to
which Tarakan belongs. The Youth Days are being
celebrated on a diocesan level in Sebuku. Sepao is
the place in West Kalimantan, where the celebrations
are held on a national level. Besides a meditation
program there are other activities as well, e.g. blood
donations, tree planting, a celebration of the Eucharist
in the style of Taizé and cultural activities.
Brother Wilfridus Bria
The young people from Tarakan prepare themselves
for their assignment as Ambassador.
Inspired by the Catholic World Youth Days in Sydney (July 15-21, 2008), the Congregation started an
‘Ambassador Project’ in those countries where the brothers are active, to motivate young people to dedicate
themselves for a ‘Worldwide Movement of Brotherhood and Mercy’. A preliminary meeting took place in
Tomohon on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, in 2008. This year the Ambassadors will meet in Tilburg, on
the eve of the World Youth Days in Madrid, from the August 16 – 21, 2011. The motto of the preparatory
project of the Ambassadors reads: ‘Jesus our compass, our way to mercy’.
14

Indonesia
Brother Lukas Mandagi.
Brother Antonius Kodoati.
LUKAS MANDAGI AND ANTONIUS
KODOATI BROTHERS FOR 40 YEARS
The Brothers Lukas Mandagi and Antonius Kodoati celebrated in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, Indonesia,
their 40th anniversary as members of the Brothers CMM. They chose this place for their celebration since there
has never been a brothers’ jubilee celebration there before and also since the brothers are not well known in
that area. The underlying thought was that such a celebration might contribute to the vocation recruitment.
The jubilee was celebrated in a simple fashion on
the request of the jubilarians. They wanted to show
their solidarity with the poor and marginalized by
keeping it very simple. It was a special feast for the
jubilarians since it was attended by the Bishop of
Banjarmasin, Petrus Boddeng Timang, and the Bishop
of Ambon, Petrus Kanisius Mandagi MSC, the older
brother of the jubilarian Lukas. Among the guests were
also present the Vicar General of the Banjarmasin
Diocese, Theodorus Yuliono MSC, the pastor of the
local parish Ignatius Alparis, and Frans Mandagi MSC,
the younger brother of Lukas. Family members of the
jubilarians, religious of the Banjarmasin Diocese, the
faculty of the brothers’ high school, representatives of
the parish, and members of the Legion of Mary were
present as well.
Challenges
The Mass for the jubilarians took place in the gym of
the brothers’ high school. The celebration started with
a reading of the life stories of the jubilarians. Brother
Anton was born on April 21, 1951 in Kokoleh, North
Sulawesi. Brother Lukas started his life in Kamangta,
North Sulawesi.
Instead of the traditional sermon the brothers spoke
about their lives as brothers. Both indicated that they
often felt like climbing a mountain to reach their goal
that they had set for themselves. But they also walked
down into the valley to face their challenges. At certain
times they had to stop in order to survey the road of
the vocation they had chosen and to gather new energy.
They experienced many hardships but could always
rely on their original commitment based on the
15

Indonesia
belief that both are “the beloved sons on whom God’s
favour rests” (Mk 1:11). This was also the theme of the
Eucharistic celebration.
Humility
A festive get-together took place after Mass, at which
time Bishop Mandagi, also speaking for the Bishop of
Banjarmasin, addressed the jubilarians. He called both
brothers common men from common families. “But
today they are very special”, according to the bishop,
“for they showed their commitment to the life as a
brother, be it with falling and getting up. Faithfully
they have followed their way in the midst of the
challenges, so that now they can celebrate their 40th
jubilee.” The bishop said he was not just there for his
younger brother, Lukas, but also for Brother Antonius,
for he knew both of them when they started their lives
as a religious brother. The second speech was given
by Brother Max Mangundap. He spoke in name of the
Provincial Superior of Indonesia, Brother Martinus Leni,
who could not be present for he had to accompany two
members of the general board to the island of Lembata.
His replacement expressed the hope of the provincial
board that the jubilee would encourage both of them to
live as brothers in humility, self-sacrifice and simplicity,
and that they would reflect ever more on the
Constitutions and the spirituality of the Congregation.
The words of gratitude were spoken by Brother Lukas.
He thanked God for his loyalty during forty years of
religious life. He thanked his family which had come
from Manado and Jakarta, and the Congregation which
provided the possibility to be able to celebrate this
feast. In conclusion he thanked all those present for
their support and prayer, especially the community of
Banjarmasin which had prepared the celebration so
well. The festivities continued with a common meal
and presentations by the students of the boarding
facility Wilhelmus.
Brother Nikodemus Tala Lamak
16

