the missions, and what methods are considered more effective at the present time.(8) (Ad Gentes, Chapter IV # 26, on Missionaries). Building up a community with all those who collaborate with the CICM in their work, their parishes, schools and missions is always an important and enriching element of their life Sharing the joys and sorrows, hopes and dreams of those to whom they were sent brings them something precious: they leamed to respect other cultures, to ‘fee! at home’ in other cultures, to join and watk side by side with people of other cultures. They are ready to leave their family, their people and their culture in order to devote themselves forever to another people, to learn their language and integrate themselves to the extent possible into their culture. Adopting their Janguage, food and customs, they inculturate themselves into the life of the people, participating in the day-to-day effort needed to achieve lasting spiritual and material change. Their mission country becomes a second homeland for them. ‘A challenge that cannot be avoided by any missionary is clearly stated in the Church document, Ad Gentes: “Announcing the Gospel to all nations, he confidently makes known the mystery of Christ, whose ambassador he is, so that in him he dares to speak as he ought (cf. Eph. 6:19; Acts 4:31), not being ashamed of the scandal of the Cross. Following in his Master's ‘footsteps, meck and humble of heart. he proves that His yoke is easy and His burden light (Matt. 11:29ff) By a truly evangelical life,(4) in much patience. in long - suffering, in kindness, in unaffected love (cf. 2 Cor. 6:4ff). he bears witness to his Lord, if need be to the shedding of his ‘blood. He will ask of God the power and strength, that he may know that there is an overflowing of joy amid much testing of tribulation and deep poverty (2 Cor. 8:2). Let him be convinced that obedience is the hallmark of the servant of Christ, who redeemed the human race by His obedience.” (Ad Gentes, Chapter IV, # 24, on Missionaries) ‘One of the basic reasons for the missionary engagement for the majority of the confteres is their concern to serve the poorest, to struggle with them and for them, so that the oor may live a liberated life, in dignity and solidarity. Christ was on the side of the poor and in their being with the poor, they meet Him. For many confreres, the joy of their vocation isto live in the midst of oppressed and crushed peoples, with whom they feel very close and whom they deeply love.” (Silhouettes and Profiles, coll: “CICM Spirituality”, no4, The CICM missionaries ‘cherish the spirit of the radical availability of the first generations of CICM missionaries who left their home country, often to never return, and placed themselves at the service of the poorest and most vulnerable in Mongolia or Congo. They dare to hope that in any case this radical availability will remain specific for the CICM of the future. t's a radical availability that could take even the highest sacrifice of one’s life for the cause of the mission which some of the confreres went through. ‘The following are crucial dates in the history of the CICM from the date the founder died: 1888 — they breached the 100 mark and because of the demand for missionaries in other countries, the CICM expanded missionary work- established its mission in Congo. 1907 — started the migsion in the Philippines. 1931 ~ Singapore, mission for seafarers and promote inter-religious dialogue. 1937 — Indonesia, founded a Catechetical Institute, minor seminary and an agricultural schoo! { During WW II - Fr, Emest Dieltiens was sent to the United States to ask for financial support for the China missions and to find areas of ministry. Father Raskin, ordained in the congregation in 1910, and in the 1920-1930's, missionary to Inner Mongolia, was made a chaplain in the Belgian army and wag a personal advisor to King Leopold IIT. While he was operating under the codename Leopold Vindictive 200 for the Dutch Resistance in 1942, he was captured by the Gestapo, tried, convicted, then sentenced to death and beheaded on October 18, 1943. ‘The Scheutveld priests and brothers have faced severe perils, eg. the Boxer Rebellion in China, involving the massacre of Bishop Hamer, Vicar Apostolic of ‘South-Western Mongolia, seven missionaries and 3000 Christians; the even greater decimation of their numbers by the Congo climate, not to mention the persecution of the missionaries and their local congregations. In connection with their missions the Fathers opened a number of benevolent institutions, for example the hospital at St- ‘Trudon, Upper Kassai, for those afflicted with sleeping sickness. April 1946 - Eventually it was decided to establish a permanent CICM mission in the U.S. Father Dieltiens bought an