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    Meditation on a Painting by a Vietnamese Artist, Offered to SCHEUT after the 1958 Universal Exhibition

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    Left: the Incarnation; right: the bush and the Redemption
    Life is stronger than death. The bush blossoms.

     

    Philippe de Rosen

    Philippe de Rosen, cicm
    Missionary in Belgium

     

    "When God reveals himself to Moses (Exodus 3), He is standing in a thorny bush. What does this mean? A Jewish text by Rabbi Shimon ben Yohai explains this: "Just as this thorny bush is the hardest of all the shrubs in the world, so that any bird that enters it cannot get out safely without tearing its wings on the thorns, so Israel's slavery in Egypt was harder than all the slavery in the world".

    Why did God speak to Moses from that bush? "I have seen and heard the cry of my people.I have come down to deliver them... Go, I have sent you! (Ex. 3, 7-8)

    Just as that bush was the humblest of all the shrubs in the world, so the Israelites had descended to the lowest depths and God came down with them to save them".

    "The Bible is a pedagogical work that reveals little by little who this God is, who is capable of lowering himself and imprisoning himself out of love. It also reveals who man is: man is great in God's eyes, despite his weaknesses and faults.

    - Jacques Duquesne: the God of Jesus Christ p.91

     

    "A puny bush in the desert that bursts into flames, and becomes "budded"; the destructive power is unable to eliminate the life-giving power of the sap! This is the image of the people of God: within the people of God there is someone Moses does not yet know.”

    "On that day, a branch will grow out of the stump of Jesse, father of David, an " offspring " (SCHEUT in Dutch) will sprout from his roots. On him will rest the Spirit of the Lord: the spirit of wisdom and discernment, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord". Isaiah 11, 1-3.

    "What's left when you've lost everything, when suffering crushes you? What's left is God. But what can he do if we don't welcome him? Like Moses, we too often prefer to take a diversion to "understand" without getting too involved! How can God get through our unbelief? He is the Presence.... externally, nothing changes: the suffering and misfortune are still there, but he joins us there. It is in the experience of my total powerlessness that God himself can be freed from his powerlessness to act, if we let him into our hearts".

    - Notes taken in Besançon: Retraite 2001

     

    CHRISTMAS and EASTER are the same reality: It is Christ humbly lying in a manger, in solidarity with innocent children massacred, in solidarity with immigrants by being forced to flee protected by his parents to Egypt, ready to do the Father's will by staying in the Temple for 3 days without his parents knowing.....from the very beginning a "sword pierces Mary's heart"...

    How do we face up to this mystery? Let us dare to take this leap of faith: whatever suffering we face, the LIFE offered by Jesus (God-Save, - Emmanuel, God with us) will have the last word. The LIGHT will be stronger than our darkness.

    In a painting by Jan Van Coninxloo in the church of St. Denis in Forest-Brussels, we see the angel Gabriel announcing to Mary that she had been chosen to be the Mother of Jesus, the Son of God.

    Mary is kneeling on a “prie-Dieu”, meditating with the Bible open on the passage from the Burning Bush in Exodus 3. This meditation on God's humility enabled her to say YES, I am the Handmaid of the Lord.

    Our Lady of Scheut appeared at Pentecost 1450

     

     

     

     

     

    Our Lady of Scheut appeared at Pentecost 1450, surrounded by Light, on the site where our Institute was founded by Father Théophile Verbist. Mary surrounded by "buds" in a tree in full bloom. Is this a reminder of the revelation of the Burning Bush? A call to become, in our turn, missionaries called to announce that God is coming to make a New World and that this world is already "budding".

     

     

     

     

     

    Our Lady of Scheut

    Our Lady of Scheut, Our Lady surrounded by buds, help us to believe that life is stronger than death.


    Transparency and Accountability

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    Melanio Michael Reyes

    Melanio Michael Reyes, cicm
    Missionary in RP

     

    Introduction

    In the wake of profound changes in the world that have brought about significant shifts and transitions, the role of the treasurer has also evolved to become increasingly complex, delicate and vital. As more than a decade had passed since the last meeting of all Provincial treasurers and recognizing the need to navigate across and through the changes within our Congregation and the world, Raul Caggauauan, the Treasurer General, organized a session of all Provincial treasurers on October 2-13, 2023. With the theme “Transparency and

    Accountability in our Missionary Work”, the meeting was held at the Guest House of Saint Louis University, Baguio City, Philippines. The meeting aimed to enable treasurers to share experiences and acquire the necessary tools and strategies to adapt efficiently and effectively to significant changes affecting their work.