SHORT NEWS
The guests during the meal prepared by the refugees.
BELGIAN BROTHERS
VISIT ‘DE VUURHAARD’
A chat with one of the refugees.
On November 22, 2010, the brothers and sisters who
reside in the brotherhouse in Zonhoven, Belgium,
accompanied by members of the staff, paid a visit to
‘De Vuurhaard’ community in Udenhout. After a
welcome with coffee and cake the guests settled down
for a sumptuous meal, prepared by refugees who find
a safe haven there.
There were dishes from China, Somalia, Ethiopia, Iraq,
and Burundi. “Our Belgian guests obviously enjoyed
themselves with the added pleasure of the conversations
they had with the refugees”, according to Brother Ad
de Kok. After the meal, he spoke about the people who
reside in De Vuurhaard or have been guests at one time.
The day after the visit, an enthusiastic e-mail arrived at
the brothers in Udenhout: “People speak full of praise
about their experiences and your hospitality. Neither
costs nor efforts were spared to provide us with an
unforgettable day.”
‘FAMILY DAY’
A number of associated members and brothers travelled to Limburg on January 23, and after a Eucharistic
celebration in the chapel of the Redemptorist Fathers in Wittem, they paid a visit to the famous Stations of the
Cross of Ad de Haas in the old, little church of Wahlwiller. There was plenty of time for personal and communal
reflection. Every one was asked to select one of the Stations of the Cross, to meditate on it, and share later on
within the group. The day ended with a visit to a pancake house. In a future edition of Brothers CMM, a report
will appear about this family day of the associated members and brothers.
18

THE NETHERLANDS
Pronouncing the commitment for life. On the left: Brother Jan Koppens, Provincial Superior of
the Dutch Province. On the right: Brother Broer Huitema, Superior General.
COMMITMENT FOR LIFE OF
TWO ASSOCIATED MEMBERS
On Saturday, April 2, during a celebration in the chapel of brotherhouse Joannes Zwijsen, Henk and Christianne van
de Wal were accepted for life as associated members of the Congregation. The ceremony took place in the presence
of brothers, family and friends. The commitment for life of this couple from Oirschot was preceded by a temporary
period of three years. Rien Vissers interviewed them about their life with the brothers.
In 2008 Henk (56) and Christianne (58) both wrote a
motivation for their associated membership. Brother
Anthony Koning (1939-2005) played an important role
in that. He asked them in 1998 to actively participate in
the Oyugis Integrated Project in Kenya. The experience
of caring for the AIDS patients and the mentality of the
brothers they came to know were important milestones
on their way to CMM.
‘Very dearest mother’
In imitation of the brothers they met, they became
more and more inspired by the life of Jesus of Nazareth
and the spirituality of Vincent de Paul. When Henk and
Christianne elaborate on that, they constantly use words
like openness, warmth, involvement and brotherhood.
But the roots go further back than 1998. Henk mentions
his parents and the “natural way” in which they tried to
Henk and Christianne van de Wal with their daughters Janske and Geertje during the celebration. 19