eleven-acre property called “Lyonhurst,” after its former owner, Mr. Lyons. Later on, the name was changed to “Missionhurst.” Hence, the CICM missionaries are known as Missionhurst missionaries in the US. 1948, after World War Il, the CICM responded to the invitation of the Bishop of Osaka, and started ministering to the Japanese people. Among the different works of the CICM in ‘Japan, inter-religious dialogue is of utmost importance 1953, the CICM sent missionaries to Haiti. Haiti is known as the poorest country in the ‘Americas. Their mission is focused on family, youth apostolate, and JPIC. 1954, after the CICM was expelled from communist China, some CICM missionaries decided to goto Hong Kong and Taiwan In that same year, the CICM also established its mission in|Guatemala 1958, Filipino CICMs were among the pioneering group of CICM missionaries that started mission work in Dominican Republic. 1963 - Brazil started to welcome CICM Missionaries. 1966 - The first team of CICM missionaries arrived in Cameroon. 1976 - Zambia and Senegal were added to the growing number of CICM mission stations. 1977 - Nigeria weledmed CICM missionories. 1979 - Mexico also welcomed new CICM missionaries. 1990 - CICM missicnaries embarked on a new mission in Chad.992 - The arrival of CICM missionaries started the Catholic Church's presenc n 1995 - Angola 1999 - Mozambique became part of the CICM mission: 201 the CICM tums 150 year Reiterating what has been mentioned earlier, t olia, Hon ica (Congo, Cameroon, Zambia, and Senegal), in the Americas (Haiti, th in Asia (Taiwan, Mon, Kong, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia and Ja ast continent of Ai the United States); and in Euror inican Republic, Guatemala, Brazil, Mexico an COUNTRIES IN WHICH THE CICM MISSIONAIRES ARE CURRENTLY PRESENT Going wo these mission areas has 9 inspiration from zeal, dedication, and enthusiasm to their ministry re founder and Jesus himself, the greatest missionary ningful in theie different mission stations in the world. ain admirable, drawin Such inspiration makes mission work1. Asia Outside of the Philippines and East Timor, Asia is non-Christian, ‘The first mission territory of the CICM, China, is today a vast ocean of official atheism forced into folk religion/Confucian beliefs, and what remains of Buddhism. In many parts of Asia, persons belonging to ethnic groups such as tribals, indigenous peoples and minorities based on race, religion, culture, etc., are victims of the injustice of discrimination. In some countries, caste practices have isolated for centuries whole sections of populations, leaving a consequent psychological, cultural and economic trauma on the social conscience. Another concern brings our attention to the particular problem created by discrimination against women and git! children. Obviously, a degrading and inhuman poverty, along with its consequent inequalities in many parts of Asia, is also among the most glaring and saddening phenomena of the continent. A great source of hope comes from many of the Church's religious orders and congregations who have made a major contribution to the growth of the local Churches in Asia through their mission of evangelization. Religious sisters and brothers, by their love and unselfish service to those who suffer from poverty in its many forms, have contributed to nourishing the faith of many in the Church in Asia, Itis in the context of the socio-economic realities, its political history and present situation, and in the context of its multi-religious traditions that the CICM carries out its ‘evangelizing mission. Indeed, the missionary presence of the CICM is very noticeable, especially in the Philippines. CICM missionaries spend their lives with their people, sharing in their hopes and dreams as well as their sufferings and privations. Adopting their language, food and customs, they inculturate themselves into the life of the people, participating in the day-to-day effort needed to achieve lasting spiritual and material change. In response to people’s spiritual needs, CICM missionaries may staff parishes, administer sacraments, teach, preach, and engage in special ministries to the youth, the sick and aged, prisoners and university students. In response to people's material needs, CICM missionaries may help to build schools or orphanages, dispensaries or nutritional centers, or they may engage i projects to improve a farmer's yield or to bring clean water toa village. This means the CICM missionaries take upon themselves to bring the Good News of Christ to where they are needed - into all the strata of humanity, leading to social transformation. Flags of CICM Asian Mission Stations Ea™ - oS Hong Kong Indonesia -—Japan Mongolia Philippines ‘Singapore. Taiwan2. Africa The continent