Mark Steven Joyce, cicm
Novice in the Philippines

Storytelling during the Novitiate Annual Retreat

From being in a room with Fidel Castro to the real joy of his missionary experience doing community development and human development, Fr. Alejandro “Alex” A. Ulpindo, CICM, made storytelling the theme of our retreat. The story began with all of us novices arriving at Home Sweet Home after spending two weeks at various CICM schools. In the cool Baguio weather, we were animated and excited to see one another and share our stories from our school immersion. Yet, through the examples and guidance of Father Alex, we broadened the horizon of the stories we told, which made the retreat much more than just a reflection on our two-week exposure. During our annual retreat, Father Alex provided a grounding experience for our batch through which we learned more about ourselves and each other, found rest and recharge after a two-week exposure, and found inspiration in a CICM expression of the missionary experience.

As part of our novitiate program, we have told “our stories” in many different formats. Usually, “our story” means our vocation story or the narratives on why we decided to join CICM. Yet, on this retreat, I heard my brother novices tell their stories in new ways. On the first day, Father Alex told us he preferred teaching through storytelling instead of lecturing. The format was that he would spend an hour with us in the morning telling stories, after which we would receive reflection questions. We were told to listen to each other and tell stories in the afternoon. I came to the afternoon session with a story I thought I could tell based on my reflection, only to feel prompted to tell a different story based on the stories I heard. One thread in several stories was “How do we define ourselves.” Through these stories, I realized we have all gotten to know ourselves better through our novitiate, which has allowed us to tell our stories in new ways.

 Early in the retreat, I asked Father Alex what he felt about us going for runs or walks during the retreat. He encouraged it by saying, “Happy mind, healthy body, that is the point of a retreat.” I think this mentality helped all of us make the most out of our time during the retreat. After two weeks in the schools, we could rest, exercise, and reflect on our half-year journey with CICM. For some congregations, the idea that novices can go for runs while on retreat may sound unacceptable. However, I think it was a perfect addition for a missionary congregation with an ad gentes priority. After hearing Father Alex tell stories emphasizing the importance of being close to the people, we ran around a soccer field in Burnham Park. There, we saw the young people of Baguio congregate, play sports, laugh, and practice the traditional dances of the Igorot people. To me, not only did these runs help me feel mentally balanced, but they also helped me reflect on an ad gentes-oriented missionary life.

During our retreat, Father Alex told a range of missionary stories that were shocking, inspiring, and informative. One theme that encompassed many of his stories was the reality of living with and serving the poor. These stories opened our eyes to what could be ahead of us. One exercise that stood out to me was reading a letter our founder, Theophile Verbist, wrote to the first CICM novices. I liked the fact that Father Verbist wrote the letter from his mission in China. Even though the letter was written over 150 years ago, the lessons and teachings are still relevant to me as a CICM novice today. Especially when he said, “The missionary has only the spirit of faith to support and protect him.” What stood out to me in the letter and the stories Father Alex told us was the hardship involved in a missionary vocation serving the poor.

These tales of CICM experiences in mission helped us reflect on what we are working on in our life journeys with CICM. Our batch truly appreciates the hospitality we received from the Home Sweet Home community. At close to the halfway mark of our novitiate year, it was nice to experience how far we have all come in self-knowledge and self-understanding. It was also important and helpful to have time to find a grounding experience and recharge for what lies ahead of us. Most importantly, though, the retreat helped us focus on some key themes of missionary life that can inspire us in our vocational journey. The retreat helped us become aware of the “spirit of faith” needed to succeed in a mission environment.

Eric Michael Imbao, cicm
Missionary in the USA

It has been months since pilgrims from the World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, returned home. Yet everything we have seen, heard, and witnessed on the pilgrimage still feels unreal. Undoubtedly, it left an indelible mark in our hearts and faith that we will carry for the rest of our lives.

A week before WYD, our pilgrim group was blessed to visit holy sites in Rome and Italy. Visiting the catacombs of the first Christians and first martyrs filled us with deep inspiration. We also visited the four major basilicas in Rome, with special access permission to the Necropolis or the tomb of St. Peter (underground Pope’s grottos at St. Peter’s Basilica). The group immensely enjoyed our visits to saints like St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Francis, Blessed Carlo Acutis, and St. Claire in Assisi, Italy. 

Arriving in Portugal, we spent a day in Fatima, visiting the houses of the three little children and walking meditatively at Via Sacra in Aljustrel (Shepherd Way). We also had the opportunity to visit all the apparition sites of the Our Lady of Fatima. These were meaningful and unforgettable blessings that our group would carry in our hearts.

According to the Vatican News, the week-long event was an electrifying tapestry of encounters, reflections, and prayers by young people from around the globe. United by the theme "Mary arose and went with haste" (Luke 1:39), participants answered Pope Francis’ call to come together and explore the depths of their faith and spirituality amidst diversity. These pilgrims rose to the challenge of the pilgrimage and went with haste to be messengers of joy.

The journey itself is filled with ups and downs, and one word that can sum it all up is – “challenging”. When faced with challenges and difficulties in accomplishing a task, there is also much to learn and gain. It can be likened to the principle of life: where there is much to gain, there will be pain. Or, putting it in another way, no pain, no gain. Our pilgrim group gained so much from the sacrifices that our group had to make for the WYD experience. From the long walks in the heat of the day to sleeping on gym floors, eating unfamiliar food, having nights of less sleep, and talking to people who speak a different language, these are all life-changing and impactful challenges that made our experience truly unforgettable.

Our pilgrims are happy to share their testimonies here:

“One thing that will stay in my mind is the joy I’ve felt meeting people who are passionate about God. We sang and danced practically anywhere. We found ourselves exhausted and tired. But instead of being impatient and complaining, our group remained joyful at every moment. I believe we should take life the same way.” - Fr. Eric Michael Imbao, CICM.

Among the pilgrims, Anthony Pablo (18 yrs. old), a parishioner of Maria, Reina De Las Américas in Mount Olive, cherished the memory of being in the presence of Pope Francis. He shared the message he took to heart: "No tengan miedo, tengan coraje" – "Don't be afraid, have courage." For him, these words meant embracing God's path without fear. Karen Hildalgo (29 yrs. old), a parishioner of St. Mary of the Angels in Mount Olive, said, “The sheer sight of thousands of faithful gathered never failed to inspire awe within her. She mused, this time, I thought I was ready not to be surprised, but it felt like starting over again." For Fatima Gloria Mesa-Romero (17 yrs. old) from Sta. Teresa, Beulaville, “Seeing thousands of people travel all over the world to worship one God is so amazing. I am not alone in the Catholic Church. There were thousands of us sharing the same faith.” 

