BROTHERS CMM

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
Photograph front cover: Benson Owili in his hut.
(see pages 11-12).
The Prodigal Son, Rembrandt
Photograph back cover: Artistically stacked wood in
the Italian village Pina. (photo: Brother Ad de Kok).
2

TWO NEW
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
EDITORIAL
‘A ROOF OVER
6 MY SOUL’ 8 Benson Owili
11
Delen in het leven
van de fraters cmm
Often a picture says more than a thousand
words. This issue of Brothers CMM testifies
to that. In Oyugis, Kenya, the Congregation
started a project to halt and prevent the
spread of hiv/aids. It also provides support
for the people who suffer from the ravaging
consequences of the illness. Benson Owili
was one of its first patients. This edition
shows a picture of the severely ill
seropositive Benson. It portrays him in his
humble hut, naked, partly covered by a
blanket. Look into his eyes. They’re beaming.
And notice the smile … Because of the
brothers’ work in Kenya, people like Benson
no longer suffer the stigma of being
‘outcasts’, but find acceptance and support.
The self-esteem they lost returns to them.
They find strength to face their illness and
deal with it. Benson Owili’s picture testifies
to the effectiveness, the healing power of
mercy. Mercy, the core value that marks the
Congregation of the Brothers CMM, inspires
people to take notice of their neighbours’
needs and become motivated to extend a
helping hand. The brothers belong to the
‘movement of mercy’, which lifts people like
Benson Owili from their wretched conditions.
A powerful picture shows this much better
than beautiful and eloquent words.
Het geassocieerd lidmaatschap
armhartigheid en broederschap
PROFESSION
FOR LIFE
JUBILEES
NEWS IN BRIEF
13
SIGARS AND
RATTAN CHAIRS
14 16
20
When the Dutch edition of this Brothers CMM was ready
for printing the editors received word that Benson Owili
had passed away on December 12, 2012. After consulting
with Benson’s relatives and friends the editors decided to
keep his picture on the cover and thus honour Benson
and the project of the Brothers CMM.
IN MEMORIAM
21
SOURCES
23
3

Column
FROM THE SUPERIOR GENERAL
On Tuesday, November 20, 2012, I returned from Brazil. An article in ‘ncr.next’ entitled ‘Children’ drew
my attention. A columnist wrote about her friend. A little boy sat next to him in the plane and, resting
against him, had fallen asleep. “He was so small and lovable”, he told his friends. They observed that he
could not say something like that just to anyone because people could become suspicious.
A negative explosion has occurred that resulted from
the various accounts of sexual abuse of the past few
years. We have lost spontaneity when we interact with
children. The story reminded me of my own experience
in Rome during May of this year when I attended the
bi-annual meeting of superiors general. The shortest
way to get from my lodging to the bus stop took me
through a playground. On an earlier occasion I regularly
took that route. This time I hesitated and did not use
it. Yet later I did it very deliberately. I clearly sensed
how the fact, that I personally had to confront the
consequences of these abuses continue to affect me.
The victims’ stories I hear reveal to me how difficult it
is for them to have simple physical contact with their
children and how much grief it causes. I definitely
can sense this and it also brings me a feeling of
helplessness. How much do all of us wish that things
were different.
must exist between keeping a distance and being close.
May we meet children with spontaneity and without
restraint.
One week after my return from Brazil I left for Nairobi,
where one of our Kenyan fellow-brothers made his
profession for life. The morning after my arrival I
looked through the Daily Nation, Kenya’s largest
newspaper. Immediately the problem of sexual abuse
confronted me again. The paper reported the results
of a government investigation. It presented shocking
numbers: 32% of the girls and 18% of the boys in
Kenya up to eighteen years old endured some form of
sexual abuse. Again it hit me how this problem has
gone global and how hard all of us have to work to
eradicate this evil.
This short newspaper article shows how easily we can
lose a healthy balance. Because of it children are in
danger of getting short-changed and not receiving the
affective attention they need. A wholesome equilibrium
Brother Broer Huitema
4

CONCERNING BROTHER ANDREAS
TEASINGS
They all knew that Brother Andreas wanted to follow all the rules. It got him into an
awkward situation at times. They teased him for following the rules so meticulously.
Fellow-brothers liked to make fun of him because of it and claimed that they ‘tested’ him.
When Andreas was with them they could talk about
someone’s shortcomings. That violated the rule and they
knew that it made Andreas uncomfortable. They didn’t
really mean what they said but kept going on about it.
Andreas did his utmost to turn the conversation around.
It never worked and provoked the remark: “What are
you trying to do, Andreas?”
A lot of teasing occurred at Ruwenberg. A brother
better knows how to deal with it. Teasing could indicate
a cordial and confident relationship. It also could help
to put things in perspective. Occasionally it expressed
a light-hearted form of protest. Naturally, the children
teased their teachers as well. Brother Andreas seemed
not to notice it. Occasionally the boys tested him in the
dormitories. An apple they had stolen in the orchard
could roll under the curtains from sleeping place to
sleeping place. Instead of suspecting anything, Brother
Andreas simply picked up the apple and returned it
to the culprit. “It was rather simplistic”, a fellowsupervisor
thought.
The school children knew about the rule: ‘do not look
back’. They sensed that Brother Andreas gave that
regulation a literal interpretation. At the walks they
took they loved to go behind him. Brother Andreas had a
tough time to keep the group together while not looking
behind him. They might quietly relocate his chair in the
classroom and Andreas, the teacher, would fall next to
it because he did not check to see what was behind him.
Sometimes the teasing went too far. But Brother
Andreas himself willingly participated when they played
jokes, Brother Pacomius said. Once when a kitchen door
handle was covered with dough Brother Andreas was
the first one to get to it. His whole hand got covered
with the gunk. As always he reacted cheerfully and
gently. “Playfully smiling he walked off to clean
his hand.”
Charles van Leeuwen
Recess at Ruwenberg.
5

