THE CICM STORY

Quick Facts:
• CICM – Congregatio
Immaculati Cordis
Mariae
• Founded
November 28, 1862
• Founder: Theophile
Verbist
• Place: Scheut, Brussels
Belgium
 The Name: Congregatio Immaculati
Cordis Mariae
• Congregation of the Belgian Mission for China
dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of the
Blessed Virgin Mary.
• Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of
Mary, Scheutveld, Missions in China, Mongolia
and Congo - 1891
• Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of
Mary, Scheut - 1993
• Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of
Mary - present
 The Motto: Cor Unum et Anima Una
• The Brotherhood of the CICM Missionaries despite
coming from different nations.
The motto “One Heart and One Soul” obviously
refers to a fundamental aspect of the vocation of
CICM priests and brothers who are joined to live and
work together out of diverse nationalities and cultures.

• As such, “…they are a sign of solidarity among the

particular Churches in their universal mission” (Article 2,
Provisional Constitutions of 1968), and hence, they
witness universal brotherhood.
The Motto: Cor Unum et Anima Una

• “Cor Unum et Anima Una”, or

as adopted in the Philippines,
“Sampuso, Sandiwa”
Charism:
Missionary charism refers to the particular spirit, ethos,
or distinctive qualities that characterize a missionary
order, or congregation.

It embodies the foundational principles, values, and

mission focus that guide the activities and spirituality of
missionaries.

The term "charism" itself derives from the Greek word

"charis," meaning "grace" or "gift," and is understood as
a special endowment or blessing bestowed by the Holy
Spirit for the service of the Church.
Charism:
Examples of missionary charisms:
The charism of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), founded by St. Ignatius of
Loyola, emphasizes education, intellectual rigor, and engagement with
contemporary culture as means of serving the Church and promoting social
justice.

The charism of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by St. Teresa of

Calcutta, is characterized by humble service to the poorest of the poor,
expressing love and compassion through acts of mercy and care.

The charism of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers centers on global

solidarity, cross-cultural mission, and social transformation, working in
partnership with communities to address systemic injustices and promote
sustainable development.

The charism of the Focolare Movement, founded by Chiara Lubich, focuses

on building relationships of unity and fraternity among people of different
backgrounds and religions, fostering a culture of dialogue, reconciliation,
and peace.
Charism:
• Ad Gentes
• Ad Extra
• Ad Intra
Charism:
• Ad Gentes
1.Biblical Foundation
2. Historical Development
3. Theological Implications
4. Challenges and Controversies
5. Contemporary Missiology
 Charism:
Ad Extra