Christianne van de Wal has coffee with Brother Jan Damen.
give him something to take along in life. His mother and
her attentiveness, how she was always there when the
children came home. His father who was active (and still
is) in all kinds of volunteer work. And Christianne with
her own sensitivity for language speaks about “Our dear
Lady Mary, the very dearest mother that I could wish
for. My grandma and my mother were absolutely in love
with her, and I too, feel supported in all I do by the Lady
who watches over me.”
‘Self-evident’
When they arrived as mostly unknowns in the community
of Joannes Zwijsen in Tilburg, they introduced themselves
to each of the brothers separately. The mutual trust grew
fast. And now three years later, they still see themselves
in what they wrote as their original motivation.
Asked about the first word that springs to mind looking
back at the past three years, Christianne says “home”
and Henk “self-evident”. In a natural way they feel at
home with the brothers. Henk has a service commitment
of 36 hours at Joannes Zwijsen but can often be found
there past these hours. He is the assistant of the
community superior Brother Harrie van Geene, and
since a short time ago, he is also a community boardmember.
That last item is a very new development in
the Congregation. Christianne, who has many other
activities outside of the community, is present on
Wednesdays and during the weekend. Every other month
she conducts a ‘Brothers’ talk’. A group of ten to fifteen
brothers reflect on a theme or on the text of a prayer or
psalm. Organized around the theme, there is always
a flower arrangement and appropriate music.
20

in memoriam
BROTHER
Ben (L.B.A.D.) Westerburger
He was born in Tilburg, The Netherlands, October 30,
1925 and entered the Congregation of the Brothers
of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy, in Tilburg, on August
29, 1942. He made his profession for life on August
15, 1947. He died on March 24, 2011 in St. Elisabeth
Hospital in Tilburg and was buried at the brothers’
cemetery at the Estate Steenwijk in Vught, The
Netherlands.
Affirmed and enriched
Henk as well as Christianne have had special experiences
with brothers who are in the last phase of their life.
Just then, it is possible to be close to somebody with
a word or a gesture. The friendship and attention they
give, they receive back. Brothers always ask how things
are with their children. The impressions of three years
ago have deepened. They have been incorporated in a
style of living that became ever more engaging.
They feel affirmed and enriched. The way of mercy
became ever more theirs. Not coincidentally, during
the celebration of their commitment for life God
was addressed as the Merciful One.
Rien Vissers
During his active life Brother Ben dedicated himself
in many different ways to children with limitations,
namely in special education. He was a school principal
and was assigned the position of remedial education
expert. For many years he was a member of the Catholic
Education Centre (Katholiek Pedagogisch Centrum) in
’s-Hertogenbosch. In addition he served as chairman of
the parish council in Vught and of a catechetical centre
in Tilburg. Society appreciated his efforts. In 1982 he
received the royal distinction of Knight of the Order of
Oranje-Nassau. He served in a leadership position on the
Provincial Board and as superior of the communities of
Vught and Reusel. Brother Ben provided leadership for
the ‘Brother Andreas Office’ and was the author of the
official biography Frater Andreas van den Boer 1841-1917.
He wrote a Vita Documentata about Brother Andreas in
connection with his beatification process. The last years
at Joannes Zwijsen were more and more marked by a
‘darkness’. It must have been very hard for him to lose
control over his life. During the years that he lived there,
he displayed above his desk the following text: ‘Take care
that I don’t hang on to what has passed, and that I don’t
seek refuge in ruins’. That is how Brother Ben saw his
life’s programme.
21