THE NETHERLANDS
TWO NEW
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
On October 7, 2012, Henk and Trudy Mutsaers made their commitment to the Congregation as ‘associate
members’ during a solemn celebration of the Eucharist in the chapel of the residential care facility Joannes
Zwijsen in Tilburg, The Netherlands. They made their promises for three years in the presence of brothers,
associated members, family, and friends.
In the welcoming address before the celebration the
Dutch Provincial Superior of the Brothers CMM, Jan
Koppens, observed that the new associate members
were moved by Vincent de Paul’s spirituality, Louise
de Marillac’s passion, and the brothers’ merciful
brotherhood. The Superior General, Brother Broer
Huitema, reflected on the Scripture readings of the
Sunday: “The core of today’s readings, their deepest
meaning, can be captured in the word ‘fidelity’. God
is faithful to his people and He calls us to be faithful
towards one another in our life’s mission. … Mutual
and lasting fidelity: that’s what matters in life in all its
various forms. Henk and Trudy make a commitment in
which they promise fidelity to the Congregation and its
ideals. In accepting your commitment to faithfulness
– each of you individually – the Congregation accepts
its call to be faithful to you, Trudy and you, Henk!
Together we search for a way in which this bond can
find concrete expression. We will have to delineate
a route that will give shape to our actions. We start
this venture together. Therefore we have chosen to
pronounce today’s promise for three years and intend
Superior General Brother Broer Huitema presents the Constitutions of the
Congregation to Trudy and Henk Mutsaers.
6

Brother Niek Hanckmann congratulates the associate members.
to make a life-commitment at their conclusion. Today
we start the journey while we realize that in the past
years a bond has grown between us already. Therefore
we begin with great confidence.”
Enriched
Trudy Mutsearts worked for over ten years as activities
assistant in the residential care facility Joannes
Zwijsen. Since 1997 she regularly volunteered to serve
the brothers of the Joannes Zwijsen community. During
the celebration she told about the contacts she had
with the brothers in her work as activities assistant.
She recalled the stories she heard about the brothers’
mission at home and abroad. The brothers’ attention
for children in boarding schools and regular schools
impressed her. Particularly their care for the frail, the
poor, and the handicapped touched her deeply. Mercy,
brotherhood, and intense love for one’s neighbour
found the highest priority with Joannes Zwijsen. She
saw those present in the brothers, noted their great
trust in God, and realized how they found power and
strength in prayer. Their witness enriched her. She
wished to participate in it and share the spirituality of
the brothers at Joannes Zwijsen. But, she added not
without her husband, Henk.
Fascinated
Henk indicated that the brothers’ life and work
fascinated him since his childhood years. A brother
taught him virtually every year in elementary school.
In the corporate world he worked as administrator and
manager. After he retired he volunteered as treasurer
of the HSC Baseball Association and ‘De Zonnebloem’
(a national volunteer organization for the physically
handicapped). Since 1996 he does volunteer work
for the Peter and Paul parish in Tilburg. His contacts
with the brothers increased because of Trudy’s service
to the brothers. “Therefore,” he concluded, “do I
want to become an associated member and make
my commitment to the Congregation of the Brothers
of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy. I want to apply the
brothers’ Rule of Life, ‘Mercy and Brotherhood’, more
intensely to my life and live it out more intensely and
with greater awareness.
Congratulating
The new associate members pronounced the
commitment text and signed the document before
Brother Broer Huitema, Brother Jan Koppens, and the
Superior of the Joannes Zwijsen community, Brother
Harrie van Geene. Brother Broer Huitema gave each
of them a copy of the Constitutions as an expression
of their bond with the Congregation. Henk received
a pin and Trudy a necklace with the Congregation’s
logo. After the celebration of the Eucharist, celebrated
by Father Willem Spann OSFS, the Joannes Zwijsen
community had the opportunity to congratulate the
new members. A small dinner party in the Generalate
concluded the celebration.
Brother Edward Gresnigt
If you wish to know more about the associate
membership, turn to the pages 8-10.
7

