Communication Brings Unity Dear readers, I am happy to present to you the inaugural edition of the Congregational magazine of the Brothers FIC. This magazine is meant for the international readers, especially to cater to the families, friends, co-workers, and those interested in the Congregation of the Brothers FIC; hence the main content of it is about �the being and the doing� of the Brothers FIC wherever they are. On the other hand this biannual magazine is also meant to bring the brothers FIC closer to the public. In a way it is a kind of golden bridge to connect the Congregation and the readers, by which the sense of unity among us can be enhanced. We are so privileged that this first publication coincides perfectly with the 48th World Communication Day � 1 June 2014. Pope Francis, in his message for the World Communications Day 2014, tells us that the developments in communications technology bring us closer together and make us more connected. Nonetheless, divisions, which are sometimes quite deep, continue to exist within our human family. In the global level we see a scandalous gap between the wealthy and the utter destitution of the poor. Further more our world suffers from many forms of exclusion, marginalization and poverty, to say nothing of conflicts born of a combination of economic, political, ideological, and even religious motives. In a world like this media can help us to feel closer to one another, creating a sense of unity of the human family which can in turn inspire solidarity and serious efforts to ensure a more dignified life for all. Indeed, good communication helps us to grow closer, to know one another better, and ultimately to grow in unity. May this magazine functions as expected, to bring us closer to one another, to be the bridge to connect people Some of you might have known that our Congregation is called: Congregatio Fratres Immaculatae Conceptionis (FIC), or Congregation of the Brothers of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was founded in Maastricht, The Netherlands, in 1840, by Mgr. Ludovicus Rutten along with his co-founder Bro. Bernardus Hoecken. Initially our Congregation was working only in The Netherlands, focusing on education and formation apostolate for the poor. However due to the demands of the time, finally we became an international Congregation. We have ever established communities in many countries, among others: Belgium, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Pakistan, Spain. For different reasons they have been closed down, and we are now only present in six countries: The Netherlands (since 1840), Indonesia (since 1920), Chile (since 1953), Malawi (since 1960), Ghana (since 1965), and Timor Leste (since 2011). By reading this magazine I do hope that more and more people will recognize the present and the work of our Congregation. Furthermore we expect that people, through different means and ways, are supporting us to do good for the people in need. And finally who knows that some young people will be attracted to join us, to volunteer themselves to be religious brothers like us, to continue the mission of Jesus who went around doing good. Br. Martinus Handoko, FIC