Mosocho, Kenya, 25 August 2018.
175 Years since the foundation of our Congregation
Just ten days after the colourful celebration of the profession for life of eight brothers in the Province of Kenya, another great day came; the launching of the 175 Jubilee Year of our beloved Congregation, the Brothers CMM. This took place on 25 August 2018 in the chapel of the Mosocho community. The event was graced by the members of the community, a few visiting brothers, as well as a representative of the ambassadors of the worldwide brotherhood/sisterhood.
Also in attendance was our Superior General Br. Lawrence Obiko, whose presence made the day even more distinctive to brothers of the Mosocho community, as it was perceived as a rare occasion.
The launching
The launching of the Jubilee Year began with a special hour of adoration. Sweet melodious music characterized the day, as brothers chanted songs of praise to welcome this exceptional year. Various reflection materials were meditated upon. Subsequently, there was a special devotion to Mary our Mother, during which the brothers participated in the recitation of the holy rosary.
At this juncture, brothers remembered all the leaders of our Congregation; prayed for the success in our apostolates; for strength to overcome the challenges we encounter in our daily life; commemorated our deceased brothers and prayed for vocations. These were followed by vespers and a few remarks.
Focus on the future
During his address, the superior general once again impressed upon the brothers, to take into account the following three areas; Unity from the community level to the entire Congregation; the Future of the Congregation, and especially the Spiritual aspect of our life as religious. Meanwhile, he commended the brothers for the good work done in the areas of apostolate. However, he cautioned us to take care that we do not become workers, but brothers.
Little seed
Br. Lawrence compared our Congregation to a little seed planted in the Netherlands 175 years ago, which sprouted and grew into a big tree and produced a lot of seeds. The seeds have so far been dispersed to quite a number of countries including our country Kenya, but nowadays also Tanzania, Namibia, Indonesia, Brasil, and East Timor. “The more we receive young men into our Congregation, the more we realize the fruits of the little seed…”, he reiterated. Consequently, the parable of the mustard seed in (Luke 13:19…) is gradually coming to fruition.
The example of Jesus
Jesus himself directs us in the gospel to do what He did, to serve and enlighten, to speak a redeeming word and to be a helping hand. These were some of the ‘opening salvos’ on this memorable day and we are proud of it because it is the Lord’s doing (Rom 15:17…).
Br. Elijah Agilo CMM (Kenya)