THE NETHERLANDS
‘ A ROOF OVER
MY SOUL’
On a regular basis the Dutch Province of CMM organizes a ‘Province afternoon’. Brothers and associate
members come together in the residential care facility Joannes Zwijsen in Tilburg for communal prayer,
reflection and interaction. On November 23, during the Province afternoon, much attention was paid to the
associate membership of the Congregation. Brother Wim Verschuren and associate member of CMM Betty
Karhof talked about it.
From the very beginning at the end of the nineties,
Brother Wim Verschuren (Superior General from 1978
to 1990) was intimately involved in the creation of
the associate membership. He recalled how new it
was and how it was a special sign of the evolution
that the brothers’ community went through. In a
few decades the Congregation changed slowly from
a closed to and open community. An openness that
Brother Wim Verschuren traced back to Pope John
XXIII and the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965),
where the church opened her windows and doors
and stressed her connectedness to the world. “Along
the way hospitality became more important for the
Congregation”, he stated. “The world was allowed
inside: the other was acknowledged, admitted to the
private circle and together they went on a journey.
And as is often the case, the inspiration could be
found in the rich tradition of the church: abbeys
have for centuries expressed in their rules that one
must see Christ in every guest.”
‘Openness’
“Association can be seen as the flowering of all
forms of connectedness that developed in the Dutch
Province”, says Brother Wim Verschuren. “An attitude
of service brought forth new forms of focus on
refugees, young people, lonely persons, reflection
on work and mercy. Here too, in the community
of Joannes Zwijsen, there are many instances of
openness and hospitality. In this house the brothers
are part of a greater whole, together with other
religious and lay people. This openness takes shape
at the table where brothers meet other residents, in
the chapel during celebrations, in jointly listening to
music, in the manner in which residents meet each
other around the house. Clearly there is room for
being together and friendship. The brothers also get
to know many more lay people that work in their
direct area. Do these people belong too? Do we share
in their lives? Without this evolution that I have tried
to sketch here, association would not be possible. It
should be clear that association is not non-binding.
The little book of 2006 Sharing in the Life of the
Brothers CMM, expresses this in the following way:
‘We are captured by the story of Jesus who modelled
the life of God’s love and who showed us what
mercy is’.”
Future
Brother Wim Verschuren recalled the discussions
that finally led to the opening up of the Congregation
for associate members. He distinguishes here three
8

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.
(from the Rule of Life of the Brothers CMM,
nr. 365)
The Congregation offers since the end of
the nineties the possibility of a far reaching
participation by means of the associate
membership. Whoever accepts that, promises
to make oneself familiar with the spirituality
of mercy and brotherhood of the brothers
CMM. In addition the associate member
shares in the mission of the Congregation
by commitment to a certain task and by
belonging to a community. At this moment
the Province of The Netherlands counts nine
associate members. In the other regions of
the Congregation the possibility of association
does not exist yet. In 2006 a booklet was
published in Dutch Delen in het leven van de
fraters CMM: Het geassocieerd lidmaatschap
(Sharing in the Life of the Brothers CMM: The
Associate Membership).
Delen in het leven
van de fraters cmm
Het geassocieerd lidmaatschap
Barmhartigheid en broederschap
phases. In the first place the entire process around
the question of the desirability of association.
Next, after a consensus was reached about that,
the question about what shape association would
take. It was after all about a new type of membership
that had to be formally regulated too. Finally there
followed a reflection on the question: how do we invite
people for it? In conclusion Brother Wim Verschuren
said he is convinced that it is for the future of CMM
in The Netherlands of essential importance how the
situation with associates develops. “In the meantime
they are a part of the Congregation since 1999. What
are the experiences of the brothers? Are they happy
with it? And how do the associate members experience
and live it?” With these words he announced Betty
Karhof, associate member since 2006 and living in
the residential care facility Joannes Zwijsen.
Hospitable
Betty Karhof told how she was invited for a meditation
meeting in the Elim community in Tilburg and how
she was received with open arms. She felt welcome. In
the subsequent years she learned much about mercy,
meditation and the Bible. An image took shape in her
of the brothers and their focus on the weak ones, far
and near. When in 2005 the question arose to think
about association, it surprised her a bit. She was not
that young anymore, what could she still contribute
and what would be her mission? Did she dare say
yes? In 2006 Betty Karhof agreed to a temporary
association. She added: “I am looking for a
roof over my soul, a place where silence
and spirituality are normal, something solid
under my feet. On the outside it seems as if
I have to explain why I believe and therefore
9

THE NETHERLANDS
I don’t bring it up anymore. I try to live my mission
by working for the St. Vincent de Paul Society: care
for people who are very near.” In 2009, Betty Karhof
committed herself to CMM for life. From then on
she wanted to live from the fundamental attitude
of attention, dedication, simplicity. The St. Vincent
de Paul Society demanded much of her: home visits,
meetings, organizing, making sure that the projects for
the Third World would also share in the proceeds. For
this work the seed was sown by her parents in Goes.
Father and mother led the church organizations for
care of the poor. Recently, after 22 years, with pain in
her heart, she handed over her work for the St. Vincent
de Paul Society to younger people.
Magnanimity
Carefully Betty Karhof took responsibility for some
tasks at the residential care facility Joannes Zwijsen,
among which is taking care of a weekly hour of
classical music for the residents and a reading group
for Dutch Literature. On Tuesday she is hostess at the
‘walk-in lunch’ of the Elim community. By the brothers
of the residential care facility she finds a simple
life without fancy. She likes to meet wise brothers
who have made their mark, far away or close by;
with them too she experiences hospitality. She feels
accepted and shares their happiness and sorrows.
A short time ago she visited the museum of the
beguines in Hoogstraten, Belgium. The beguines were
allowed to keep their possessions, but took vows of
chastity, obedience and magnanimity. She concludes:
“A beautiful word, to be ‘magnanimous’, growing in
sharing and giving, forgiving maybe. Being able to
make yourself little. That requires courage. Great
courage.”
Rien Vissers
Brother Wim Verschuren.
Betty Karhof during her introduction.
10

