Nairobi, 19 October, 2019 / 1:59 am (ACI Africa).
As an international religious order of brothers with presence in three African countries marks 175 years since its inception, the members’ ministry within correctional facilities has been highlighted as the most gratifying apostolate through which prisoners experience hope in life, the leader of the religious Brothers has told ACI Africa in an interview.
“One of our greatest achievements is the prison apostolate here in Kenya where we do works of Mercy,” the Provincial Superior of Brothers of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy (CMM), Br. Leo van de Weijer told ACI Africa Thursday, October 17 ahead of the 175 years jubilee celebration.
The Eucharistic celebration to mark the 175th anniversary of CMM Brothers has been scheduled for Saturday, October 19 in Oyugis Parish of Kenya’s Homabay diocese. Archbishop Philip Anyolo of Kisumu Archdiocese who is also the Apostolic Administrator of Homabay diocese is expected to preside over the event, with Archbishop Paul Runangaza Ruzoka concelebrating.
The prison successful apostolate of CMM Brothers, known as Fr. Grol’s Welfare Project, is named after the late Dutch priest, Fr. Arnold Grol who encouraged the Brothers to do more than just offer sacraments to prisoners and in addition, focus on the rehabilitation and integration of inmates back into society.
Speaking about Bro. Linus Schoutsen who oversees Fr. Grol’s Welfare Project from its Nairobi headquarters, Bro. Leo said, “He cares especially for the young prisoners and he gives them materials and as soon as he rehabilitates them, he has a social worker who helps in their integration back into society,”