of Africa borders the southern half of the Mediterranean Sea. ‘The Atlantic Ocean is to the west and the Indian Ocean is to the Southeast. A rica stretches well south of the equator to cover more than 12 million square miles making Africa the world's second largest continent. Arica is also the world’s second most populous continent. Africa is one of the n diverse places on the planet with a wide variety of terrain, wildlife, and climates. (Map is t shown.) The continent is generally young and poor; most of the fifty-plus countries/republics emerged after World War Il, and bad governments are not able to deal with the vicious cycle of poverty, Aside from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (1888), the CICM is also in Cameroon (1966), Senegal (1976), and Zambia (1976); there are three CICM Provinces in Africa. The CICM call to Africa was to pioneer in terms of penetrating tribes in the area, catechizing and baptizing them, and providing them with socio-economic infrastructure. The Congregation early on developed the native clergy, and today sends African missionaries all over the world CICM missionaries like Fr. Oscar Nkolo lives and work among people living in dire poverty. Most of them have no money to cover basic necessities, much less medical care. The abandoned by their families, and sick children are left to die. Little raps of food. not afford to elderly are frequently children wander the streets begging, looking for affection, scouring trash bins for Bright children-the hope of the country’s future-drop out of school, because they cat pay tuition and other school fees. CICM ministry in Africa revolves around the three specific domains as follows: a. Justice, Peace, Ecology - The Church strives since her beginning for peace and just Only lately the Wholeness of Creation has been added to this because of its necessity in the world of today. These themes are therefore also our themes as CICM and we try to implement them wherever we work. b. Reflections - Reflection is part of spiritual life. Taking your time to stand still and let your mind wander about your thoughts and actions of the day, and to get inspiration from the Bible or other sacred and spiritual literature is essential to live in this world without being. caught up into it c. In the Frontline - As CICM missionaries we love to be at the frontline of society, to swer to the needs of the people and to see, discern, and act with them. There are many an ids in which we are active, such as parish life, education, youth ministry, inter religious fi dialogue, and so on. Flags of CICM African Mission Stations Cameroon D.R. of Congo Senegal Zambia3. The Americas The Americas are an evangelized region; the North is mostly Protestant, while Mexico, Central and § h America are Catholic. The overall percentage of Catholics is 63.7%, according to latest Vatican statistics, The work of evangelization then in Haiti (1953), Guatemala (1954), Dominican Republic (1958), Brazil (1963), and Mexico (1979) by CICM missionaries who make up one Province, takes the form of restoring the dignity of Indians and shepherding the people in rural villages and towns, and in slums, working to eradicate poverty in the form of ignorance and malnutrition During World War Il, anxious for the survival of our missionaries in China and hoping. to provide them with Mass stipends from the U.S., Father Emest Dieltiens was sent to the United States to seek financial support for the CICM China missions and to find areas of ministry. Eventually it was decided to establish a permanent CICM mission in the U.S. In April 1946, Father Dieltiens was able to buy an eleven-acre property called “L-yonhurst,” for its former ‘owner, Mr. Frank Lyons. The name was then changed to “Missionhurst.” The concentration of the CICM - US Province is doing apostolate among Mexican Americans and Blacks, and in rural parishes. In response to the people's most urgent need, Missionhurst missionaries may start « new farming project, build a clean water supply line, work to improve nutrition and health, establish a loving home for orphans and abandoned children, start a leadership training program or a sheltered workshop for the handicapped, or provide “seed” money to village entrepreneurs struggling to start small businesses. Or they may build a new chapel, seminary, or school. ‘As trusted members of the communities in their care, they work in close cooperation with local churches to promote Christian values, human dignity, self-reliance, and a decent standard of living, while sharing the hope and comfort of the Gospel. Missionhurst priests and brothers are sent wherever our missionary presence is most needed. ‘The CICM - US Mission: Dedicated to sharing the hope and comfort of the Gospel, while relieving the