KENYA
BENSON OWILI:
OIP CLIENT OF THE
FIRST HOUR
During an international formation and deepening meeting of the Brothers CMM from July 15 to August 2, 2012,
in Nakuru, Kenya, the Brothers Edward Gresnigt, Harrie van Geene, Domingos Tjeunfin and Daniel Nyakundi
together with medical nurse Mary Mboya visited one of the first clients of the Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP):
Benson Owili. OIP was started in 1996 by the Congregation in Oyugis, Kenya, to prevent infection with the hiv/
aids virus and to support people who are suffering from the effects. Brother Nyakundi reports.
Entrance to the Oyugis Integrated
Project in Kenya.
The Oyugis Integrated Project in Kenya.
After a gruelling trip of 45 minutes over a hardly
passable road we met Pamela Nyatuga, the wife of
Benson, who knew that we were coming and who had
walked down the road to meet us. We left the car on
the side of the dirt road and followed her over narrow
foot trails. After about five minutes we arrived at a
small, simple hut. Here we found the sick man. Mary
had told us before we left about his bad health but
you saw nothing of that on the face of Benson. This is
without doubt thanks to the good care from OIP, which
leads to self-respect and acceptance.
Smile
Mary introduced us to the residents. The two did not
hide their joy: their faces shone. The nurse explained
what she can do for him: he gets his medicine at the
right time, his wound is cared for and sometimes,
when it is really necessary, he is transported to the
medical first-aid station of OIP. But every movement
is painful for Benson. He was not wearing normal
clothes, but was wrapped in a bed sheet. Benson
showed his gratitude to OIP for the care that the
nurses offer him and the food assistance that
he receives periodically from OIP. Mary also
promised him to have somebody bring him food
the next day. Benson told us that he has had for
11

Kenia
many years a good relationship with OIP. That contact
goes back to the time of Brother Anthony Koning.
Smiling, the almost 60 year old, so he says, points to
a portrait of the brother against the wall. He showed
his open wound caused by cancer due do the hiv-virus.
It was an oppressive situation. This man has a hard life
and deserves to be remembered in our prayers. Despite
the harsh reality, Benson is not despondent. His smile
and his words obviously testify to that. “Thanks to
the brothers, and especially Brother Anthony, I have
as hiv-positive client gotten to know God and to love
him”, he told us emphatically.
Good medication
We said goodbye to Benson with encouraging words.
We told him that we were proud of him because he is
trying to accept his situation and because he, in this
awkward situation, acknowledges Jesus as the master
of life, whose love and mercy make us stronger every
day and enables us to continue in faith on our way.
The man was happy with our visit. As we were going
to leave, Benson asked if it was possible to get him a
wheelchair. That would enable him to leave the house
without having to bother anybody. Mary made it clear
that it could perhaps happen in the future but that at
this time it was not a high priority. Good medication
and wound care are much more essential. Our visit did
Benson well. It brought him consolation that made him
for this moment stronger to cope with life.
Brother Daniel Nyakundi
(An edited article taken from the OIP-Newsletter,
nr. 189, October 2012, a publication of the Oyugis
Integrated Project The Netherlands Foundation,
www.oip-nederland.nl)
Benson Owili
in his hut.
Mary Mboya leaves the hut of Benson Owili.
12

INDONESIA
The brothers, who are making their profession for life, lay prostrate on the
floor while the Litany of the Saints is being sung.
PROFESSION
FOR LIFE
On September 27, 2012, the feast day of St. Vincent de Paul, six brothers made their profession for
life in the hands of the Superior General, Brother Broer Huitema. That took place during a solemn
Eucharistic Celebration in the Sacred Heart Church in Tomohon, celebrated by Bishop Joseph
Suwatan MSC of Manado.
Family members bless Brother Benediktus Suri
and entrust him to the Congregation.
The brothers who made their profession were Nobertus
Dake, Agustinus Nai Aki, Petrus Narwadan, Yonas
Paso and Benediktus Suri from Indonesia and Brother
Hendrique de Fatima Marques from East Timor. The
Superior General and Brother Martinus Lumbanraja
were present as representatives of the General Board.
The profession was further attended by the entire
Provincial Board of the Brothers CMM in Indonesia
and members of the Regional Board of CMM of East
Timor. After the official reception there were
several festive events where postulants, novices
and students of CMM hostels in Tomohon
participated. Immediately following these events
the profession was celebrated in a smaller circle.
13