    During the meeting, the Provincial treasurers and the Treasurer General had the privilege of being in the company of Charles Phukuta, the Superior General. The treasurers were all equipped with the necessary documents and information to facilitate a productive and informative exchange of experiences and insights.

    The cool and serene atmosphere in Baguio, accompanied by the warm and cordial welcome of Gilbert Sales, the SLU President, and the SLU personnel, provided an animating environment to create and renew the good CICM spirit among treasurers. The first day started well animated by the Saint Louis University Glee Club welcoming and entertaining the participants with their captivating display of talents, which elicited a heartwarming response among the participants. 

    The conference hall on the top floor, aptly described as “the Upper Room” with its panoramic view of the city and the horizons of mountains, was the venue where the participants embarked on a shared journey of united hearts and minds towards a collective commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible management of financial resources.


    Experts' points of view

    Recognizing the importance of understanding the emerging challenges the treasurers face today, the Treasurer General invited experts to help the participants see the value of their ministry, as well as to equip them with the necessary tools and strategies to confidently navigate through and with the ever-changing financial landscape and detect potential threats that can compromise the quality of their witness and the integrity of the mission.

    Andre de Bleeker, our General Archivist, shared with the participants an insightful and inspiring conference on the role of treasurers as witnessing ministers in the Congregation. Andre’s talk initiated a sharing that transcended the technical aspects of financial management. He presented an invitation to a deep concern for the spiritual dimension of the work of treasurers. The talk of Andre elicited among the treasurers a profound understanding of spirituality as he illustrated the noble examples of our Founder and the concepts of money in the bible. The input of Fr. Andre and the exchange of experiences reaffirmed the commitment of treasurers to accountability and transparency.

    Mr. Andreas Machnik, from Pax-Bank, based in Cologne, Germany, gave a presentation on financial management and best banking practices. He addressed the challenges faced by religious institutes in maintaining credible financial conduct. He emphasized the importance of good financial conduct within the church as he shed light on cases of financial mismanagement that have plagued religious institutions and the hurdles they continue to face as consequences. In his discussion, he highlighted the need for corruption prevention. In understanding the complexities involved, the participants were convinced about the need for a comprehensive system to prevent corruption, even seeking external support in establishing effective internal controls that foster financial integrity and accountability.

    To strengthen the treasurers' financial expertise, Ms. Jill Landefeld from Brown Advisory and a member of our IHM Investment Management Committee conducted an engaging session on investment. The objective of the session was to provide the treasurers with valuable insights and knowledge to enhance their ability to make informed financial decisions regarding reinvesting IHM common fund dividends, selling shares, realizing gains, and financing budget deficits. While most treasurers may not be directly involved in portfolio management, the session and exercise on portfolio construction provided a valuable foretaste for them of how capital funds operate within the IHM Common Fund.

    To better understand the dynamics of the EMI, a video conference was set with the responsible for operations of EMI medical insurance, Mr. Sylvain Sacheli, and Ms. Anne-Marie Goosens, the CICM group manager of EMI insurance at Scheut. Their intervention clarified several concerns about medical refunds in the provinces and provided a comprehensible procedure to facilitate the process for better outcomes.


    Sharing of experiences

    The scheduled agenda included an opportunity for each treasurer to present their experiences, shedding light on the financial situation of their respective Provinces. This forum allowed them to express the joys, frustrations, and challenges inherent in their roles. The exchange of experiences proved to be a meaningful experience. Treasurers gained more insights, expanding their horizons and better understanding of the financial intricacies involved in their roles. The participants realized that the challenges faced by one Province could resonate with others, fostering a sense of solidarity and unity among treasurers. Beyond each narrative, a broader picture emerged. One got a snapshot of the financial situation of every Province. In a way, this collective understanding highlighted the need for congregational solidarity in the pursuit of CICM's corporate mission.


