Matthieu Ndjeok Golimé, cicm
Missionary in Mongolia

1. The Shadow of our Own Cultural Background

Most Mongolian missionaries come from countries with deep Christian roots, such as the Philippines, South Korea, India, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and Italy. In these countries, Catholic identity is often taken for granted and appreciated, sometimes even as a privilege. Simply acknowledging someone’s religious affiliation opens doors and earns respect. However, this is not the case in Mongolia, where society and the government are suspicious of Christian identity. Mongolians view Christianity as a foreign religion and do not appreciate its presence. For missionaries in Mongolia, transitioning from a majority to a minority position is challenging, requiring humility and flexibility. In some cases, missionary work may involve social work. Working in Mongolia as a priest sometimes means serving as a social worker.

2. Linguistic and Cultural Challenges.

The Mongolian language belongs to the Altaic language family, which includes Turkish, Korean, and Japanese. It has its own script but now uses Cyrillic alphabet. It has a complex structure with several grammatical cases to indicate word relationships. It is very different from French, English, Italian, and Spanish, which most of us are familiar with. Learning Mongolian, especially at an older age demands more determination. Some succeed, while others struggle to master it.

3. The Climate

The climate in Mongolia is characterized by its extreme nature, with significant temperature variations between seasons. Winter is harsh and long. It starts snowing as early as beginning of September until end of April. Temperatures can drop to as low as -40° during winters. Summer merely lasts three months. It is only these three months that you are free to move without heavy clothes and free to travel to the countryside. Ulaanbaatar, the capital city, has become one of the most polluted cities in the world during winter due to the use of coal by households in the suburbs for heating their homes. Many Mongolians who have the means, especially pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding, leave Mongolia during this time for the sake of their children's health. It feels like you are living in slow motion during winters. Living in such conditions, especially for those of us who grew up in warm countries, can be a big challenge for our mental and physical health.

4. Administrative Challenges

Another major challenge faced by missionaries in Mongolia is the complex and varied issues surrounding visa applications and renewal. Administrative restrictions on churches and international organizations are one example of these challenges. Missionaries and humanitarian workers may encounter difficulties in obtaining or renewing their visas, which can compromise their activities and presence in the country.

A few years ago, the Mongolian government implemented a quota system. The policy required churches to employ eight Mongolian nationals for every foreign missionary, a demand that many parish priests struggled to meet. Even NGOs faced a steep requirement of four local staff per foreign worker. Although the previous quota system has been phased out, the current legal framework introduces a fresh and increasingly burdensome challenge. An annual payment of approximately US$6,000 is required for a religious visa. For organizations sustained by generosity and committed to service over profit, this recent hike is not simply an added cost, it is just becoming unsustainable. Adding to this strain is the rigid cap that limits the number of visas granted each year to foreign workers. In 2025, only 600 visas were allocated to international non-governmental organizations with representative offices in Mongolia. This number represents only a modest increase compared to 2024 and remains subject to change each year. Such unpredictability exacerbates the climate of uncertainty, compromising the sustainability and stability of our commitments.

In Mongolia today, the conditions for missionary work have become increasingly restrictive —especially for those without a religious visa. Several missionaries, including some of our confreres, have faced arrest simply for celebrating Mass or preaching a homily within a church setting. Following their detention, they were subjected to interrogation and formal reprimands before their documents were returned.

This situation has had lasting consequences. Priests who did not enter the country under a religious visa are now formally prohibited from celebrating public Masses, even on an occasional basis. Of the seven confreres currently present in Mongolia, only two possess the required religious visa and are therefore permitted to celebrate the Eucharist publicly.

5. Financial challenges

The Mission grew rapidly in terms of infrastructure during its first 20 years thanks to considerable financial support from the Province of SM and fundraising efforts by the confreres. We should keep in mind that at that time, Mongolia was the focus of special attention from organizations and people of good will. Calls for help were generally met with positive responses. CICM paid its workers good salaries and was therefore able to recruit the best people.

Starting in 2013, Mongolia began extensive exploitation of its coal, copper, and uranium deposits, which contributed to the country's rapid development. The economic growth achieved through its mining sector led to Mongolia no longer being classified as a developing nation, resulting in reduced global attention. International charities and donors redirected their focus to other regions, leading to fewer resources for the Mission. Currently, CICM is facing difficulties in raising the funds needed to finance its few remaining projects and ministries. It is important to note that Caritas and Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral were taken over by the Prefecture in 2020, while Good Shepherd Parish was transferred in the same way in 2025. As a result, CICM now has limited structures to manage, yet continues to struggle to finance them properly. We face difficulties in employing dedicated workers for our projects due to low salaries. However, confreres remain committed to their responsibilities, largely thanks to the fundraising efforts led by Paul Staes in Singapore.

6. Unstable Personnel in CICM

When I arrived in Mongolia in June 2008, we were a group of 11 confreres in Mongolia, including Bishop Wensceslao Padilla, the Prefect; one confrere in specialized studies, and four interns. However, three confreres left Mongolia the following year, leaving only two who had completed their Initial Formation. All the interns assumed significant responsibilities early on, such as being the District Treasurer, Administrator of the SPP Cathedral, Supervisor of VCC, MHK, or Rector of the District House. Despite these challenges, things were progressing well due to the dedication of the confreres and the support from the Province and our benefactors.

By 2014, all four interns had completed their Initial Formation and were fully committed to different ministries and three more interns joined in the meantime, bringing the total number of confreres to 11. However, over the next three years (2015-2017), four confreres left Mongolia for various reasons, resulting in a reduction to seven.

In summary, throughout its 33-year history, the Mongolia CICM Mission has welcomed 27 missionaries from six different countries. Two missionaries joined the Master of the Vine. Six (22%) missionaries left CICM while 14 (52%) left the mission for various reasons. Only two missionaries returned to Mongolia after their service. Currently, there are seven (26%) CICM confreres in Mongolia. What thoughts and reflections do the departures of several confreres from the Congregation in Mongolia bring to our minds? What possible explanations could there be for the call of several confreres to serve elsewhere? Could it be their personal desire to leave, or is it because this mission has equipped them with the necessary skills and patience for such services or because of the above-mentioned challenges have pushed them out? Did the leadership or the Mongolia District itself contribute to these outfalls?

Conclusion and Points for Reflection

Mongolia holds a special place in the heart of CICM, as it was entrusted to us by the Vatican and remains under our responsibility, even though the Cardinal Prefect belongs to another Congregation. This mission aligns perfectly with our charism, yet it also presents numerous challenges, some of which have just been mentioned above. A confrere rightly pointed out in an issue of our Provincial Bulletin that the mission in Mongolia is costly for the Province. This observation is valid, but the pressing question now is how we envision the future of this mission despite these challenges. This requires the collective attention of both the confreres working in Mongolia and the entire Province. The 16th General Chapter specifically requested that Provinces that have undergone restructuring evaluate their experiences. This could be an opportunity for us to reflect on the future of some of our missions, including the one in Mongolia.

Martin Mvibudulu M., cicm
Missionary in Belgium

Twenty years ago, the CICM-BNL province had more than 250 members, the vast majority of whom were in their fifties and sixties. There were 12 CICM houses, eight in Flanders, three in Wallonia, and one in Holland. There were only seven non-European confreres (all Congolese) working in Wallonia (three) and Flanders (four). At that time, only one lay person played a leading role in the management of our houses.

Today, the situation is entirely different. The number of confreres (140) and CICM houses (5) has decreased significantly. There are no longer any houses in Wallonia. Still, there are two new small international communities with new missionary projects (not counting the one in Ostend, which is due to start in the coming weeks), a greater presence of non-European confreres (20), and lay people in the administration.

A few years ago, some confreres were wondering about the future of the BNL Province. Thanks to the arrival of several confreres from non-European countries, we can dream again, but dreaming alone is not enough. We still have to work to make the dream a reality. The growing number of non-European confreres in the Province gives the BNL a new image. The BNL has become a true mission province. It is no longer primarily a province from which missionaries depart and where older missionaries come to rest. The developments of the last ten years give us real reasons to believe and hope for a better future for the mission in Europe. That is why we are writing this article.

We are taking advantage of this jubilee year, which Pope Francis has placed under the sign of hope, to share through these writings the visible signs of hope in our Province. These signs would have been impossible without the faith of a few confreres, some of whom may already have gone to the Father, without the perseverance of the "little remnant" of non-European confreres, who stood firm in difficult times. Finally, nothing would have been possible without the courage and determination of the provincial governments over the last decade, which have once again opened the doors of the mission in BNL to young confreres.

Currently, BNL only accepts missionary commitments in dioceses at their request: discussions have taken place and are continuing between the provincial government and the dioceses. Pastoral commitments and appointments are laid down in contracts between the Province and the dioceses. Active confreres are mainly involved in new missionary projects, while most of the older confreres live together in larger communities. Where many active confreres used to live alone, the preference is now for teamwork and community life. This has many advantages.

Nevertheless, community life remains a challenge for all, but it is a "mission" for us, as stated in the latest general chapters. The fact that the confreres of BNL come from four continents and eight different countries is enriching, but remains a challenge. It is also a new reality.

1. A Renewed Missionary Vision

The emphasis is now on how we are present in society and the Church in Europe. We choose to be present not as individuals but as a religious and international community. This is the first witness of our mission at BNL. After several years of reflection and discussion among our confreres and provincial governments, the following statement was adopted as the inspiring text for our missionary activity and presence in Europe:

"We are a community of Scheutist missionaries. Based on a missionary vision and as religious of different cultures living in small multicultural communities, we want to be present in culturally diverse environments like leaven in dough. In this way, we bear witness to the fact that it is possible to live and work together. Based on a renewed pastoral vision, we are at the service of people on the margins of society. Through local initiatives, we want to build bridges between people, overcoming cultural and religious differences. We prefer to do this in collaboration with partners and leaders in existing structures. As a small group of brothers active in the field, we are united with our older brothers in our communities and elsewhere. Our commitment is also supported and encouraged by them. In this way, we, the older and younger brothers, remain together faithful to the spirit of cor unum et anima una, one heart and one spirit" (Excerpt from the GP BNL Report of March 25, 2019). This statement is our shared vision.

2. Community Life: The First Witness of our Mission

In Western society, where we are called to live our religious and missionary commitment, the Church, faith in Jesus Christ, and religion in general no longer enjoy the popular support they once did. Our mission field is this secularized Europe. From this starting point, we are entitled to ask ourselves: what message of the Gospel can we bring to this society today? Let us recall the amazement of the pagans at the beginning of Christianity when they saw how the first Christian community lived in communion of heart and spirit. Tertullian, one of the first Christian writers, reported what was said about Christians in these terms: "See how they love one another!" Jesus had recommended this to his apostles: "A new commandment I give to you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34-35). By living in fraternal communion with one another, in a community of life or of reference, by working in harmony as brothers and sisters of different cultures, languages, and races, by living in communion with the Church, we can bear witness to the love of Jesus for us and for all people. (John 13:34-35).

By living in fraternal communion with one another, in a community of life or reference, working in harmony as brothers and sisters of different cultures, languages, races, and nations, we want to arouse curiosity and wonder in our contemporaries, giving witness to Christ who sent us. Through this witness, we want to contribute to the coming of God's Kingdom among us: a Kingdom of justice, peace, and love. In this sense, our multicultural and international communities become visible signs of God's Kingdom. Signs to which no one can remain indifferent, even in a secularized Europe, where individual freedoms often take precedence over communities. This is why our communities of life must be our first mission.

3. Our Commitments Inspired by our Shared Vision

In close collaboration with the local Church and at the request of the bishops, we accept pastoral and missionary commitments in various sectors: parishes, chaplaincy in retirement homes, prisons, hospitals, accompaniment of the homeless, immigrants and refugees, interreligious dialogue, etc.

We carry out the tasks entrusted to us in the spirit of our shared vision. That is, in communion with all the confreres of the Province, and more particularly with those of our reference community if circumstances require us to live alone. We follow the Province's policy in this matter. For this reason, every confrere who is called to pastoral or missionary responsibility outside a CICM religious community must be linked to a CICM community of reference that guarantees him fraternal communion with his confreres.

4. Some visible signs of our missionary project

4.1.  Small international religious communities in large cities that represent our present and future missionary projects, in response to the specific requests of the local Church:

CICM-ICM in Mechelen

--- ICM-CICM missionary community in Mechelen: from left to right (Jerry-Jr. Senapai, Sr. Elizel, Jean Poulard Espady, Sr. Berlaine, and Sr. Jeya) ---

Inspired by Article 8 of our Constitutions, which invites us always to seek to "collaborate with other missionary institutes and organizations, and with all those who work for the growth of the Kingdom of God," we accepted this missionary presence at the request of the local Church in the city of Mechelen. We did not want to respond alone, but together with the ICM sisters, whose missionary enthusiasm to join us in responding to this call we greatly appreciate. Indeed, as we read in our Constitutions: "A special association unites our Institute and that of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary for mutual assistance in missionary work, whenever possible. However, we are legally and financially independent." (Const. 8.1). Several reasons prompted the Vicariate of Flemish Brabant to ask our two congregations, CICM and ICM, for missionaries for this joint missionary project, including: the strong secularization of Belgian society, the intense religiosity (in various forms) in this city, the need to give missionaries the space and time necessary to seek new forms of missionary presence creatively and to be pioneers in this sense.

To respond to the various missionary needs and challenges expressed here, two international communities of missionaries have settled in Mechelen: the CICM community (today) with two members of Haitian and Central African nationality (originally with a third Belgian confrere) and the ICM community consisting of three members of Congolese, Filipino, and Indian nationality. The two teams complement each other and work together in their missionary and pastoral commitments.

CICM in Deurne

Deurne is a municipality located northeast of the city of Antwerp. It is particularly known for its large Muslim community and multiculturalism. The bishop of Antwerp asked our congregation to ensure a missionary presence in this pastoral unit of his diocese. More specifically, he wanted an international religious community to whom he could entrust pastoral and missionary tasks to accompany, animate, and inspire the people of God in the large city of Antwerp.

For this reason, in 2016 Scheut responded favorably to this call with the creation of the international community of Deurne, now made up of three confreres of Brazilian, Congolese, and Indonesian origin. They are involved in various areas of the Church's life: parish, interreligious dialogue (with Muslims), youth, lay formation, etc.

--- CICM International community in Deurne: from left to right (Pascal Kakenda, Thomas Hendrikus, and Fabio Teixeira) ---

As in Deurne and Mechelen, this project was accepted by Scheut at the request of the Bishop of Bruges, who wanted an international CICM community to come to the Belgian coast to provide pastoral care for sailors in the ports of Ostend and Zeebrugge, immigrants, and to engage in parish pastoral care. The bishop believes that the missionaries can make a significant contribution to the parishes of Ostend. For this reason, a team of three confreres from Indonesia, Haiti, and the Congo will soon be moving to the pastoral unit in Ostend, after studying Dutch.

CICM-Ostend-Zeebrugge:

4.2. Integration of younger members into the internal services of the Province

--- From left to right: Germain Nsasi, Yeremias Lakonawa, and Sony Pierre ---

To revitalize our large communities, which are made up mostly of very elderly and sick confreres, younger confreres are being appointed (either as leaders or as residents with a pastoral commitment outside the community) to bring new life to our aging communities. The same is true for our provincial commissions and working groups.

--- The provincial finance commission: From left to right (Thomas Hendrikus, Yeremias Lakonawa, Marc Vandermeiren, Jef Matton, and Germain Nsasi Yengo) ---

The annual meeting of the youngest (active) confreres on May 1, 2025

As you can see from these pictures, BNL today exudes a certain freshness, a new wind, and a new dynamic. This gives us the faith and hope to continue dreaming of a better future for the mission in Europe.

Prosper Ngassa, cicm
Missionary in Mexico

A few years ago, finances were not among our major concerns in the province. Today, we are living the opposite. Here are the reasons: our growing subsistence and ad extra requests from year to year, and the declining contributions from parishes. The latter is due, among other things, to the decrease in the number of European confreres whose pensions, coming from their home country governments, were considered as a contribution to the province.

We can also observe that we are struggling to agree on mission priorities, considering our financial means. Finally, there are still discussions among us regarding the importance of the common good, even though it is the best means of ensuring our individual and collective protection, and of opening new opportunities. Hence the reflection of the moment: hasn’t the time come to change our habits, no matter the cost?

Since the novitiate, and supported by our CICM Constitution, our novice master constantly reminded us that everything we possess is in fact a gift from God. As a result, we are called to a humble and grateful management of our resources, knowing that they are not solely the fruit of our efforts, but the reflection of God's grace (cf. Deut. 8:18). Let us now coldly assess our situation:

1. MEXICO DISTRICT

Let us start with the Mexico District: Mexico is a financially self-sufficient district, due, in my opinion, to two mutually reinforcing factors: a simple lifestyle (all communities have part-time cooks to reduce expenses, for example), and solidarity among parishes in urgent needs (the parishes support each other without resorting to the province, even though they have the right to do so).

One of the decisions made at the district assembly was that each parish would contribute the equivalent of 102 USD per confrere per month to the province. So far, some parishes have not yet complied with this, even though the province needs it to deal with liquidity problems. It is worth recalling that financial means are not lacking, as seen in the financial reports of the parishes. Mexico contributed in USD: 5,908 in 2022, 4,674 in 2023, and 10,695 in 2024. What will its contribution be in 2025?

2. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC DISTRICT

As for the Dominican Republic District, the Provincial Government (PG) has long emphasized the need for parishes to be self-financing and to contribute financially to the activities of the province. A great effort has been made, as we have moved from parishes dependent on provincial subsidies to self-sufficiency for the majority. This is to be commended.

Nevertheless, it is true that we are slowing down when it comes to contributing to the province, even though our financial reports show that we are capable. To be more specific, and especially with your permission, we went from contributing 2,938 USD in 2022 to 4,460 USD in 2023, and then only 556 USD in 2024. What could explain this slowdown—should I say this considerable decline?

3. BRAZIL DISTRICT

Speaking of the Brazil District, habits are starting to change, even though we are not yet at the ideal point with most confreres. Although the confreres agreed to the decision made at the assembly—which consists of giving a percentage of their salaries to the province—some have not yet adapted to it, despite the PG’s insistence.

Where does the problem come from? Lack of resources? Certainly not, since each confrere receives a fixed salary from the parish each month, depending on whether he is a pastor or vicar. There is no doubt that the Brazil District would help ease the liquidity problem if every confrere embraced this spirit of solidarity.

We can already observe that contributions were: 20,848 USD in 2022, 20,814 USD in 2023, and 20,686 USD in 2024. Don’t these figures reflect the reality that it is always the same confreres who contribute?

4. GUATEMALA DISTRICT

Let’s now look at the Guatemala District, where efforts are underway to achieve full and permanent self-financing of parishes, even though we encounter resistance here and there. One thing is visible among the confreres: a strong missionary concern and a commitment to support some key areas, including formation, construction, and celebrations.

However, can’t we do mission differently, taking our limitations into account? By "differently," I mean selecting our priorities, knowing that even the most beautiful woman in the world can only give what she has and cannot constantly go into debt to meet all her needs. Otherwise, she would live in permanent stress, to the point of taking her own life.

In light of the above, parish contributions remain a major challenge for the district: 1,447 USD in 2022, 526 USD in 2023, and 3,900 USD in 2024. The animation of the confreres remains the key element for there to be generosity and voluntary sharing of our resources with the province. Isn’t this what Saint Paul invites us to in 2 Corinthians 9:7 when he says, "God loves a cheerful giver"?

5. HAITI DISTRICT

The Haiti District is undoubtedly experiencing one of the most difficult moments in its history. This has led some confreres in the district to ask, “What have we done to deserve this?”

The province is making efforts to respond to the district's urgent needs, especially the confreres’ subsistence. The lack of liquidity means that we cannot always respond favorably to current requests, at the risk of not being able to cover subsistence—which remains a priority for the congregation.

When looking at the district’s financial reports, at least from 2022 to 2024, there is no indication of any contribution to the province. The reason would be the critical situation in the country. Life places trials in our paths, sometimes painful and difficult to overcome, but they also give us the opportunity to grow and learn.

We are not the owners of the district. We have only been entrusted with its stewardship. The Lord has placed His trust in us, hoping that we will use it wisely (Luke 16:1-8). Let us be united for this common cause.

To conclude, dear confreres, the financial administration of our province requires collective and responsible regulation. A recent letter from the General Treasurer already invites us to take precautions to avoid plunging the province into a major crisis, given the current political context of our world.

How will we achieve this? I currently see three suggestions, preceded by one prerequisite:

Prerequisite: Whatever gifts we receive and have at our disposal, we should recognize that we are not the owners, but rather stewards (Mt 25:14-30). If we consider ourselves the sole masters of goods, then it is easy to be accountable only to ourselves and to overlook our unfaithfulness and poor practices in managing material goods.

1. Increase our contributions to the province to partially address the liquidity problem. For this, knowing that our contributions are already established, we could, if we wish, set up a dedicated CICM mission fund in all our parishes.

2. Create a list with phone numbers of benefactors/sponsors of the CICM-LAC mission in each district. From these individuals, we could seek both spiritual and financial support for the benefit of the province.

3. Review our priorities according to our financial means. We cannot spend what we do not have. Some are demanding money for their PTA, projects, and others, without realizing that the province has used it as a subsidy because it was not able to respond positively to confreres’ requests.

Shall we continue this way? When and how will we repay the PTA and project funds of confreres that we used as subsidies?

United we stand.

Germain Nsasi, cicm
Missionary in Belgium

(Brief overview of the meeting of young confreres, held in Scheut on May 1, 2025)

On May 1, 2025, a group of young confreres from the CICM-BNL Province gathered in Scheut for an in-depth reflection on a crucial issue: the link between finances and spiritual life. The preparation for this meeting was facilitated by the individual reading of a reflection by our confrere Eric Manhaeghe, which focuses on a conviction of our Founder: “The Good Lord knows well that without money there is no way to do his work. He will not refuse it to us.” Moderated by our confrere Jozef Lapauw and enriched by the expertise of Marc Vandermeiren, Provincial Treasurer, this meeting provided a clear and collective look at the economic realities that shape the future of the mission.

A Necessary Reflection on our Relationship with Finances

The session opened with a prayer and a reading from the Acts of the Apostles, reminding us that the material dimension of missionary life cannot be separated from spirituality. However, in the face of a gradual decline in numbers, resource management is becoming a significant concern. Marc Vandermeiren, drawing on his experience during CICM training in Cameroon, highlighted one observation: while expenses remain constant, contributions from confreres tend to decrease.

Living our Commitment in a Consumer Society

In a lively exchange, participants explored a fundamental question: How can we preserve a simple and balanced life while living in a society governed by consumption? The discussions revealed a need for vigilance and discernment. While the community model offers protection against material excess, it is essential to cultivate habits of sobriety, inspired by the first disciples. Some confreres, trained in more austere contexts in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, offered valuable insights on how to remain detached from the grip of material possessions while providing for daily needs.

The CICM-BNL Province: a United Family

Reflection continued on the perception of the Province: Is it a simple administrative structure or a genuine space of fraternity and belonging? For many, the Province is above all a living community, founded on bonds of solidarity and mutual responsibility. Financial management should not be a taboo subject, but a tool for ensuring the continuity of our missions and the well-being of our confreres. Greater transparency in financial reporting is a way forward to better live out the vow of poverty.

Bold Proposals for the Future

One of the strong recommendations that emerged from the discussions was the introduction of a voluntary annual contribution, allowing each confrere to contribute according to their means. At the same time, the adoption of a more realistic budgetary culture is encouraged to avoid imbalances during periods of vacation or family support.

Current Challenges and Missionary Prospects

Finally, Martin Mvibudulu, Provincial Superior, gave an overview of the challenges ahead. The welcome and integration of new confreres, active participation in missionary projects, and the sustainability of existing structures are among the priorities. The development of the Ostend-Zeebrugge mission from September 2025 and the ongoing discussions with the Diocese of Liège for a missionary community project in 2027 testify to a renewed commitment to the spiritual and pastoral growth of the Province.

Through this meeting, a conviction has been affirmed: each confrere, through his personal commitment, shapes the future of the mission. Far from being a mere economic concern, financial reflection is an essential dimension of our collective spiritual journey.

Conclusion: A Sign of Faith and Hope

With hope and faith, may each confrere, whether retired or active, carry the missionary projects of the Province in constant prayer, asking God to be their guide and source of fruitfulness, so that they may shine with His light and bear lasting fruit for His work.