“What do I want with my life?”
Every year we make a retreat. In peace and reflection we renew our commitment to Christ and our dedication to our work.
CMM Constitutions I 284-285Every year we make a retreat. In peace and reflection we renew our commitment to Christ and our dedication to our work.
CMM Constitutions I 284-285Tomohon, June 2019 – From 24 to 29 June 2019, twenty-one brothers from the communities in Manado, Tomohon and Palu had their yearly retreat in Panti Semadi, Tomohon.
The purpose of this retreat is to deepen the spirituality of our congregation. This year, the brothers reflected on the question: “What should I do with my life?”. This retreat also aimed at welcoming the Jubilee or 175 years of Brothers CMM. During the retreat the brothers were led and accompanied by Br. Jan Koppens, CMM.
The brothers were led by Br. Jan Koppens to reflect on pictures related to the personality of the brothers. They also wrote encouragement letters to confreres, studied the Constitutions articles 35-43 and 79-92, and reflected on their role as brothers in the community. Br. Jan spoke about the life and work and the virtues of St. Vincent de Paul, and related it to the spirits of Jesus in His life and work, and to the seven works of mercy. The Magnificat and Louise de Marillac were discussed, and the brother worked with images depicting all kinds of ‘mothers’, reflecting on how the love of a mother affects each brother’s life and vocation.
The participants reflected on their own life and shared their experiences related to the topics in small groups. Reflection and sharing are a good addition to prayers and Mass to deepen the spiritual life.
Br. Jan stressed that the spiritual life is not only about concepts, theories or acknowledgements, but also about being moved, giving a good example, and taking action to serve the needy, the poor and the forgotten. These things are very important. He also reminded the brothers about their vocation with some reflective questions “What do I want with my life? Do the poor and the needy have a special place in my heart? Will I be a merciful brother for my confreres in the community and for other people?” Br. Jan encouraged the brothers with wise words: If you follow your vocation you are a happy person.” He hopes that the fruit of this retreat will become visible in the daily life of the brothers.
Br. Agustinus Nai Aki (Indonesia)