INTERNATIONAL
BROTHERS
CELEBRATING JUBILEES
Every year the Congregation celebrates the jubilees of its brothers. On November 11, fifteen brothers
concluded their jubilee year. Fourteen of them did this at the residential care facility Joannes Zwijsen and
one in Medan, Indonesia. Three brothers entered the Congregation a quarter century ago, two entered
fifty years ago, three sixty years ago, three sixty-five years ago and another three seventy years ago.
One brother commemorated entering even seventy five years ago. Golden jubilarian Jan Koppens,
Provincial Superior of the brothers in The Netherlands, reflects on his choice for the life as a brother.
It all started simply enough with a question by
Brother Gerardus at Ruwenberg: “Jan, what are you
going to be when you grow up?” My answer was
to the point: “I want to be a brother, just like you.”
No deep motivation yet, but still the beginning of
something that would develop into my vocation.
I took the usual steps towards the noviciate of
the brothers (1962), a period of temporary vows,
culminating in my commitment for life. And you
know what, I never regretted it. Never. Of course
not everything went perfectly smoothly, but it was
my vocation and I responded to it, for I believe in
this alternative lifestyle in which not ‘I’ but ‘the other’
is central. Through all these years I have tried to be
loyal to God and to his people. Whether I have been
successful is always a question. One thing I am
sure of, I can look back with satisfaction and a
grateful heart.
Our Lady, Mother of Mercy, a water colour by Jan
Verhallen of 1994, at the occasion of the 150 year
jubilee of the Congregation.
Grateful
How much has been given to me! It started at home
with my parents, sister and brothers, my upbringing
and my education, a few years of teaching in The
Netherlands and then twenty-six years in Indonesia.
At this moment I have been back in The Netherlands
for the last sixteen years. How much has been given
to me! I received it all freely. How much did I receive
14

A number of the jubilarians together on November 11. From left to right the Brothers Pieter-Jan van Lierop,
Patricio Smolders, Gerebernus van der Zande, Martinus Lumbanraja, Louis de Visser, Lawrence Obiko, Jan
Koppens. Not in this picture: the Brothers Joseph Tielemans, Guillaume Caubergh, Nico Nijst, Francesco
Paijmans, Gustavus Menheere, Jan Smits, Pacianus Verhoeven. Brother Johannes Sihombing celebrated his
jubilee in Medan, Indonesia.
through education and through counselling of religious
and other people as well. And beside all this a few
beautiful flowers grew along my path though life, who
I may call my friends. These are tropical and polder
flowers. From these relationships I learned what real
brotherhood and sisterhood means at its deepest level.
They made me more human and more religious. It was
given to me freely. Plenty of reason to be grateful.
Attention
Throughout the years the Congregation entrusted me
with ‘the service of leadership’ or fellow-brothers asked
this of me. I am sure not everything was perfect, but
I tried to pay attention to people of flesh and blood,
with good and weak points (just like me). At least I
tried to be a brother, inside and outside the community,
with attention for weak and needy fellow human
beings. Sometimes I succeeded nicely, sometimes
I fell short. Recently it so happened that I was
in East Timor and Indonesia to conduct a retreat
in which the brothers and sisters of Zwijsen
participated, to give two different workshops to
groups of brothers and a day of reflection for unwed
mothers. It certainly was not just giving, in all these
meetings I also received very much. The actual date
(August 29) of my historic day that I was a brother
for fifty years was also during this time. Though
it was not planned this way I consider this voyage
through East Timor and Indonesia as a big present.
It put me in touch with myself, my way of life, my
journey through life. I am grateful to God and to
all those people who walked with me.
Brother Jan Koppens
15

INDONESIA
CIGARS AND
RATTAN CHAIRS
World War II and the internment of the brothers in the Dutch East Indies was for them an extraordinarily
shocking experience. The brothers, in so far as they survived, spent the war in four camps: on North Sumatra,
in the neighbourhood of Padang, on South Celebes and in Manado. The Manado camp was by far the cruelest
and took the lives of twelve brothers. Brother Pieter-Jan van Lierop writes about the camp experiences in
northern Sumatra.
Sometimes the life as a brother can take dramatic
turns. It is quite radical if you are sent to the island of
Sumatra in the Dutch East Indies as a young brother.
However, the Dutch colony at that time had a lot of
familiarity: Dutch government, the Dutch language in
offices and in education, and many Dutch officials,
planters, business people, pastors, religious and
military personnel.
Respected
The Europeans constituted a favoured, highly respected
group in the East Indies colony. This was based on the
myth that white people were superior in everything
to the non-whites. In addition the religious in general,
and the missionaries in particular and by extension
the brothers, were highly respected in ecclesiastical
circles in the Dutch East Indies, even more so than
16