in memoriam
Frater
Honoratus (A.) Smeets
BROTHER
Koos (C.T.) van der Straaten
He was born in Bocholt, Belgium, on August 8, 1920
and entered the Congregation of the Brothers of Our
Lady, Mother of Mercy, in Tilburg, on March 19, 1937.
He made his profession for life on August 10, 1942.
He died on March 18, 2011 at St. Catherine Residential
Care Facility in Zonhoven, and was buried at the
cemetery of Zonhoven-Centrum, Belgium.
He worked with much dedication, punctuality and effort
in a number of elementary schools when he was assigned
a position at the Royal Institute for the Deaf and Speechimpaired
in Hasselt. He worked there for twenty years as
headmaster of the elementary school. After the closure
of the brotherhouse in Hasselt, he moved to Houthalen
and later to Zonhoven. The last years he stayed at the
St. Catherine Residential Care Facility. He had a difficult
time coping with the transition from his familiar
environment to the nursing home. Brother Honoratus
was fervently devoted to Mary. Several times he made a
pilgrimage to Medjugorje. Concrete evidence of his love
for Mary was his making of rosaries, which were much in
demand by missionaries. He was also skilled in the making
of icons, which he often gave away generously. For years
he was an active member of the Legion of Mary and of
the Charismatic Renewal for which he edited many texts.
In addition Brother Honoratus was a praying member and
activist for the Anti-Abortion League. He prayed much.
Especially dear to him was the praying of the rosary.
May Brother Honoratus rest peacefully in the safety of
the Lord under the protective mantle of Mary, whom he
served so faithfully and honoured so lovingly.
He was born in Wanroy, The Netherlands, on February
9, 1922 and entered the Congregation of the Brothers
of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy, in Tilburg, on August 29,
1939. He made his profession for life on August 15,
1944. He died on March 23, 2011 in the community
of Joannes Zwijsen in Tilburg and was buried at the
brothers’ cemetery at the Estate Steenwijk in Vught,
The Netherlands.
In various places in The Netherlands, among others
in Tilburg, Boxtel, Amsterdam and Udenhout, he was
active in elementary and special education. He liked his
students and they were fond of him. After his retirement
he was for years the hospitable face for the theology
students at the brotherhouse in the Tivolistraat in
Tilburg. He contributed his efforts to the community of
the Generalate and was for years the central person for
the Correntina Foundation, which supported the work
of the late Father Bérénos in Brazil. Brother Koos was a
friendly man, always in a good mood and with a sense of
humor. He knew the art of relating to adults and children,
students and the elderly, fellow-brothers and guests.
The relationship with his family was close and warm.
From 2002 onwards he lived in the community of Joannes
Zwijsen. The last years he stayed in the nursing care
facility. His strength diminished, but still he remained a
cheerful man who was loved by everybody. The people
who nursed him and cared for him did this with a smile.
The Gospel admonition ‘do not worry’ was the hallmark
of his life, which was based on simplicity and loyalty,
reflection and prayer. He was privileged to complete it
very peacefully.
22

SOURCES
‘THERE IS NO GREATER
WORK IN THE WORLD
THAN YOURS!’
An encouraging and challenging word from Zwijsen
Joannes Zwijsen says in his Familiar Discourses as many as three times: “There is no greater
work in the world than yours!” “Yes, how exalted is the apostolic life that focuses on the works
of mercy!” Zwijsen is speaking to his sisters. That is, to a group of women in the society of the
nineteenth century, a group of lay religious persons in the Church of those days, to a group
of people who take care of children, the sick and the elderly. Such sisters make a difference,
according to Zwijsen! You could call it positive discrimination; the promotion of emancipation.
Rather remarkable when a prince of the Church speaks in this manner!
It is surprising that in the seventeenth century Vincent
de Paul formulated several times the exact same idea. He
too, addresses primarily women, lay people and people of
mercy. Clericalism and its associated status was strong in
those days. The needs of the people were often appalling.
Religious persons in abbeys and sisters in enclosed convents
were a known entity and accepted. But religious persons
in the street and in society were really something new.
Vincent tells those people of the new movement that he
started: “There is no greater work in the world than yours!”
In other words: “You are making a difference.” A remarkable
prophetic sound from a priest with convictions!
The saying “There is no greater work in the world than
yours!” can sound presumptuous. From behind a desk such
an uttering can hardly be justified. But in our time too,
you can see in it a word of encouragement: an invitation
to stand fully aware and proud in the movement of mercy.
In this century too, you can interpret it as a challenge: to
stand in the Church precisely as a religious, as a sister, as a
brother and as a lay person. Is it strange to think that in our
century, the spirituality of Vincent and so many of his fellow
travellers can make a difference?
Brother Harrie van Geene
23

WE HOPE THAT OUR WAY OF LIFE
WILL BE SUCH THAT OTHERS WILL BE
INVITED TO JOIN US FOR THE SAKE
OF OUR MISSION IN THE CHURCH.
(from the Rule of Life
of the Brothers CMM)
Magazine of the Congregation of the Brothers of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy
24