FROM THE EDITOR

This is the 8th publication of Volume II of the Congregational magazine “Brothers FIC” reaching you. The theme of this issue is “Mary’s Immaculate Conception,” and the aim is to enable FIC brothers and their collaborators to deepen our knowledge of Mary, the Patroness of the FIC congregation, and especially on Mary’s Immaculate Conception which is part of our name. This will also enable us share with readers our understanding of the dogma and how we try to give shape to the Immaculate Conception of Mary in our life. Our name is “Congregation of the Brothers of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” We are happy to place our lives under her special protection. We believe that Mary’s Immaculate Conception is the source of our joy, courage and trust.

Bro. Wensislaus indicates in his article that the founders of our congregation were very much devoted to the Immaculate Conception of Mary. As members of the FIC congregation we are very proud of the life and heritage of our founders (ref. articles 9 and 10 of our Constitutions). Referring to the historical documents of the congregation we can capture the essence of the spiritual life of our founder which is "trust in Divine Providence through the protection and prayers of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary”. The FIC Founders expressed their faith, which is the emanation of their intimate relationship with Mother Mary when they said:  "If we had known all this beforehand, we would perhaps never have started the thing". It must be said here and everywhere, without the special protection of the Holy and Immaculate Virgin Mother the Congregation would have been smothered at its birth.” I am convinced that a human person is nothing by himself. Related to this, Rutten also expressed his own faith when he said: All the good things I was able to do was the work of “Providencia Dei” under the protection of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. My convincing to Mary that helps me in all my works is infinite”

Beloved reader, you will be reading about some experiences and opinions of our fellow brothers regarding the theme stated above. Bro. Augustine, our General Superior, reflects on his beliefs regarding “Mary’s Immaculate Conception our Patroness and Inspiration.” Bro. Wensislaus Parut gives us an inspiring reflection on the theme. Bro. Joachim Naah also presents his personal knowledge on “Mary Immaculate Conception.” A further enrichment by Fr. BS. Mardiatmaja SJ, is titled “Mary Immaculate Conception, source of Joy”.  

Dear reader, three brothers will provide their profiles as usual: Wahyu Bintarto from Indonesia, Peter Kuuniabom from Ghana, and Javier Solis Urbano from Chile. We believe that from their sharing, our young readers will be inspired and further discover the meaning of our life and mission. The rest are news from our provinces and Religious House Netherlands, news in pictures, an article from the Vatican and a personal devotion to Mary written by Bro. Raphael Besigrinee, a member of General Council.

During this Yuletide, allow me to wish you all “A Happy and Blessed Christmas!” May the king of peace bring true peace in the world and may He inflame our hearts to enable us discover Christ in one another. Thank you for your attention and support to the FIC Congregation.