Edwin Castaneda (20 yrs. old) from St. Catherine of Siena in Tarboro said, “I walked into WYD not knowing what to expect. I knew I wanted to grow in my faith, and I felt like I did tremendously! I enjoyed the Masses, meeting different people, and especially learning about my faith in ways I wasn’t sure about.” “The moment that will stick with me forever would be when Pope Francis said, “Don’t be afraid.” “Those three simple words meant so much more to me because I feel like a teen who was trying to grow in my faith. I felt afraid. I was afraid to speak about my faith. I was afraid to acknowledge it. Now, I feel like instead of avoiding my faith and looking at the other way, I should embrace it! I should never be afraid to share my faith!”

Edwin added that when things get hard, he can look back at this pilgrimage as a reminder that he encountered many obstacles, so there was nothing impossible that he was not willing to try. He added: “I think life gets difficult sometimes, and we often lose ourselves from those difficulties, whether it’s our faith or our passion for the Church. I believe the Lord chose each of us in that group to be there, so it’s our responsibility to share those experiences with others and encourage them to strengthen their faith in God or maybe try to encourage them to go to the next WYD!”

Other pilgrims shared their thoughts, too:

“When it was time to sing, we sang; when it was time to dance, we danced. And when it was time to pray, we prayed. We prayed for our families and all our communities. It was so nice to pray for others in different basilicas in Italy and Portugal, which left us amazed by the beauty and holiness of these sacred churches.” - Amy Galvez Ortiz, 18 years old.

“The main thing I learned about WYD was how not to take everything for granted at home, to be grateful for everything we have, and always be thankful to the Lord that He gave us another day, food, and a roof over our heads. Also, a time I will remember was when we were going up a mountain on a bus trip (this was a day after WYD). I was telling Fr. Eric I saw people hiking and how they looked exhausted, and it just reminded me of the time we were going up on a bridge on our way to the last activity at the WYD vigil site, carrying so much food and being very tired. WYD taught me so much to be humble and to be glad about what I have.” - Joseph Vasquez, 16 years old

“Not a day went by where I wasn’t tired, yet a day did not go by where I didn’t experience God’s love and joy. Walking extensively alongside 1.5 million people in the heat daily gave me the happiness I didn’t know I lacked (and an awful Chaco tan line). You gave me dance parties in the street and packed metros. Thank you, WYD; because of you, I realized how comfortable it is to sleep on the floor. For all of this and more, I am grateful. – Dulce Perez Berduo, 18 years old

“The moment I loved the most was how each day we worked as a team by encouraging one another.” - Franuel Chima Cagal,15.

“The thing I experienced personally with my faith was accepting who I am. As Pope Francis said, "God calls us to the faith as we are." We do not have to change ourselves to be like everyone else; we are uniquely made in God’s image. I will carry this moment with me because I have always struggled to fit in and to get along with others so I can call them friends. I was too scared to tell them my life story, for they may not want me. So, I closed off. But now, I embrace my background and experience because they make me who I am. The struggles, the pain we endure, even the good moments, are what made us the people we are today, and that is who God tells us to be, and we all have a purpose.” – Anthony Pablo, 18.

“I experienced calmness and a true connection with God. A moment that will stay in my memories is singing in the metro with other pilgrims. That brought me joy and inspiration.” - Diana Hernandez, 16.

“During the pilgrimage, I learned to be patient with God’s timing and to trust in him. I experienced how huge the love of God is.” - Alexa Hurtado, 16.

Pope Francis’ words that the Church is always a place "para todos, todos, todos" continue to echo in the hearts of the pilgrims. World Youth Day is a pilgrimage for everyone, but what you will gain from it depends on the extent of your willingness to invest in it. Our group invested in the sacrifice and the challenge of living the pilgrimage. Because of this, we gained more to last us a lifetime. We seek discomfort by being comfortable in being uncomfortable. Just as Jesus’ disciples were called so much more than just having a comfortable life, we, as pilgrims here on earth to journey towards our destination – in heaven, are also called for greatness, holiness, and discipleship. It is the road that God calls us to walk.

For pilgrims, WYD is not the destination, nor does the journey end in Portugal. Our pilgrimage continues, and WYD Portugal is just a one-stop along the way to heaven.

At the sending mass with the Pope, CICM confreres from different missions met and shared the joy of our One Heart and One Soul. (photo) In the picture (from left to right): Fr. Louland Escabusa-Hongkong, Fr. Joseph Gao-Hongkong, Fr. Galuh Arjanto Bubun-Japan, Fr. Ryan Carnecer-Texas, Fr. Frederick Mizengo-North Carolina, Fr. Sonny Aryanto-Texas, Fr. Eric Imbao-North Carolina, and Fr. Bakatubia Madiayi Sébastien-Taiwan, and Fr. Francis Javelosa-Taiwan.

Source : Chronica No 5

By Jacques Thomas, cicm
Missionary in Belgium

The first session of the universal phase of the Synod has been taking place in Rome since September 29. This was preceded by meetings at the level of communities, parishes, dioceses, bishops' conferences, and continents. The diocesan phase coincided with our preparations for the General Chapter in June 2023, which unfortunately meant it took a back seat.

Synod and the Synodal Process

The very theme of the Synod could be defined as follows ... "for a synodal Church". This is no mere play on words. The practice of Synods was introduced in the wake of Vatican II, with the desire to involve dioceses and episcopal conferences more closely in reflecting on specific significant themes. However But practical implementation has only sometimes lived up to expectations. I remember a joke by Father Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, then Superior General of the Jesuits, who had the luxury of being invited to all Synods, including the special Synod for Lebanon, because he had been a missionary there. He said, "What I can say about all the Synods I've taken part in is that, in fact, the outcome was already known in advance." In fact, having taken part in the 1994 Synod for Africa myself, I noticed that some of the more daring reflections never made it past the small discussion groups and onto the Assembly table. What could have been the subject of controversial debate was discreetly relegated to the back burner.