    Other practical matters

    During the final days of the meeting, the Treasurer General took charge and led the discussions on various practical points. The participants discussed various issues on finances in Initial Formation, Provident Fund, Green Fund, Congregational solidarity, and other relevant issues outlined in our Vade Mecum B document. Throughout the session, the participants engaged in a fruitful discussion and received clarification regarding Provincial policies on finances. The clarifications and reminders have contributed to helping treasurers improve collaboration and work efficiently.

    As each day unfolded, the participants immersed themselves in the daily activities, learning something new and gaining valuable insights. The experience cultivated a profound appreciation for the opportunity to expand their understanding and skills as treasurers. The communal spirit that permeated through the participants was fraternal and inspiring.

    The events of the day always left impressions of fulfillment to the participants. The communal prayer, the celebration of the Eucharist, and the conviviality of the evening “potus” promoted relaxation and bolstered the camaraderie among confreres. To further foster their fraternal connection, the group embarked on a weekend getaway to the picturesque Hundred Islands in Pangasinan, where relaxation and appreciation of nature intertwined harmoniously.


    Words of fraternal support

    On the last day, Charles Phukuta delivered a heartfelt message of gratitude and admiration to all the Provincial Treasurers. He emphasized the importance of being fruitful and faithful, drawing inspiration from biblical figures in the Gospel. He reminded the treasurers to remain open to God’s providence and embrace newness in their work. Lastly, he emphasized the significance of rest and having a sense of humor for their well-being and effectiveness as treasurers.

    The meeting concluded with the Holy Eucharistic presided by the Superior General and celebrated at the SLU Parish Church. He was joined by the confreres of the Baguio-La Union District and attended by the heads of various University offices. In the meal served after, everyone further celebrated the fraternal communion and affirmed the identity and mission as CICM Missionaries.


    Conclusion

    The meeting of all CICM Provincial Treasurers was a resounding success, as evidenced in the evaluation. The gathering fulfilled its intended purpose of sharing and learning among the participants and from the invited experts. The challenges faced by treasurers in managing finances are undoubtedly demanding, especially in a constantly changing context. In a world where financial situations are perpetually evolving, treasurers can find comfort and guidance by embracing the profound invitation to find the true treasure in life.

    As the treasurers departed from “the Upper Room”, they carried the inspiration and renewed energy to continue their ministry. They understood that while the financial landscape can be volatile and uncertain, their true and ultimate treasure lies in the Lord and the mission entrusted to them as treasurers. 

    Source : Chronica No. 5 Sept-Dec 2023

    215 CH5 2023 Eng



    “Cast into the Deep” (Luke 5: 4) - Mission Declaration

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    Atkin Timothy Ongoing FormationWe, twenty-two CICM confreres, who completed the Initial Formation between 2010-2014 and participated in the 2022 Ongoing Formation Session organized by our General Government, at the CICM Mission Center, Maryhill, Taytay, Rizal- Philippines, from October 9 – 30, 2022, are grateful to the Congregation for:      

    • Receiving us as members and allowing us to fulfill our dreams and passion to be missionaries;
    • Bringing us together as confreres of the same generation to share our experiences and hopes for the future of our Congregation;
    • Believing and investing in us to continue the Mission.

    After three weeks of prayer, listening to speakers, sharing of experiences, self-evaluation, and reflection on our identity as men consecrated to God for mission, we have allowed ourselves to be rekindled with the fire of our original call, and we commit ourselves:

    • To deepen our relationship with God through prayer, retreats, missionary Spirituality, personal devotion, and self-care;
    • To generously surrender our personal securities and protections to God and rely only on his grace as Moses did when he took off his sandals in God’s presence;
    • To renew our vows daily in the silence of our hearts as a way to achieving holiness;
    • To keep sight of our being religious missionaries by creating boundaries for a safe environment in our communities and ministries;
    • To build healthy communities through self-knowledge, storytelling, proactive conflict resolution and management;
    • To witness intercultural living in a multicultural world;
    • To be familiar with CICM financial systems and be good and accountable stewards of our resources;
    • To be attentive to the new challenges and opportunities to do Mission in this ever-changing global world, and be responsive through new ways of evangelization in the following priorities: Youth, social media, migration, care of “our Common Home”, option for the poor, and Interreligious dialogue;
    • To use the synodal process in our decision-making.