From left to right: Brother Alex van Aalst, Brother
Reinoldus Korremans and Brother David Fleerakkers,
shortly after the liberation in 1945.
in the mother country. Community life in Medan, the
capital of northern Sumatra, was not so different of
community life in The Netherlands. The community of
that time counted as its members the Brothers Alex van
Aalst, David Fleerakkers, Amator van Hugten, Reinoldus
Korremans, Theodatus van Oers (superior) Cyprianus Op
de Beek, Rodulf Ouddeken, and Ranulfo Schippers. They
were all active at Dutch speaking schools.
Camp
On March 12, 1942 that set-up changed totally. The
Japanese occupied Medan and made their approach
known immediately: five looters were decapitated
directly in front of the brothers’ school and their heads
were placed on sticks and displayed in the city for
a week. The mission personnel, made up of fathers,
sisters, and brothers were put under house arrest. But
that did not last for long. A month later they were
placed in a camp in Belawan, the harbour of Medan.
They were allowed to bring thirty kilograms of luggage
and enjoyed eventually, by scraping things together
and by trading, some comfort. Especially the vegetable
garden of Brother David Fleerakkers, the man with the
green thumb, kept the brothers and many other camp
mates healthy. Pretty soon the brothers looked like real
camp prisoners, in their shorts, their bare upper bodies
and bearded faces. They smelled badly for there was no
soap for bathing. Regularly the Japanese held roll call
to count the prisoners. That could last for hours. The
disciplinary measures were harsh and beatings were
common. This came across as especially humiliating
for the European internees, who were so used to their
privileged status from the colonial days. Starvation
set in when the camp was transferred to another
site in the neighbourhood of Medan in January 1943,
which the camp prisoners called ‘Belawan Estate’. The
food was so minimal and of such low quality that one
could only survive by smuggling, stealing, trading with
corrupt guards and keeping your own vegetable garden,
like Brother David was still doing. Brother Alex van
Aalst talks about this: “All of our thinking was occupied
with food. You could not go anywhere or people were
talking about it. When we were sitting together in the
evening food was the subject of our conversation and
we discussed the most delicious dishes. … You really
were obsessed with food.”
Sickbay
The morale among the brothers of Medan was
high. They got quickly over their feelings of
humbled colonials, for work had to be done.
Brother Ranulfo Schippers had a first-aid
17

The community of Medan shortly after the liberation in 1945.
certificate and volunteered with the Brothers Alex
van Aalst, Amator van Hugten, Theodatus van Oers
and Rodulf Ouddeken to work in the sickbay. They
kept doing this even when life threatening dysentery
epidemics broke out. They laid out and buried many
hundreds of deceased. The brothers participated in
the education of the boys for junior and senior high
school diplomas to the best of their abilities. They were
part of the variety shows, sport activities, Easter and
Christmas celebrations, and Saint Nicholas parties
until starvation and disease undermined interest in
these things.
Dignity
How do you remain human in such dehumanizing
circumstances? It is a fact that the brothers maintained
their dignity and kept their solidarity as a community
of brothers. They spent a lot of attention on the
silver jubilee feast of Brother Cyprianus Op de Beek.
There was a decorated party hall, a high Mass was
celebrated, there were festive, handwritten party
booklets and commemorative pictures drawn by the
brothers. Even the meal, thanks to the vegetable
garden, had a festive character. But the highlight of
the feast was when the brothers were sitting together
and were presented with a Dutch cigar by the superior.
That keeps you human! When the centennial feast of
the Congregation was celebrated on August 25, 1944,
the superior had yet another cigar for every brother.
While all the camp detainees were sitting on boxes,
wooden blocks, and tree trunks the brothers had four
rattan chairs. That keeps you human! The camp in
which the brothers of Medan were kept prisoner was
relocated several more times. First to Rantau Parapat
and afterwards to Si Rengo-Rengo. They were forced
to walk many kilometres over barely passable roads.
How difficult it might have been, they never abandoned
their chairs. In the evenings they wanted to sit as
human beings on a real chair.
‘You are not my daddy’
At the start of December 1944, the starving camp was
suddenly burdened with hundreds of boys between
the ages of ten and sixteen. Some of them joined their
dads who were also in this camp. This could lead to
problems on a few occasions for they had not seen
their fathers for a long time and in the haggard camp
conditions did not even recognize them. “You are not
my daddy. He was much fatter and had no beard”, one
of the boys said when he rushed up to him. Most of
18

them had no one to welcome them. But thank heaven
the brothers and several idealistic laypeople were
there. They organized a boarding school without any
accommodations. There was not even food. However,
they managed to make something of their boarding
school. “Every evening Brother Reinoldus and I read
to the boys”, says Brother Alex van Aalst. “Brother
Reinoldus in the back of the barrack and I in the
front. We had much interest. Even people from other
barracks came to listen.” But the hunger lasted. Snails,
mushrooms, snakes, these were very welcome additions
to our meagre menu. Brother Alex: “When a rat was
spotted nothing was save in our hostel. Twenty, thirty
boys ran after the beast and they killed it.”
Nationalism
On May 1, 1945, Brother Rodulf Ouddeken celebrated
his silver jubilee. A party was organized in spite of all
the misery. Holy Mass was celebrated and there was
even a dinner. Brother David Fleerakkers had managed
to raise chickens. Therefore not only did every brother
have vegetables during dinner, but also some chicken
and a fried egg was served. After dinner when the
brothers were sitting together there was once more a
Dutch cigar for every brother. That kept you human!
The camp misery dragged on till August 24, the day
of liberation. Soon there was food and clothing.
However the camp detainees remained interned,
The brothers who lost their lives during the Second
World War in the former Dutch East Indies.
The brotherhouse in Medan just before the occupation
of the Dutch East Indies by the Japanese.
for their safety could not be guaranteed outside
the camp. Revolutionary groups and freedom fighters
took aggressive action against the colonizers. The
setting had changed totally. ‘Indonesia merdeka’,
independent Indonesia. Emerging from their camp
isolation the brothers were completely surprised by
the widespread nationalism.
Past Tense
The brothers did not return to Medan until October 31.
They were deeply disappointed. There was no freedom
for them yet. With the priests and sisters they were
once again interned on a mission site to guarantee
their safety. There were indeed no deprivations any
more, but till late in 1946 they had to watch idly the
developments. The brothers were put up at a mission
station. It was stark empty, without beds and furniture.
Fortunately, the brothers could sit again in the evening,
for they had brought along their rattan chairs, which
had served them so well during the camp days. In Camp
Medan the brothers learned that ‘our East Indies’ were
past tense and that they were asked to help in building
the educational system in the Republic of Indonesia.
That they did excellently. The St. Thomas schools
for kindergarten, elementary and high school
turned into top schools in Medan.
Brother Pieter-Jan van Lierop
19