An Open and Dynamic Process

Things have changed. Pope Francis wanted the dynamic to be as open as possible and wanted everyone to be able to express themselves freely. That's why today, no one can predict outcome. To allow time for the process to mature, he even decided that this universal phase would take place in two stages and postponed the final part until 2024.

All commentators agree that this Synod is, in fact, no more than the reactivation of a dynamic initiated by the Second Vatican Council, which has so far not been sufficiently developed or exploited. As Cardinal Jozef De Kesel said in his October 2022 pastoral letter concluding the diocesan phase of the Synod: "If Pope Francis touches the hearts of so many people, it's also because he picks up the thread of the Council and the questions that arose then."  But even more than the results, the way of being Church is at stake.

The synodal dynamic is a combination of participative and respectful listening, a never-ending process. The cardinal added: "It's wrong to believe that now that the synodal process is behind us, we can simply wait for results from 'above'. We've learned something that will always be important: we've learned to listen to each other. Not only were we able to say everything we thought was important for the Church and its future, but we also listened to what others had to say on the subject. Listening, entering dialogue, discerning together what is important for the Church and what the Spirit is asking of us - this is the path we have travelled. There can be no dialogue without listening. Entering dialogue is more than just being right as quickly as possible. Listening to each other and discerning together isn't just important for getting results, they're part of the goal we want to achieve."

The Diocesan Phase

Several trends have been highlighted at the level of the Archdiocese of Michelin-Brussels, I want to highlight two of them. Firstly, the need for a Church that, while aware of the radical nature of the Gospel, but with a great deal of tenderness and mercy, does not want to exclude anyone. Pope Francis this confirmed at the World Youth Day (WYD) in Lisbon, repeatedly hammering home the word: ALL. There's also a strong desire for a less clerical Church that gives women an equal place. At the closing celebration of the diocesan phase in the Koekelberg basilica, this was illustrated by an entrance procession in the image of the people of God: adults and children, men and women, young and old, able-bodied and disabled in wheelchairs. That's why I regret the image the Church gave itself on the main square in Mechelin, in front of the terraces filled with an amused public, during the ordination of the new archbishop: a long procession of several hundred priests, flanked by a dozen bishops with mitres, while lay collaborators and pastoral assistants, men and women, waited in the cathedral. It was a missed opportunity to show the world a new face of the Church, less masculine and clerical. This invites us to reflect more deeply on age-old practices, which are certainly valid, and we take for granted but do not bring the renewal we claim.

The Continental Phase

The continental phase, in which lay people and not just bishops took part, brought to the fore a diversity of sensibilities and approaches, including among European churches. This makes us realize that our way of seeing things in our hyper-secularized society is not to be generalized or imposed, and this principle will also apply to the diversity of realities at the level of continents and the whole Church.

Diversity, a Sign of Vitality

As the cardinal says: "It's obviously impossible to meet every expectation. The final report from our diocese gives a good account of what's going on in the Christian community, but it also shows that not everyone thinks the same way or has the same expectations. Expectations vary, as do options as to the path to follow. We have to learn to live with this fact. That’s even a good thing. It's important for everyone in the Church to be able to say what they think. Diversity as such is not a threat to unity, but a sign of vitality. ... But no one should believe that the next Synod, and the synodal process that precedes it, will be a success unless his own conceptions and expectations have prevailed."

The synodal dynamic knows no end. In fact, it is destined to become a permanent way of working. We already had some experience of this in our religious Congregations, particularly in preparing ourChapters, with our Provincial and Regional Assemblies, not forgetting the valuable and always relevant work of the Pre-capitular Commission. But this synodal dynamic can inspire us even further: Chapters are not terms in themselves. We look forward to the publication of the Acts of the Chapter to continue to share and reflect while listening to each other and respecting our different sensitivities.

Source : Chronica No. 5 2023

By Ronald Magbanua, cicm
Missionary in Mongolia

An Experience to be in Service during the Visit of Pope Francis to Mongolia

"Taste and see because the joy and goodness of the Lord are not fleeting."

I felt very excited upon hearing that the Pope was coming to Mongolia. In 2003, Pope John Paul II was scheduled to go to Mongolia. However, due to unfavorable circumstances, the visit was cancelled. Almost everyone then was ready and eagerly waiting for Pope John Paul’s coming: the entourage, the news agencies, etc. I was involved in the preparation then because I lived with the late Bishop Wens in the Bishop’s House.

This time, I told myself: “What is important is that the Pope will come, which is already enough for me. I am already satisfied with it. I do not even need to get closer to him.” But the confreres told me I could be near or seated near the pope as the local superior.  I replied to them that there was no need for that. His coming to Mongolia is already a blessing and a privilege, and I will already be delighted.

As a member of the Prefecture's Mission Council and a Parish Priest, I was well informed and took part in the preparatory committee. I saw how immense the work that needed to be done. I committed myself to all the work entrusted to me and to all the areas that needed my help. I was part of the Family Commission, which oversaw the decoration of the Cathedral, the House of Mercy (a shelter blessed by the Pope himself), and the altar for the Pope’s Public Mass. Along with the other commission members, we cleaned the surroundings of the Cathedral, planted flowers around it, put up tarps, and ironed the vestments of the bishops and cardinals.

Many pilgrims came from many countries in Asia. Some confreres also came for the Pope’s visit, including our Superior General, Charles Phukuta; our ASI Provincial Superior Antonius Harnoko; Gilbert Sales, who is one of the pioneers of the Mongolia Mission; Rene Cabag, RP Vice-provincial Superior; and André Aboudi from Cameroon. I humbly offered to pick them up from the airport with other pilgrims. Thanks to the help of Jay Mark Ame, we were able to welcome them and offer them our community hospitality.

The time for the Papal visit was nearing, and the plan had yet to be finalized. The Vatican Security and the State Security kept changing parts of the plan. We could only understand that they were concerned about the safety of the Pope.