    With a strong desire to give back what we have received, we count on the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary our Patroness. May her example and the courage of our Founder Théophile Verbist and his first companions give us the strength to embrace the future with renewed passion for Christ and for humanity by being joyful, passionate, and zealous CICM missionaries. May God bless our Congregation.  

    Taytay, Rizal, Philippines October 29, 2022


     


    The Charism of Théophile Verbist in the World of Today

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    Atkin Timothy Ongoing FormationBy Frans De Ridder, cicm


    We are celebrating the bicentennial of the birth of Théophile Verbist, our Founder. Our Taiwan Missionary Community held its recollection from 7 to 9 February 2022. Together we reflected on the charism of our Founder. We remembered and prayed about the two pillars of his foundational charism: The abandoned children in China and the conversion of infidels. I want to share a few words on these two aspects of our missionary priorities two hundred years after the birth of our Founder.

    Abandoned Children

    CICM in Taiwan was among the pioneers to introduce programs for “special children.” Schools founded and animated by CICM have Special Education Programs. Nowadays, couples expecting a child go for prenatal scanning. If the child has any unusual symptoms or is not the “gender” they want, abortion is the most “common” practice.

    There are many children abandoned before they are even born. Abortion is like cancer deeply rooted in Taiwan, among the highest worldwide. It is even considered one of the down-to-earth, practical ways of family planning. Not only is abortion a difficult aspect of this society, but also many people do not want babies at all. More and more young people do not want to get married. I think that it would be a sign of faithfulness to our Founder to be “pro-life.” CICM should strongly advocate for beautiful families where children are considered a blessing in our pastoral care to couples and young people!

    Conversion of Infidels

    Who are the infidels today? For our Founder and his companions, I assume that the “infidels” were the non-Catholics or non-Christians. In the light of the documents of Vatican II, we believe that we must pay attention to God’s self-revelation in other religions. This calls for greater attention to Interreligious Dialogue. Reading an essay by Cardinal de Kesel of Belgium, I observed his great concern for the growing influence of Islam in Belgium. Number 16 of Lumen Gentium and Nostra Aetate give a strong impetus for us to reflect upon and take initiatives in the area of discovering God’s presence in other religions. Religions have to become partners at the service of God’s Kingdom.

    Language Study

    However, the point that struck me most was the awareness of how limited our Founder’s command of the Chinese Language must have been. And I do not blame him. He was already in his early forties and hadn’t had any time to learn Chinese before departing for China. Once in China, he was busy organizing the prefecture. He was writing countless letters to Belgium, among many others, for fundraising and vocation promotion so that soon more young missionaries could come to China. In a certain way, he was “lucky” that the Eucharist, the sacraments, and songs and prayers were still in Latin. Then, after hardly two years in the China Mission, our Founder died.

    Théophile Verbist had no access to any Language School like us today. The MEP (Missions Étrangères de Paris) can now spend three years in language study. Reflecting upon this aspect of our Founder, I began to admire him even more for his humility and tenacity. Our Founder was almost entirely dependent upon lay helpers and Paul Splingaerd – the legendary young helper in his early twenties and a handyman with a “knack” for languages.

    Even for us today, three years of full-time language study is, by far, not yet enough. One of our good friends, a member of the Missionaries of Bethlehem, who died at the age of 90, was asked what was the most challenging part of being a missionary in Taiwan after more than sixty years in the country. Without any hesitation: “the Chinese language...” he sighed.

    Language study is one of the most important aspects of inculturation and respect for the “soul” of the people with whom we want to share the Good News. Language study is an essential part of Ongoing Formation. Getting along with day-to-day Chinese is not enough. Unfortunately, many of us are not familiar enough with Chinese literature or the classics of Confucius, Mencius, Zhuang Zhe, Chinese poetry, or Chinese religions.1 Thanks to this recollection about our Founder, I made a new commitment to put in more effort and have the tenacity of our Founder to go on, no matter how little progress I can still make at my age. I turned 82 in April 2022.  

    Picture E1

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    1. Here, I would recommend the book BEYOND EAST AND WEST, (in Dutch, Boven Oost en West) by John Wu.