NEWS IN BRIEF
PILGRIMAGE
TO LOURDES
From September 11-16, some members of the Joannes
Zwijsen Community in Tilburg went to Lourdes. The
all-inclusive pilgrimage had been organized by the
Dutch Foundation ‘Lourdes Pilgrimage for the Sick’.
Participants were the Brothers Simon van den Broek,
Frans van de Meulengraaf, Sebastianus van Seters,
Adri Simons, Patrick Smolders and Hein van der Zande.
After arriving in Lourdes the pilgrims visited the grotto
where in 1858 Mary appeared to 14 year old Bernadette
Soubirous. Every day there was a prayer service or a
celebration of the Eucharist. Particularly impressive
were the international Mass in the immensely large
underground Pius X Basilica and the open-air Mass
in the rain near the grotto. During the second part
of the week Breda Bishop Jan Liesen was present.
He conducted the Stations of the Cross. On the last
day there was a bus tour through the mountainous
landscape of the Pyrenees.
Photo above: Pilgrims travelling through Lourdes.
Photo below: The Lourdes pilgrims with their assistants
in front of their hotel in the French place of pilgrimage.
‘ HEARING THE STORY’ AT THE BROTHERS
On September 28, board-members and staff of the
Nijmegen Institute for Mission Studies (NIM) paid a
visit to the Generalate in Tilburg and ‘Zin’ in Vught.
Purpose of the day was to become acquainted with the
Congregation and to hear the ‘Mission Story’ of the
Brothers CMM. Here follows a brief report by Frans
Dokman, Director NIM.
At the Generalate Deputy Brother Edward Gresnigt
reveals the history of the Congregation. He takes
us on a tour and pauses at the grave of Brother
Andreas telling the story of his life. It is a life in
which his humanity and mercy take the centre, also
in the teaching of his students. This makes a big
impression on the representatives of NIM. We also
visited the Brothers’ Museum. He took us back to
the time when Bishop Joannes Zwijsen founded the
Congregation. It is a period where education was not
readily accessible to poor people. The museum shows
the mission of the brothers as time went by, a mission
that is characterized by (special) education to those
who are in need of it. Next we move to the Chapter
20

IN MEMORIAM
Room where Carine van Vught, from the Verhalis
Foundation presents a DVD of interviews with
religious. Verhalis collects memories and stories
scanning various domains of religious life, from
missionaries to contemplative sisters, life outside
and inside the community. Those interviewed are
of advanced age. Afterwards we ask ourselves: will
their story survive? With that question lingering in
our heads we journey to ‘Zin’ and the CMM Eleousa
Community next-door to it. Brother Wim Verschuren
welcomes us. One word of his that sticks in our
memory is: ‘re-creating’, recreating education from
an attitude of compassion. It is meant for people
with a need for meaningful insights, within and
outside their work. That message radiates from
CMM in Vught. The story of Brother Andreas is
handed on.
Frans Dokman, Director NIM
EAST TIMOR:
SEVEN
POSTULANTS
During the celebration of the Eucharist in the
brotherhouse in Dili, East Timor, Brother Silvino
Belo formally accepted seven new postulants. From
October 14 onwards they will be accommodated in
a building of an agricultural project in Suai which
the brothers took over from the Jesuits. Brother
Antonius Sipahutar is the postulant-master and at
the same time responsible for the project which
aims to take the agricultural activities in the area
to a higher level. The postulants will work in the
parish; they will be involved in prayer celebrations,
church music, youth work and visiting the elderly
and the sick.
BROTHER
Sibrand (W.G.J.) KOENEN
He was born in Arcen, The Netherlands on March 6,
1921 and entered the Congregation of the Brothers
of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy, in Tilburg on March
19, 1938. He made his profession for life on August
10, 1942. He passed away on October 2, 2012 at the
brotherhouse in Zonhoven, Belgium and was buried at
the Zonhoven-Centrum cemetery.
Brother Sibrand’s life of service happened entirely at
Zonhoven. For four years he was teaching at the St.
Joseph School. In 1949 he was asked to become a teacher
at Teachers’ College St. John Berchmans, which in 1957
became part of ‘Humaniora’ St. John Berchmans. He was
a most talented teacher. His students enjoyed attending
Brother Sibrand’s classes. Geography and History were his
favourite subjects. He had executive functions in schools;
first in Zonhoven and later in Lanaken. Also within the
Congregation they called on him to be the leader of the
boarding school, member of the provincial board and
community board-member at Zonhoven. His astute mind
and character served him well in these functions. He was
a confrère ready to serve others, one who would stand
up for the concerns of his fellow-brothers and for their
mission. It was a heavy cross to bear when loss of hearing
became increasingly worse. Communication became
difficult. His inner stability, however, remained
unaltered. Slowly but surely he had to let go. On
October 2, in the middle of the night, God called
him to enter the Father’s House. We know Brother
Sibrand to be safe there in God’s merciful love.
21