The day, September 1, 2023, came. We were all excited for his arrival. I was asked to be at the airport to welcome the Pope, but I did not go. Instead, I joined and stayed with our parishioners along the road.  While waiting for the Pope, I had the great privilege of being approached by the pilgrims for the sacrament of confession. Right there on the road, people were coming for confessions. Mongolians and pilgrims came to confess. I felt profoundly blessed for this privilege. When the Pope’s entourage was coming, someone from the crowd shouted, “Father, the Pope is coming near. Please, come.” I blessed the last pilgrim who came for confession, and together, we joined the crowds. We waved our flags as Pope Francis passed by.

I saw the Pope right in front of me as he opened the window of his official car to wave at us. Wow, what a privilege! I was jumping as other pilgrims were crying for joy to see the Pope. Pope Francis was so amiable as he waved and smiled at us. We all returned to our parish church, sharing our unique experience while on the bus. As we arrived at our church, I invited all the pilgrims to the Holy Mass. We all thanked the Lord for the great opportunity of seeing the Pope pass by in front of us. After the Mass, some of the pilgrims went home. Those who stayed behind helped prepare the food for the following day.  Our parish was asked to prepare lunch for people of other parishes and other pilgrims. We thank the Lord for the workforce He gave us to be able to prepare the food for 600 people.

Late in the afternoon, the Cardinal Giorgio Marengo called up, saying that Pope Francis was inviting us for a private Mass in the Bishop’s House the following day, September 2, 2023. The pope wanted to thank us and  recognize the many works done by CICM for the Mongolia mission. Only three of us, CICM fathers, were invited, namely: Charles Phukuta, Gilbert Sales, and me. The Pope’s invitation for a private Mass could only tell us that the Mission of Mongolia entrusted to us as CICM would remain with us. And, no matter what happens, we will never abandon the Mission.

September 2, 2023 came. Early in the morning, I went to pick up Gilbert and Charles. Immediately, we proceeded to the Bishop’s House. Upon arrival, the state security police came to check our passports, and reaching the main door of the Bishop’s House, the Vatican security came to check on our passports again.  Cardinal Giorgio welcomed us inside the Bishop’s House and brought us to the chapel . He also introduced us to  Pope Francis’ entourage. The excitement was mounting as the time for the Mass drew near. We did not know what to do anymore.

When Pope Francis came in, Cardinal Giorgio introduced us to him. The Mass started. I was seated next to the Pope. I was so nervous and conscious of the way I sat and the way I stood. I was placed next to the Pope! The Pope was so humble, unassuming, and very simple. I kept talking to myself and thinking of how blessed I was to be invited to a private mass with the Pope. I could not believe it! I was praising God for all these blessings.

At the end of the Mass, Cardinal Giorgio invited us to the reception area, where the Pope met us. Father General, Charles Phukuta and Gilbert Sales  must have had previous experiences meeting the Pope. But for me, this was the very first time, and may even be the last. I was asking myself what to say when I met the Pope. Thoughts did not come at all. And when the Pope came to meet us individually, I could not say anything. I was mesmerized by his smile and voice. The Pope gave each of us a special rosary, that we would surely treasure every day of our lives. The three of us went home very happy and grateful, thinking about sharing our experiences with our confreres and others when we got home.

Returning to our parish church, pilgrims were found all over, with everyone waiting for the signal to leave the church and proceed to Sukhbaatar Square, where the official state welcome happened. Patrick Taveirne was then with the Hong Kong Pilgrims. I told the drivers of the buses to move so they would arrive on time for the official welcome. I and the parish couples› group stayed in the parish church to finish preparing the meals. Thanks be to God. We were able to prepare the 600 food packs. We followed the pilgrims in Sukhbaatar Square to give them their lunch. We distributed the other food packs to people in the parishes and on the Cathedral grounds. Many pilgrims from the countryside came thirsty and hungry. We gave them food and drinks as well.

Pope Francis greeted all the pilgrims stationed around the Cathedral grounds. After greeting the people, the Pope met the bishops, priests, missionaries, and pastoral workers. Sister Salvia, Father Peter Sanjaajav, and Rufina gave their testimonies. After hearing the testimonies, the Pope thanked them and everyone in the Cathedral. He started by remembering Bishop Wenceslao Padilla, CICM, the first Apostolic Prefect, a pioneer in the contemporary history of the Church in Mongolia. He then invited us to reflect on Psalm 34, saying, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”

Reflecting on this Psalm, he said: “Taste and see, because the joy and goodness of the Lord are not fleeting. They remain within us, giving flavor to our lives and making us see things in a new way…. To spend one’s life for the Gospel…. At the same time, I urge you to taste and see the Lord, to keep returning to the original gaze from which everything began. Otherwise, our strength will fail, and our pastoral work will risk becoming an empty delivery of services, a roster of duties that end up inducing only weariness and frustration. Yet we remain in contact with the face of Christ, seeking him in the scriptures and contemplating him in silent adoration before the

Tabernacle, we come to see him in the faces of those we serve and experience an interior joy that, even amid hardship, brings peace to our hearts.”

I felt that the Pope was talking to my heart. I have been here in the Mission for 21 years now. I felt that the Pope was telling me to taste and see the gift of what I am and the beauty of giving myself entirely to Christ, who has called me to witness His Love in Mongolia. After the Pope delivered his message, we were all invited to meet him individually. I could still feel the blessing I had received earlier that morning. Here again, I would be receiving the blessing of the Pope! I could only thank the Lord for His Goodness!

In the evening, while others were already resting, we were still in the Steppe Arena, ironing the vestments for the cardinals and bishops. We wanted to prepare for the Mass, but the altar still needed to be ready. The architect and his men were still working on the altar and stage. We went home at almost 3:00 in the morning. The following day, all the local superiors were invited to join the Interreligious and Ecumenical Meeting in Hun Theatre. I, together with other local superiors, joined the meeting. All the religious denominations present in Mongolia were well

represented. One by one, the religious leaders gave their shares, and the Pope was the last to share. Everyone was happy with the result of the meeting.

After the ecumenical meeting, the local superiors went straight to Steppe Arena to prepare for the Public Mass of Pope Francis. When we arrived, pilgrims were already lining up to enter the Arena. As usual, the security was strict. The security checked the pilgrims one by one. Without our knowing, the Arena was filled immediately. Everyone was ready to welcome the Pope. In the meantime, I was called to help with the confessions. Confessional booths were placed on the side of the Arena. I was happy to receive confessions from Mongolian and English-speaking pilgrims. It did not take me long in the confessional box because I was called to be at the altar to

practice for the Mass. I was so blessed to have been chosen to serve at the altar for the Pope’s Public Mass. I gave communion to the Pope. What a blessing! Of all the priests and religious present for the Pope’s visit, they chose me to serve the Pope. Thank you, Lord!

