On August 24 and 25, the 175-year Jubilee of the CMM Foundation was celebrated with various activities in all countries where CMM is present. Also in Brazil, the brothers celebrated this Year of Grace with Eucharistic Celebrations that took place in two places.
First in the Sacred Parish in Belo Horizonte, on August 24. Together with the school community, the brothers celebrated Mass with three main intentions: commemoration of the 175th anniversary of CMM; in honour of the school Patron, Padre Eustaquio; and commemoration of the Father´s Day. This Mass was celebrated by Father Marcos Vinicius, SSCC and concelebrated by Father Henrique, SSCC. Before the offertory, there was a tribute of the kindergarten children to the brothers. It was interesting, because this tribute said:
“When you (brothers) were born, God gave you a special mission. He said: “You will be gardeners and you will go around the world planting seeds.” You were children like us and when you grew up you left your homes as gardeners. You began planting seeds in other gardens around the world. Today we are the children, and we still do not know what God has planned for us, but we are reaping the fruits of the seeds that were sown by you. We are sure that they will spring into our hearts and into our lives. The seeds were of good quality, and the fruits we reap are mercy, brotherhood, love, respect, charity, health and peace! What a beautiful garden you have planted here in our country Brazil. Congratulations to all of you.”
After Mass, the Brothers and the guests gathered at the Colegio Padre Eustáquio, where they enjoyed a musical performance of the school choir.
The second celebration was on August 25 at the Vicente de Paulo Retreat in Igarapé. Before Mass, Frater Henrique gave a talk on the History of the Congregation (1844 to 2019). His public consisted of lay people, priests and religious from various places: Belo Horizonte, Colonel Fabriciano, St. Joaquim de Bicas and Igarapé. The program of the day ended with a festive lunch.
The brothers in Brazil experienced the 175th Anniversary Celebration as “a moment of thanksgiving for the Divine Grace in this Congregation that is given to all brothers, the associate members, our work partners and those who live directly or indirectly the charism of Mercy and Brotherhood as bequeathed by our founder Joannes Zwijsen. We ask the Holy Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit to continue blessing us and our missions in the Church and in the world. May Our Lady, Mother of Mercy always accompany us, and Saint Vincent de Paul, patron of the works of charity intercede for us, now and forever.”
Brother Damasus Dobat, Brazil
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