• The CICM Missionary is called to go beyond

geographical and religious boundaries to share
Jesus Christ with all those who do not know him
Charism:
• Ad Extra
1. Papal Encyclicals and Documents
1. Pope Paul VI's encyclical "Evangelii Nuntiandi" (On Evangelization in the
Modern World) highlights the Church's mission to proclaim the Gospel to
all people, cultures, and societies.
2. Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation "Evangelii Gaudium" (The Joy of the
Gospel) underscores the Church's call to be a missionary community that
goes forth to the peripheries.
2. Missionary Orders and Societies
- Throughout history, numerous religious orders and missionary societies have
been established to carry out Missio ad extra. For instance, the CICMS, the
Society of Jesus (Jesuits), etc. have been instrumental in global missionary
activities, establishing schools, universities, and missions in various parts of the
world.
3. Contemporary Missionary Initiatives
Missio ad extra takes various forms, including traditional
missionary work, intercultural dialogue, and social outreach,
humanitarian aid, education, healthcare, and community development
projects in diverse contexts around the world.
 Charism:
• Ad Intra
Primary Aspects of Missio Ad Intra:
1. Catechesis and Formation: One of the primary aspects of Missio ad intra is catechesis and
formation. The Church invests in programs, resources, and initiatives aimed at educating its
members about the teachings of the faith, the sacraments, prayer, moral values, and social
teachings. For example, parishes often offer catechetical programs for children, youth groups, adult
education classes, and formation programs for catechists and lay ministers.
2. Liturgy and Sacramental Life: The Church seeks to foster meaningful worship experiences that
nourish the spiritual life of its members. This includes the celebration of the Eucharist, sacraments
of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist), sacraments of healing (Reconciliation, Anointing of
the Sick), and other liturgical rites. Examples include the promotion of active participation in Mass,
formation of liturgical ministries, and the adaptation of liturgical celebrations to local cultural
contexts.
3. Social Justice and Charity: Missio ad intra also encompasses the Church's commitment to social
justice and charity within its own community. The Church advocates for the dignity and rights of all
its members, especially the marginalized, vulnerable, and disadvantaged. This involves providing
material assistance, advocacy, and pastoral care for those in need, including the poor, refugees,
migrants, and those experiencing various forms of injustice and oppression. Examples include
charities and outreach programs that address local social needs.
4. Formation of Leaders and Pastoral Workers: Missio ad intra includes the formation and training of
leaders, clergy, religious, and lay pastoral workers who serve the Church's mission and ministries.
The Church invests in the education, spiritual formation, and ongoing professional development of
individuals called to various leadership and ministry roles within the Church. This includes seminary
formation for priests and deacons, religious formation for men and women religious, and formation
programs for lay ecclesial ministers, catechists, and pastoral associates.
Charism:
• CICM missionary charism is characterized by
1. its devotion to the Immaculate Heart of
Mary,
2. its missionary zeal,
3. its commitment to inculturation and
adaptation,
4. its focus on social justice and
development,
5. its collaborative approach to ministry,
6. and its ongoing spirit of renewal and
adaptation.
Charism:
• CICM missionary charism is characterized by
1. its devotion to the Immaculate Heart of
Mary,
The CICM's charism is deeply rooted in
devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Members of the congregation look to Mary, the
mother of Jesus, as a model of faith, humility,
and dedication to God's mission.
Charism:
• CICM missionary charism is characterized by
2. its missionary zeal,
The core of the CICM charism lies in its
missionary zeal. Members of the congregation are
committed to bringing the message of Christ to
those who have not yet heard it or who have
limited access to it. This zeal is reflected in their
willingness to go to the ends of the earth, often
serving in remote and challenging environments
where the Gospel presence is scarce.
Charism:
• CICM missionary charism is characterized by
3. its commitment to inculturation and
adaptation,
The CICM missionaries recognize the
importance of inculturating the Gospel message
within the contexts where they work. They strive
to understand and respect the cultures, languages,
and traditions of the people they serve. This
commitment to inculturation enables them to
effectively communicate the Christian message in
ways that resonate with the local population and
promote genuine dialogue and understanding.
Charism:
• CICM missionary charism is characterized by 4. its
focus on social justice and development,
In addition to proclaiming the Gospel, the CICM
places a strong emphasis on social justice and
development. The congregation is actively involved in
addressing the social, economic, and political challenges
faced by the communities they serve. This includes
initiatives related to education, healthcare, poverty
alleviation, human rights, and environmental
sustainability. The CICM sees these efforts as integral to
the mission of building God's kingdom on earth.
Charism:
• CICM missionary charism is characterized by
5. its collaborative approach to ministry,
The CICM recognizes the importance of
collaboration in carrying out its mission. Members
of the congregation work alongside local
communities, lay volunteers, other religious groups,
and partner organizations to achieve common
goals and address shared concerns. This
collaborative approach fosters solidarity, mutual
respect, and shared responsibility in the mission of
proclaiming the Gospel and promoting human
dignity and well-being.
Charism:
• CICM missionary charism is characterized by
6. and its ongoing spirit of renewal and
adaptation.
Like all religious congregations, the CICM
continually adapts and renews its charism in
response to the evolving needs and challenges of
the times. This may involve discerning new areas of
mission, embracing new forms of ministry, and
exploring innovative ways of living out their
vocation as missionaries in today's world.
“We leave
everything behind
to bring salvation
to all men.”
(Missio ad extra)
THE CHARISM
 THE CHARISM
The CICM missionaries recognize two aspects of their
vocation: on the one hand, “there is the experience of faith
– of having been moved by the situation of many people –
and, on the other hand, is the personal call to leave
everything to be witnesses of the Good News.” This is the
CICM charism ad gentes (to the nations), ad extra (towards
the outside): to go into frontier situations… where they are
most needed. Every CICM missionary must be willing to
leave behind everything, including his family, culture and
possessions. It is not enough to talk about missionary
charism theoretically. Missionary charism implies concrete
and personal action. Undoubtedly, this view of this
missionary goal is the reason why the congregation exists.
A CICM is sent to proclaim the Good News of salvation to
all nations. This Good News of salvation is a gift of God
that liberates people from all forms of oppression and sin.
“Wherever we work and whatever our specific tasks, we try
to respond to situations of misery, injustice and oppression
and to understand their causes” (Art. 7).
Thank you….