After the Mass, I received many congratulatory messages from home and abroad saying they saw me at the altar and heard my voice. I gave praise and thanks to the Lord for choosing me to serve. If you ask me why I was chosen, I surely do not know the answer. One thing is sure that I can say.  I am blessed by the Pope.  I will share this blessing with the people I serve and continue to be a blessing to others whom I shall encounter. 

Source : Chronica No. 5 Sept-Dec 2023

By Prosper-B. Mbumba, cicm

The CICM Novitiate in Mbudi celebrates its fiftieth anniversary in 2022. Indeed, after the first experience in Katoka, Central Kasai, from 1954 to 1964, the CICM Novitiate in Africa reopened in 1972 in the Kinshasa suburb of Mbudi. Cardinal Frederic Etsou, then Vice-Provincial of the CICM Province of Kinshasa and Elder of the African CICM, was a key figure in establishing the Mbudi Novitiate. Candidates would receive a missionary and religious formation that was authentically African, according to Msgr. Léonard Kasanda, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Luiza (DR Congo) and the first Director of Novices at the Novitiate, known as the Buisson Ardent (Burning Bush). Initially founded for African candidates, this Novitiate is now one of only two in the world for our Congregation. The English-speaking second Novitiate is located in Taytay, Philippines.

This Golden Jubilee culminated in the Eucharistic celebration on September 8, 2022, the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with the theme “Fifty Years of Fidelity and Perseverance for a Flame always Lit.” The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Bishop Léonard Kasanda, and the sermon was delivered by our Superior General, Father Charles Phukuta. Several other CICMs were present to commemorate the Golden Jubilee, among others, the former Buisson Ardent Novitiate Directors of Novices, Msgr. Godefroy Mukeng’a Kalond, Archbishop Emeritus of Kananga (DR Congo) and the first African CICM priest; Msgr. Louis NKinga, Bishop Emeritus of Lisala (DR Congo), and Msgr. Ernest Ngombe, Archbishop of Mbandaka-Bikoro (DR Congo).

In his homily, Father Charles encouraged the congregation and the ten Novices who were to take their first vows at the same time to trust in God who had called them and to make themselves available to listen to God, as Joseph and Mary had done:

“Today’s Gospel, with its long genealogical list, leads to Mary, Joseph, and the Son of God made Man. But it is Joseph, the lowly Joseph, who is highlighted. Having learned that Mary was pregnant before they had even lived together, Joseph decides to divorce her: yet he will be gentle and careful with her, planning to separate from her in secret. And then, before Joseph can act, God intervenes in a dream and overturns Joseph’s decision. An angel tells him not to be afraid and to take Mary into his home. It was complex advice to follow. Yet, Joseph’s faith, control, and courage will prevail. Obeying the angel’s message, he will do what is right... Like Mary and Joseph, let us listen to God and our neighbor. Listening implies availability: let us air our lives and eliminate all kinds of clutter to make our hearts available.”

In his jubilee address, the CICM Superior General emphasized the significance of the name given to this Novitiate, Buisson Ardent:

“The name ‘Buisson Ardent’ is inspired by Exodus 3, when God called Moses through a burning bush and sent him to free his people, the Israelites, from slavery in Egypt. Through this burning bush, God proclaimed his name to Moses, YHWH. The burning bush is, therefore, a powerful symbol. It represents the miraculous energy of God, the sacred light, the illumination, and the heart burning with purity and love. It also means the reverence and awe of Moses before the divine presence... Like Moses, this place has become a sacred ground for hundreds of us, where we have discovered and deepened our CICM calling for the world.”

During its half-century existence, the Buisson Ardent Novitiate welcomed and formed 669 Novices, some of whom went on to join the secular life. There are currently five bishops among the missionaries who were formed in this place, namely, Msgr. Philibert Tembo, Bishop of Budjala (DR Congo); Msgr. Ernest Ngombe; Msgr. Oscar Nkolo, Bishop of Mweka (DR Congo); Msgr. Félicien Ntambue, Bishop of Kabinda (DR Congo) and Msgr. Faustin Ambassa, Archbishop of Garoua (Cameroon). In addition, the Novitiate of Mbudi counts among its former Novices two Superiors General: Fathers Edouard Tsimba (2005–2011) and Charles Phukuta (2017 -).

Finally, the Superior General expressed the hope that this Novitiate, as well as the one in Taytay, will continue to fulfill their noble vocation of forming religious missionaries capable of responding to the changing needs of the world and Church:

“May God, the author of all good, help us in keeping this burning bush burning for many years to come. May the Buisson Ardent Novitiate in Mbudi and the Théophile Verbist Novitiate in Taytay, Philippines, grow in effectiveness and fulfillment of their high vocation and noble mission of forming future CICM religious missionaries through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Our Lord and Patroness of our Congregation.”   

By Simon Mputu, cicm

2022 marks the 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Government of Mongolia. But more importantly, for the Mongolian faithful, it is the 30th anniversary of the Catholic Church in this land. Yes, 30 years ago, some three brave missionaries embarked on a mission to share the Mongolian people’s salvation journey. We are blessed to still have two of our valiant confreres with us: Fr. Robert Goessens in Japan and Fr. Gilbert Sales in the Philippines, while our beloved Bishop Wenceslao Padilla (Wens) has already preceded us to the father.

This time of celebration is undoubtedly an opportunity to thank God for the countless blessings bestowed upon the Mongolian people during these past 30 years. We are indeed fortunate to be part of this incredible journey on the Steppe, in the steps of our beloved Founder, Fr. Théophile Verbist, as servants in this vineyard of the Lord.

