The Brothers of Our Lady Mother of Mercy in the region of Brazil celebrated the 181st anniversary of the foundation of the Congregation, the 65th anniversary of the Consecrated Religious Life of Brother Henrique José Matos CMM, and the presentation of his new book on the history of the Congregation, on August 24, 2025, at the Parish of the Sacred Hearts, Diocesan Shrine of Health and Peace, Church of Blessed Father Eustáquio.

The Mass was presided over by the chaplain of the Brothers, Father Marcus Vinícius Maciel, SS.CC, and attended by some religious, friends, and acquaintances of the Brothers, some former Brothers, and some collaborators of the Brothers from Belo Horizonte, Retiro Vicente de Paulo, and Apoio ao Pastoral Carcerário.

In his homily, as a former student of Colégio Padre Eustáqui and Brother Henrique in the university, the celebrant emphasized the importance of the Congregation’s presence and mission throughout these years in Brazil, as well as Brother Henrique’s contribution as a teacher and writer. Regarding the presentation of the new book on the history of the Congregation, he stated that this book is a valuable resource for building the identity of the new generations of Brothers who today make up the Brazilian region and those who will pass through here. He concluded his homily by placing the books on the altar, blessing them, and handing them to each of the Brothers. In doing so, he emphasized that by receiving the book, the Brothers take ownership of the Congregation, its spirituality, its charism, and its mission. In other words, they reaffirm their vocation as Brothers of the CMM congregation.

At the book launch of Memória Histórica: breve história da Congregação dos Fráteres de Nossa Senhora, Mãe de Misericórdia (“Historical Memory: A Brief History of the Congregation of the Brothers of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy”), Brother Henrique first recalled his journey as a  CMM Brother, highlighting memorable moments and the quality of the formation that contributed to who he is today. He then recalled the beginning of the Brothers’ mission here in Brazil, the pioneer Brothers, and the challenges of the early days of that mission.

Finally, he explained that the book is the first volume, as it deals with the history of the Congregation from its founding in 1844 until 1916, when an important decision was made about the future of the Congregation.  At the behest of Cardinal Willem van Rossum, CSSR (1854-1932), cardinal protector of the Brothers CMM, an Extraordinary General Chapter was held to discuss whether “it is appropriate for the congregation of the brothers to become an entirely lay institute, that is, a Congregation of lay religious only?” There was a tie in the vote, so the verdict was submitted to Rome, and on August 7, 1916, the result arrived that “‘CMM, from then on, should consist exclusively of Brothers”, that is, it would be reduced to the lay status of a religious congregation. Along with the decision came the order for the priests to leave the Congregation immediately” (cf. the book cited, pp. 149-150). Furthermore, the book consists of two parts, the first dealing with the history of the Congregation, as mentioned in the paragraph above, and the second dealing with the Family Conversations of Bishop Joannes Zwijsen.

In his speech, Brother Rosario thanked all the guests present. On behalf of the Congregation, and especially the Brothers in the region of Brazil, he paid tribute to and thanked Brother Henrique, highlighting his example of life and his valuable contribution to our Congregation, the Church, and Brazilian society. He stated that “At a time when religious life faces various challenges to its mission and a lack of new vocations, the celebration of the 65th anniversary of consecration is, for us, the new generation, a living example that inspires us and makes us believe in our vocations.”

Regarding the book on the history of the Congregation, he once again thanked Brother Henrique for offering a version of the History of the Congregation specific to the Brazilian Region. “The book is of great value to the journey of the Brothers who are here and those who will pass through here, towards a deeper knowledge of the history of our congregation.” He took the opportunity to tease Brother Henrique, saying that he eagerly awaits the second and third volumes of the book on the History of the Congregation.

Finally, the celebration ended with the presentation of the book to the guests present and a simple gathering in the parish community hall.

Brother Rosario de Jesus Martins CMM (Brazil)
Source: https://www.cmmbrothers.org/