The year 2023 will mark the bicentennial birth anniversary of Father Théophile Verbist, a Belgian diocesan priest [1823- 1868], the Founder of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary [Latin: Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae – CICM]. The Holy Spirit inspired him and his first companions to found a missionary congregation, having as its goal “the conversion of the infidels” [words in use back then], especially preaching the faith to the Chinese and the salvation of the many abandoned infants.
On 28 November 1862, Engelbert Cardinal Sterckx, Archbishop of Mechelen, Belgium, approved CICM’s statutes, and the date is recognised as its official founding date.
Shortly after, the first group established their residence at Scheut, near Brussels, which explains the popular name: Missionaries of Scheut. On 24 October 1864, Théophile Verbist and his companions pronounced the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience according to the statutes. They also promised “to go to foreign nations” and to commit themselves totally to the missionary purpose of the congregation. Father Verbist left for China with the first group on 25 August 1865. Three years later, he died of typhus in Inner Mongolia on 23 February 1868.
On 20 July 1900, the “Sacred Congregation of the Propagation of the Faith” approved the first constitution, which required the profession of perpetual vows for new members and established the it as a religious missionary institute. From the end of the 19th century, CICM expanded its apostolic field worldwide.
To celebrate the milestone of the bicentennial birth anniversary of Father Verbist, the congregation has unveiled the logo with the following explanation:
“Since November 28, 2021, we have been celebrating the bicentenary of the birth of Father Théophile Verbist, our Founder. As we are celebrating the 199th birth anniversary [June 12, 2022], we are happy to unveil the logo the General Government approved to honour the 200th birth anniversary of Father Théophile Verbist [June 12, 2023].
Number 2 of our CICM constitutions, which states, “Just like our founder, each of us has heard the call of Christ: ‘Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Gospel to all creation” (Mk. 16:15), is the logo backdrop for the bicentennial celebration of the birth of our Founder Fr. Théophile Verbist. The bicentennial logo conveys the spirit of the past, Verbist’s missionary call, and its relevance today. The cathedral-like icon represents the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp, Belgium, the birthplace of Théophile Verbist.
The icon next to the high cathedral depicts the Great Wall of China, which was inspired by Verbist’s ardent desire to go to the mission and serve the Chinese orphans.
The crescent vector shape reminds us that Verbist’s mission began in China and spread worldwide. Verbist’s missionary spirit to leave his home country to help people of different races inspired many others to follow in his footsteps, abandoning all to fulfil God’s call. Verbist’s mission is still very much alive today, as symbolised by the crescent shape. Every CICM’s core mission is to go wherever they are sent.
Celebrating Father Verbist’s life is a sign that his spirit is alive in each of the CICM missionaries, past and present. Like the founder, each of us has heard the call to leave his country and go where the Spirit will send him
Finally, Verbist’s visage reminds us that his model and spirit continue to guide this missionary Institute. May this logo inspire all CICM from all over the world, from the great cities to far-flung rural places, as we celebrate One Heart and One Soul, our Founder’s bicentennial birth”.
Celebrating Father Verbist’s life is a sign that his spirit is alive in each of the CICM missionaries, past and present. Like the founder, each of us has heard the call to leave his country and go where the Spirit will send him.
With zeal and love, but always attentive to the signs of the time, the CICM missionaries are actively involved in the areas of education, formation of the laity, parish and youth ministries, social services, as well as other special ministries which need particular attention, in collaboration with local Churches.
Living in international communities, the CICM missionaries witness the cospels in the Cor Unum et Anima Una [One Heart, One Soul], the CICM motto that defines our actions and being.
It is essential to ascertain that the motto bears witness to unity, as it is clearly said in one of our documents: “CICM is a multicultural and international Institute. Its multicultural character is an eloquent and evangelising testimony in today’s world, characterised by the whiff of division and racial, tribal and religious discrimination” [Acts of the CICM General Chapter, 2017, p. 23].
Remembering and celebrating Father Verbist’s life reactivates in us the desire to always be instruments in God’s hands for the good of his mission and the people entrusted to our care. Together, let us journey towards this important celebration in 2023, hoping that God will lead us far beyond, for many more years to come”.
Father Dominique Mukonda, CICM
