CICM HISTORY Part I

Summary

The video script recounts the founding of the Belgian missionary congregation 'Missionaries of Scheut' by Theophile Verbist in 1868. It details their mission to China, focusing on evangelization and aiding abandoned infants. Despite initial challenges and the tragic deaths of several members, including Verbist himself, the congregation expanded, establishing a strong presence in China and later in Africa. The narrative underscores their dedication to cultural integration and the enduring spirit of their missionary work.

Takeaways

• 📅 Tofil Verbiest, a Belgian missionary, began his mission in China in 1865, with a strong focus on evangelization and helping abandoned children.
• 🌍 The Belgian mission in China was established with the motto 'Of China, For China,' reflecting a commitment to integrating with the local culture.
• 👥 Verbiest was joined by other priests, including Aloise Van Segelt, France Franks, and Remy Verlinden, in the mission to spread Christianity in China.
• 🏠 The congregation known as the 'Missionaries of Scheut' was founded in Brussels, with a strong devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
• 🕌 The mission's first residence and training center were established in a suburb of Brussels, with support from local benefactors.
• 🚶 The first group of missionaries, led by Verbiest, arrived in Inner Mongolia in 1865, facing significant challenges such as climate, language, and diseases.
• 🌾 Despite many difficulties, including the death of Van Segelt, the mission expanded and successfully evangelized both local Christians and non-believers.
• 💔 Verbiest succumbed to typhoid fever in 1868, but his legacy lived on, with his remains eventually moved to Belgium in 1930.
• 📈 The congregation grew under the leadership of France Franks and Jerome Von Arta, who expanded the mission's reach beyond China to Africa.
• 🌍 The mission expanded to the Congo in 1888, establishing deep roots and facing similar challenges as in China, with many missionaries sacrificing their lives.

Q & A

Who was the Belgian missionary that died in Luko, China on February 23rd, 1868?

The Belgian missionary who died in Luko, China on February 23rd, 1868, was named Theophile Verbist.

What was the vision of Theophile Verbist for the Belgian mission in China?

Theophile Verbist envisioned a mission that would be 'of China for China,' aiming to live his religious vocation to the fullest by helping abandoned children and spreading the Christian faith in China.

What significant event in 1860 allowed the Belgian missionaries to consider China for their mission?

The Franco-Chinese Treaty of 1860, which opened up the borders of China to Christian religious works, presented an opportunity for the Belgian missionaries to consider China for their mission.

What was the condition imposed by the Church superiors for the Belgian missionary project in China to proceed?

The condition imposed by the Church superiors was that a Belgian missionary project in China would only be possible if an actual Institute were founded with its own headquarters, rules, and training for future missionaries.

How did the Missionaries of Scheut get their first structure?

The Missionaries of Scheut received their first structure when Mr. Jean Brabant donated a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Grace, and Miss Marie François Mass donated a house adjacent to the chapel.

What is the congregation dedicated to and what is its primary focus?

The congregation is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and its spirituality is essentially focused on Mary, who is seen as the ideal missionary due to her complete faith in the word of God.

What was the purpose of establishing a Chinese Museum at the mother house in Scheut?

The Chinese Museum was established to help the young missionaries preparing to go to China to gain some knowledge of the culture, language, religions, and ways of the Chinese people, which was essential for their mission's success.

Who were the first members of the Missionaries of Scheut to set off for China and when did they leave?

The first group of Missionaries of Scheut to set off for China included four priests, Theophile Verbist, Alophe Verbiest, Franciscus Fouckers, Ferdinand Amir, and one lay brother, Paul Spenard. They left in August 1865.

What challenges did the missionaries face during their early years in China?

The missionaries faced challenges such as drought, shortages, lack of resources, a hostile climate, language difficulties, and diseases, which took many lives, including that of Alophe Verbiest.

How did the death of Theophile Verbist impact the congregation, and what steps were taken to ensure its continuity?

The death of Theophile Verbist led to a period of anxiety and disorientation for the congregation. To ensure continuity, the first assistant, France Franks, and others made important decisions, including the construction of a seminary and the organization of theology courses in Brussels.

What significant change occurred in 1887 that provided stability to the congregation?

In 1887, the congregation experienced significant change when it elected Van Erps as the Superior General and discussed new constitutions that provided stability. Also, for the first time, members made Perpetual vows, which added to the stability and continuity of the congregation.