suffering of our poorest, most neglected brothers and sisters in Christ. This is expressed in their statement: “We love and respect the people to whom we are sent. We adopt a listening attitude and try to gain a knowledge and understanding oftheir socio-economic, political, cultural and religious realities. We foster attitudes which reflect these values, and cooperate with initiatives ‘which promote them. Through dialogue, we mutually purify and strengthen our values and their expression. Wherever we work and whatever our specific tasks, we try to respond to situations of misery, injustice and oppression and to understand their causes. In our work for a new world we are always inspired by the Lord Jesus and his Gospel." Flags of CICM American Mission Stations Kea aes Ook EE = Brazil Dominican Republic Guatemala Haiti Mexico United States4. Europe Europe is the second smallest of the inhabited continents. It is part of the Eurasian land mass that includes Europe, Asia, Asia Minor and the Arabian Peninsula. As many large islands east and south of Asia are usually included in Asia, the Eurasian land mass extends from Iceland to New Guinea, from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from the Arctic to the Indian Oceans. Traditionally, the Ural mountains in Russia have been used as a division. This line then had to curve back through the Caspian and Black Seas to avoid leaving Turkey in Europe. The fact that this separated Christian Europe from Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist Asia is not coincidental. With the creation of many new countries from the collapse of the Soviet Union the division is more difficult as so many want to be included in Europe for economic reasons. In order to show complete countries only we have included Russia in Asia, where most of its area lies, rather than in Europe. Europe was where it all started, where the idea was conceived, in the neighborhood of Scheut in Brussels, Belgium. Since the beginning Belgium has contributed much to the od extra missionary effort of the CICM, proof of the generous spirit of the country, and of the times. ‘And these valiant men have made a difference in the life of the people wherever they worked Sadly, as is the general phenomenon in Europe, secularism has crept in. Hardly are there new CICM missionary vocations in the country. In fact Belgium has become a receiving country, of missionaries from countries evangelized by Belgians. The “New Evangelization” aptly now fits the country. ‘Fo the CICM missionaries in Europe, personal and community prayer life and the daily Eucharist are for most of them a lasting source of life and vigor. They know that all their labors and pains at the service of the Kingdom have value only if the Lord of the harvest blesses them. ‘And when all is said and done, they recognize that without Him they would be useless servants, Building up a community with all those who collaborate with the CICM in their work, their parishes, schools and missions is always an important and enriching element of theit life. Sharing the joys and sorrows of those to whom they were sent brings them something precious they learned to respect other cultures, to fee! at home" in other cultures, to join and walk side by side with people of other cultures. They are ready to leave their family, their people and their culture in order to devote themselves forever to another people, to learn their language and integrate themselves to the extent possible into their culture. Their mission country becomes & second homeland for them “Availability for service to the local church is an important attitude for the CICM-Europe. Especially caring service to the poor and the marginalized is seen and experienced as a priority since the beginnings of their Congregation, “One of the basic reasons for the missionary engagement for the majority of the confreres is their concer to serve the poorest, to struggle with them and for them, so that the poor may live a liberated life, in dignity and solidarity, Christ was on the side of the poor and in their being with the poor, they meet Him, For many confreres, the joy of their vocation is to live in the midst of oppressed and crushed peoples, with whom they fee! very close and whom they deeply love.” (Silhouettes and Profiles, coll.: “C1CMSpirituality”, nod, The CICM missionaries cherish the spirit of the radical availability of the first generations of CICM missionaries who left their home country, often to never return, and placed themselves at the service of the poorest and most vulnerable in Mongolia or Congo. They dare to hope that in any case this radical availability will remain specific for the CICM of the future Flags of CICM European Mission Stations Belgium France aly Netherlands Vatican City