Indeed, the story of CICM and Mongols did not start after the Democratic Revolution! At the beginning of our Missionary Institute, CICM and the Mongolian people had already tied a knot. They were among the first people CICM served in the world. Shortly after arriving in Inner Mongolia, China, our founder had made it a point that some CICM learn the Mongolian language to do their apostolate among the Mongols. He was then aware that working among the Mongols would not be easy. He already knew that Mongols were not as open and as welcoming to the Gospel message as the Chinese. However, that did not quench in him and his companions the desire and the determination to bring the Gospel to the Mongols because they had faith in God, the Master of the mission. From this, we can understand that Verbist and the early confreres were not interested in whether they would be met with flowers or whether their message would find a smooth or rough terrain. It was, instead, their love for the mission that mattered. In one of his letters to novices, he said, “To him who loves nothing is difficult.” That love led them to embrace the mission to Mongols, regardless of apparent indifference and the harsh weather conditions.

It is reported that when CICM was forced out of China (Inner Mongolia), there were roughly 2000 Catholics among the Mongols. Today, as the Church celebrates 30 years of journey with the Mongolian people, there are about 1300 Catholics here in “Outer” Mongolia. So, it sounds like a déjà vu.

Times have changed, but the mission has remained the same, and the Mongolian mindset seems to have changed only very little. Of course, today, we boast of modern technology’s prowess, which allows us to be in touch with our loved ones. Although the weather has remained the same, we boast of having better clothing to fend off the cold. We have humidifiers and air purifiers to ensure healthier air in our living rooms and churches. But we are still facing the same indifference to the Gospel that Verbist and his companions faced more than a century ago. We are still dealing with the same difficulties Bishop Wens, Frs. Robert and Gilbert met 30 years ago. Perhaps the only difference would be that they were motivated by those challenges and problems while we are terrified by them! The ebbs and flows they encountered made them trust God even more, whereas we tend to lean more on our abilities to make things work. Sometimes, we like to project ourselves as fixers. But then, when we realize that we cannot fix it, we get discouraged and eventually build “small kingdoms” around ourselves with people who dance on the same foot as we do. Or we start pointing fingers at one another to make sure somebody carries the blame.

Indeed, many of us, not just CICM but other congregations working in Mongolia, express frustration at how slow the Church is growing in Mongolia. I remember how the Korean Fidei Donum priest, currently Rector of SPP Cathedral, expressed that frustration during Mass during our Advent Recollection last year: “We are going to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Church in Mongolia. But our churches are empty. So, what are we going to celebrate then?” he lamented. He is among the veterans here. Now, if a veteran is frustrated in such a manner, what about a newcomer!

If we look at the statistics, we might find no reason to celebrate. Moreover, the pace with which other Christian churches, primarily Protestants, are growing can make us feel shy even to tell others that we have been here for 30 years. Once I had a chat with a Mongolian Mormon faithful, and I was surprised to learn that they have more than 20 Mongolian missionaries in other countries on top of the 62 others working locally. Their church membership as of December 2021 is more than 11,000. But the Mormon church arrived in Mongolia one year after the arrival of the Catholic Church.

However, celebrating an anniversary such as this is not so much about our tangible achievements. It is, instead, celebrating what God has done for and through us. We celebrate the fact that, despite our weaknesses and sometimes unfaithfulness, He has remained faithful to us and continues to journey with us. Perhaps this is also a time to sit down and understand that God has not sent us here because Mongolians are easy to win over. He did not send us on a conquest. We are here because He wants us to be here. He wants us to journey together with our Mongolian brothers and sisters, to be witnesses, not conquerors! Such an attitude will uplift us in times of trials and keep us faithful to Him who calls us to this beautiful mission in the Steppe. We should, therefore, care more about the kind of witness we bear rather than the number of church attendees.  

By Bill Wyndaele, cicm

I have been a part of the life of this Province for 62 of its 75 years. I am 86 years old now. I am no longer good with names or dates. During these years, a lot has happened. There are far too many to mention, but these are some that stand out.

Promotion Development was the original primary reason for establishing the US Mission in 1946. That is why Ernest Dieltiens was sent from China to the United States. We can only marvel at the generosity of US Catholics after 75 years of Development and Mission Awareness Work. Many benefactors became regular supporters of our missions and true Missionhurst friends. We had six men assigned to travel around the country making mission appeals in the early 1960s. For weeks at a time, they were on the road. Many confreres from other Provinces have since come to assist with mission appeals during the summer. For many years, Missionhurst Magazine was distributed to thousands of readers. In recent years, the development office has shifted its focus away from the Magazine and mailing appeals and toward a website, https://www.missionhurstcicm.org, as a more modern outreach to potential benefactors and mission awareness. We are very proud of what we have done over the years on behalf of the other CICM Provinces, and we are committed to continuing this work as a primary commitment of our Province.

Pastoral work was also accepted to make the American bishops more open to our mission appeal work. When headquarters decided to launch a mission in the United States in 1946, the number of members sent increased rapidly. It was decided to focus on the Black Ministry. Forty-five confreres were assigned to the US Mission during the first three years. It wasn’t easy to find dioceses willing to provide Black Parishes for all of these confreres. So, many were sent to Texas and several rural parishes in Virginia and Louisiana. On July 17, 1949, the General Government made the US Mission the US Province.

When I arrived in 1960, it had grown into a large Province with 86 confreres, the majority of whom were Belgian, and a few were Dutch. They were dispersed throughout the country. There were groups of confreres in the North (Detroit, Philadelphia, and Northern Virginia) who were separated from those in the South (Texas, Louisiana).

We still had several confreres working as associate pastors in Black parishes in Philadelphia and Detroit when, in the early 1960s, several confreres who had been working as associate pastors in Black parishes were drafted to become teachers in a high school (see below). By 1980, Our Lady of Sorrows, a mixed community of Blacks and people of Belgian origin, had only one confrere left. In 1994, he retired. This marked the end of our presence and Black ministry in Detroit. In Philadelphia, we had John Van de Paer, who had been George Vermeiren’s associate pastor at a predominantly Black parish, St. Charles Borromeo, since 1952 and became its pastor in 1981. He worked there successfully until his retirement in 1995. However, this would be the end of the Black Ministry in our Province. More and more confreres were being assigned to the Hispanic Ministry. The Provincial Assembly of 1980 chose to prioritize the Hispanic Ministry, with a focus on the poor. Since then, this option has been renewed in every Provincial Assembly. Until 1960, a couple of young confreres were sent from Europe each year, but in the 1960s, there was a significant decline in missionary vocations in Belgium. After their studies, very few new members were assigned to the US Province. By the late 1980s, there was growing concern that we were becoming an aging, stagnant Province. But things would change. Today we are 33.

Americanization and Formation

It was decided early in our history to recruit Americans for our Congregation. In 1958, the first novitiate was established. The Province decided to accept the staffing of a Boys’ High School (Archbishop Wood High School) in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and committed to providing up to 20 confreres for administration and teaching staff. The school first opened in 1964. The hope was that this would become a regular source for CICM vocations. However, the 1960s were a difficult period for vocations. In reality, only three graduates joined CICM over a four-year period. By 1970, it was clear that it was not appropriate for a missionary Congregation to invest so many of its members in a high school that produced so few CICM vocations. In 1974, the school was returned to the Archdiocese. Between 1958 and 1988, we had 20 novitiates and a total of 160 novices. In 1981, it was decided to postpone the novitiate until after Philosophy and instead begin a pre-novitiate program. In the 1970s, there were a lot of young men in the pre-novitiate program, but only a few made it to the novitiate. The late 1960s and early 1970s were challenging times for most formation programs in the United States. Even though we cannot call our recruitment and formation programs numerically successful, our American (US and Canadian) confreres have proven to be wonderful in their mission assignments and their service to the Congregation. Three were Provincial Superiors, one was a General Councilor, and another was a General Councilor and then a Superior General. We are proud of them and grateful for their service.

The last Novitiate was held in San Antonio from 1985 to 1986, with only one Novice. It was decided that no further efforts would be made to recruit in the United States. However, there was a strong desire to resume recruiting during the last two Provincial Assemblies. We currently have one pre-novice who is attending philosophy classes in San Antonio, Texas. We pray and hope for more vocations in the future.

The need to Americanize the US Province was felt in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Several US confreres were called back from their missions abroad to work for vocation animation, Initial Formation, and development projects (Promotion). From there, they would gradually advance to positions of leadership. Joe Giordano was the first American-born confrere to be appointed Provincial Superior in 1988. (1988-1994). From 1999 to 2006, Bill Quigley served as Provincial Superior. Mike Hann, a Canadian-born Canadian, was the first non-Belgian Rector of the Provincial House (2003-2012), and he was succeeded by Joe Giordano (2012 - 2020).

Internationalization of the Province

Three Congolese confreres were appointed to our Province between 1982 and 1983, but two were recalled after only a few years for assignments in their home Province. In 1989, 64 of the Province’s 69 members were still of Belgian or Dutch origin, growing older and thus less available for new assignments. When the General Government asked the Provincial Government how we saw the future of the US Province, our response was: “We do believe in the future of our U.S. Province, but ... in the face of the aging process of the membership of the U. S. Province ... we foresee the need of having 25 young confreres, preferably from different cultures, assigned to our Province within the next ten years...”

The General Government responded by saying that the United States Province was invaluable to the rest of the Congregation. From then on, there was a steady influx of young confreres from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The Province was quickly revitalized and truly internationalized. Several of these newcomers studied theology in San Antonio, Texas. The most recent ones participated in a three-year internship program. They are given the time they require to learn both English and Spanish and to begin the ministry under proper supervision. There are currently 11 Congolese, nine Filipinos, six Americans (five US, one Canadian), three Indonesians, one Zambian, and three Belgians in retirement among the 33 members. The consensus is that we are a relatively young and international Province.

Fuller Participation by All Members in the Government of the Province and Ongoing Formation

Our Province began involving more confreres in the Province’s decision-making process under the influence of “Kindling the Fire” (Acts of the General Chapter of 1974). In 1980, a Provincial Assembly was held at Missionhurst, where 20 delegates out of a total membership of 83 would join the members of the Provincial Government with voting rights. This Provincial Assembly decided to take our Ongoing Formation seriously. A Director of Ongoing Formation was appointed with the task of publishing and proposing sabbatical models. Between 1981 and 1984, many confreres participated in a renewal or sabbatical program. Aside from that, every other year, we held Ongoing Formation days that all members attended. The United States Church has a number of wonderful programs for spiritual renewal, healing, and leadership training. Between 1976 and 1990, we facilitated the participation of 69 members of other CICM Provinces in a sabbatical program in the United States. We will continue to do so.

Provincial Assemblies are now held every four years. Every time, we set goals for the next four years based on our CICM Charism. These Assemblies, as well as our annual retreats where all members gather, have instilled a new spirit in our group. We have the opportunity to get to know one another, we pray together, we make decisions together, and we now understand that we are all responsible for our Province. Sharing one’s thoughts and feelings was unusual before 1980 because one was afraid of the reaction of others. But, over time, we grew more accustomed to sharing our deepest thoughts, wishes, and prayers. In this regard, the assistance of qualified facilitators for the Assemblies has proven to be highly beneficial.

There is much more I could say, but my final word is one of gratitude. We have had our darker moments in our Province’s history, but we must remember to count our blessings. The Lord has blessed us. We are grateful for the many blessings that have come our way. We are grateful for the excellent leadership provided by our Institute’s General Chapters and Provincial Superiors. Gratitude for all the men who have been a part of our Province and for the hope that the younger members of the Province have held out to us. In the words of Dag Hammarskjold: “For all that has been, Thank you. For all that is to come, Yes!”  

By Jan Reynebeau, cicm

Interview with Father Jan Reynebeau, Provincial Superior of BNL, who strongly encourages the three “young” Scheutists, who came from abroad and have been living in Antwerp for 3 years and is currently preparing the insertion of a new community of three other Scheutists from Haiti, Indonesia and the Central African Republic. From Scheut en Famille, 2^nd quarter 2020

To convert?

When our elders were going for mission in the past, it was to make Jesus known, build the Church, and work for development, since in the mentality of the time, they thought they were superior to others by their know-how, their culture…

Today the world has become a big village, not only because we move around easily, but above all, because information, ideas, values, and customs are increasingly shared, forcing us to change and change together. This is why it is beneficial for all that certain values are conveyed through small communities that not only disseminate them but also assimilate them. These small communities in this world are like a breath of fresh air: made up of people from different cultures, they aerate the places where they are implanted while evolving themselves.

What about God in all this?

It is evident that it is the Gospel that opens these missionaries to other cultures, and they discover other ways of encountering God, enriched by different religious practices. They hope to enrich their friends with their own practices as well. They will also do so by following the example of Jesus when he met people of his time. More than once, when he was in Senegal, Gabi Hénaut was told by Muslim friends: Gabi Djouf, you are like us, why don’t you become a Muslim? Sharing religious values and practices is an integral part of the Mission. Today, some people dare to say that God is too great to be enclosed in one religion!

These new confreres, are they going to fill in the gaps?

To replace the missing priests in Belgium? Absolutely not! To save or restore the Church: NO. Their objective is to collaborate to build a better world, the Kingdom of God. They will do this by living together while they are from very different cultures and origins: to be witnesses in an increasingly multicultural Belgium, of what a “living together” is a great richness.

They will also do so by paying special attention to the most abandoned, those who do not count or who count little in our society: the poor, the voiceless, the refugees? And finally, by taking various initiatives that will allow people to get together, create communion, evacuate the fear of the other… It is an opportunity for them to meet many people who are either distant from the Church or totally indifferent. Sharing common values with them while maintaining and/or enriching their personal faith is a true missionary task

Won’t they be parish priests?

In the present circumstances, they will be integrated into an existing structure: a pastoral unit in Mechelen, a multicultural city. But since there are three of them, the task will probably be less heavy to carry, which will allow them to go beyond the boundaries of the usual pastoral care, and to get out of the Church because that is where a good part of the people they have to reach are located.

We remember how another Scheutist–Paul Hanson–had joined a pigeon fancier group when he realized that it was the hobby of many people in his community. Moreover, it will also be an opportunity for the parish community to get out of itself and to meet other religions as well.

The three “young” Scheutists, who came from abroad and have been living in Antwerp for three years.
Ghislain Toussé (Cameroon), Thomas Hendrikus (Indonesia), Fabio Teixeira (Brazil) [From left to right]

By Peter Koh, cicm

The day of my departure for Malawi finally came on October 12, 2020. That day certainly did not come easily. There were many hurdles to overcome to reach that day. The General Government had planned that the confreres of the new Malawi Mission would have a six-week preparatory and team building session in Rome from mid-August to the end of September. The team would then leave together for the new mission at the end of September. On arrival, we would have two to three months of study of the local language before proceeding to the two mission posts that the bishop plans to entrust to CICM.

Then came the coronavirus pandemic. Countries all over the world closed their borders in response to the virus. The team building session in Rome was canceled. Our departure for Malawi was put on hold until travel would be possible. The four of us assigned to Malawi lived months of uncertainty, unsure if Malawi’s new mission would take off as planned. The pandemic made us realize that while planning is important, we also have to learn from Mary, be open to God’s plan, let go of the plans we have made for ourselves, and live the plans God has for us.

Malawi finally reopened its borders on September 1, 2020. However, there were still a minimal number of flights going there. There were also many questions even after the reopening of the borders. One of which was whether non-residents could enter Malawi. Finally, the Malawian Immigration clarified that non-residents could enter Malawi if they would apply for an electronic visa online. While there were flights from Rome to Malawi via Addis Ababa, there were no flights yet from Jakarta and Manila to Addis Ababa or Lusaka to Lilongwe.  

Given the limited number of flights, it was decided that I should proceed to Karonga, Malawi, and wait there for the other confreres, Nazario Caparanga, Yogkim Kraeng Kirang, and Aubrey Sumbukeni. It was not an ideal situation, but we are not living in normal times.

Before traveling, I had to get a Covid RT-PCR test. Due to the rising number of Covid cases in Italy, the drive-in testing centers were swamped. I had to wait for more than six hours to be tested when I went there on October 8. Then it was nerve-wracking and stressful waiting for the result to be released on time for my trip. The negative results arrived on the evening of October 10, just in time for me to travel. And so, on a wet and rainy night of October 12, with all my documents in order, I left Rome alone from the Casa Generalizia for Malawi. Before leaving, we had some pictures taken in the chapel with a few confreres, Jozef Matton, Jean-Gracia Etienne, Andre De Bleeker, and Jean Kalenga, present in the Casa Generalizia. 

I also had a picture taken next to an image of our Founder, Theophile Verbist, on a Chinese scroll that was presented to the Casa Generalizia by the Christians of Xiwanzi a few years ago. I did not realize the symbolism of the picture that evening. It was only later when the photo was sent to me that I realized that my departure for Malawi was in the same spirit as our Founder’s departure for China. Our Founder’s missionary spirit has extended from China to Malawi, from Xiwanzi to Karonga.

I arrived well in Karonga on October 14 after a long flight via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and Lubumbashi, Congo. After an overnight stay in the capital city, Lilongwe, came an eight-hour journey by road.  

Following Malawian health regulations, I am now in quarantine for fourteen days, living alone in a diocesan house in Karonga. From my experience of more than two months of lockdown in Italy, I knew that the days would fly once you set a routine. So, I made a simple schedule for my days of quarantine. I made sure I could set aside enough time for prayer, self-study of the local language, light physical exercise, meals, rest, cleaning the house, and communications about the new mission. Many confreres, relatives, friends, and benefactors are concerned about me and interested in Malawi’s new mission.

Respectful of quarantine rules, the Bishop and the Vicar General of the diocese called by phone to welcome me. Other people pass by only if they have to bring me food or things requested by me. 

Maybe there is no better way to start a new mission than some time (14 days) of solitude and prayer! Jesus, too, started his public ministry with 40 days of prayer and fasting in isolation in the desert. And Jesus reminded his disciples often that the Reign of God begins without fanfare but quietly like yeast in the dough or a germinating seed hidden in the ground. And so CICM’s new mission in Malawi has begun not quite the way we had planned it but with 14 days of quarantine, solitude, and prayer. 

When will my teammates be able to join me? How long will I be the only CICM in this new mission? What happens if the others are delayed for an even longer time? I can’t answer the many questions that come to mind as I sit in my quarantine house. I will just have to learn to walk by faith and not by meticulous planning. I pray every day that my three teammates will be able to join me soon. In the meantime, God keeps me company. And I believe that God looks after his missionaries, always. ■

In the Chapel of the Casa Generalizia CICM: a moment of prayer and silence before the departure of Peter Koh for the new mission of Malawi (from left to right André de Bleeker, Peter Koh, Jozef Matton, Jean-Gracia)