in memoriam
BROTHER
CAMILLE (A.D.J.) GERETS
BROTHER
MARCEL (J.M.) ACHTEN
He was born in Lanaken, Belgium on April 15, 1928
and entered the Congregation of the Brothers of
Our Lady, Mother of Mercy, in Tilburg on August
29, 1945. He made his profession for life on August
15, 1951. He died on November 19, 2012 at the
brotherhouse in Zonhoven and was buried at the
Zonhoven-Centrum cemetery.
Born in Lanaken he got to know the brothers at
the primary school. Meeting them became the
foundation of his vocation to the religious life.
Brother Camille was very talented, his interests were
many. In all simplicity he was a motivated teacher of
Mathematics at the St. John Berchmans Institute at
Zonhoven. In 1960 he was asked to be a part-time
supervisor at the boarding facility. In 1967 CMM
founded the Province of Belgium. Besides being a
teacher Brother Camille was asked to take on the
function of provincial bursar. With total dedication
he managed for 45 years the financial affairs of the
province and kept the books. It must have been a
true cross to him when he had to cope with health
problems, which in the end forced him in 1983 to
say goodbye to teaching. He accepted his cross and
carried on with his life. It was typical for his mental
resilience, his ability to persevere and his optimism.
Brother Camille was attentive to the needs of others.
Humbly and caringly he helped where help was
needed. Thus he lived out his vocation as a brother
and he did what Jesus did: to serve and enlighten,
to speak a redeeming word, to be a helping hand for
many.
He was born in Helchteren, Belgium on December
12, 1911 and entered the Congregation of the
Brothers of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy, in Tilburg on
December 8, 1928. He made his profession for life
on August 15, 1933. He died on December 3, 2012 at
the brotherhouse in Zonhoven and was buried at the
Zonhoven-Centrum cemetery.
Jaak Achten left his place of birth in Helchteren,
Belgium, in 1928 to move to Tilburg, The Netherlands,
where he began his novitiate as Brother Marcel. After
achieving his Teacher’s Certificate he was appointed
to teach at the Primary School for the Deaf in
Maaseik. After some years he became principal of the
same school. In 1955 he became the first principal
and remained so for 26 years of the renowned
Royal Institute for the Deaf and Hearing impaired at
Hasselt. He really cared for his students and he would
do anything for them to ensure they would do well in
society. Civil authorities expressed their appreciation
by rewarding him with a Royal medal: first Silver and
later the Golden Palm of the Order of the Crown. For
many years Brother Marcel acted as superior, deputy
or as a board-member of the community in Maaseik
and Hasselt. In 1978 and 1987 he spent a good deal
of time in Kenya to assist brothers and teachers in
their work for the deaf and hearing impaired. Brother
Marcel was given a long life, a very long life. In spite
of his old age and weakening health he participated
as much as possible in community life. With deep
faith and trust he looked forward to his final meeting
with the Lord of Love and Life. That wish has now
been granted.
22

SOURCES
ABOUT THE
ENTRY AND THE
EXIT OF LIFE
Zwijsen’s attention for merciful love
Care for the little ones colours our togetherness. Attention for the seriously ill is a
powerful indicator of the human climate amongst us. As a general rule: the quality
of a society of people can be measured by the degree of care given to the weakest link.
This is the fundamental rule of merciful love.
This thought about vulnerability and vulnerable periods in life was
particularly dear to Zwijsen. Our Founder did not exclude any kind
of good work. Discrimination on the grounds of age was foreign
to him. He did focus, however, on two crucial turning periods in a
person’s life: his entry into the world and his exit from the world.
He gave preference to the young and to those of very advanced age.
Their vulnerability was of special concern to him. From experience
he knew how much a well lived youth and the ability to leave this
life in peace, more than anything else, would determine the quality
of one’s entire life.
That practical orientation came from a religious background. Jesus
was aware that he had come from God and was returning to God
(cf. John 13:3). That was also Zwijsen’s vision: the origin and the
destiny of every person lies with God, the Merciful One. The path
of life of a human being asks for security and new chances, for a
sense of direction and space. That is true especially when people
are young or old. That is why Zwijsen in describing the missionary
task for his sisters and brothers, accentuates the entry and the exit
of life.
Brother Harrie van Geene
23

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.
(from the Rule of Life of the Brothers CMM)
Magazine of the Congregation of the Brothers of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy