On June 12, 2024, some members (André De Bleeker, Márcio Martins, Roger Nshono, Amos Onezaire, and Renillo Sta. Ana) of the CICM Generalate Community in Rome held a special commemoration for the 201st Birth Anniversary of Fr. Théophile Verbist at the Church of Stella Maris, dedicated to Our Lady of Graces in Civitavecchia near Rome. Fr. Verbist had a special devotion to Our Lady of Grace, the same titular patroness as the one in the CICM chapel in Scheut.
A symbol of complete surrender to Divine Providence
As we commemorate the 201st anniversary of Théophile Verbist's birth, we find ourselves in this historic place for our religious community. I want to express my gratitude to the confreres who proposed retracing our Founder's journey and that of his first companions. In a publication titled "Théophile Verbist, Founder of the CICM (Scheut)," released for the Bicentenary of his birth, we learn that on Friday, August 25, 1865, at 2:30 pm, they departed from Scheut. Subsequently, from September 3 to September 13, they resided in Rome. Therefore, on September 13, 1865, they embarked on their voyage to Marseilles from Civitavecchia, where we are presently gathered. Drawing inspiration from today's Bible readings, I share two meditations from our Founder's spiritual journey: unwavering faith in Divine Providence and kindness in his interactions with people.
Life on this earth is often filled with turbulence and challenges, resembling a battlefield. When we reflect on Théophile Verbist's story, we are deeply moved by his unwavering resilience in the face of adversities, moments of despair, and misunderstandings. His steadfast faith in Divine Providence was his unwavering anchor amid these trials. He fought bravely, resolute in believing that spiritual forces outweigh physical ones. The first reading emphasizes that God's servants frequently encounter daunting battles on earth. The prophet Elijah, through his unshakeable faith in God, demonstrated the supremacy of God and that the ultimate triumph belongs to those who revere Him. Faith in God gives us a fresh perspective on our fellow human beings. People of faith recognize the inherent worth of human beings created in God's image and advocate for love, respect, and consideration toward them.
"Before writing a letter, dip your pen in your own heart" - a phrase frequently used by Théophile Verbist in his correspondence. The heart is the abode of goodness. History reminds us that kindness was one of his defining traits, serving as his strength during the most critical junctures of his life. Kindness embodies active benevolence towards others, a potent force capable of bringing genuine happiness to others. He sought his own happiness and endeavored to spread joy to others. There is no benefit in squandering our energy to harbor animosity towards others.
Kindness is a value undergoing a crisis in our present world. Théophile Verbist's life was fully dedicated to the mission, especially for the most vulnerable. He taught and exemplified the smallest commandments in the minutest aspects of life. He cherished his companions and desired goodness for them.
Dear confreres, Théophile Verbist established a virtuous religious community, a family in which we are not merely members but a family we are proud to be part of. Let us rejoice in our shared vocation; let us be a family of brothers who love, forgive, understand, and wish the best for one another. Pursuing personal security, status, or the interests of one's nation or tribe is a prevailing ailment in our contemporary world. Regrettably, this ailment has not spared our Church and our Congregation. Our Founder placed people at the center of his work, irrespective of their backgrounds. For him, the law served the salvation of souls, and his ultimate law was love. It was the motivation behind his embrace of Cor unum et anima una, a motto he encountered during his time with the Spiritans in Paris.
The enduring strength of CICM lies in our love for one another, our goodwill, our foundation in Gospel values, our desire to witness the progress of our confreres, and our love for the mission, even at the cost of sacrifice. Civitavecchia serves as a poignant reminder that the missionary journey is not devoid of sacrifice. This place signifies determination, a spirit of adventure, sacrifice, and complete trust in Divine Providence. It represents the willingness to depart from our comfort zones and face the unknown, where the sole source of security is in God. Here, Théophile Verbist was leaving behind his beloved European homeland, never to return.
- Roger Nshono
