A Glimpse into the Heart

... of two young Christian Brothers

Brs Allan Rilley, Gerard Mgalula, Michael Mumba - in front of their house, note the typical Johannesbury security gate!

An all-African community of Christian Brothers on the outskirts of Johannesburg, South Africa, ministers to people marginalized by HIV and AIDS. In renewing their annual vows this December, two of these brothers used words which, though partly derivative, reveal something of the spirituality they live. Listen first to Tanzanian Gerald Mgalula:

Glory to you, God our Creator, you who breathe into us new life, new meaning; to Christ, you who lead us in the way of peace and justice; to the Holy Spirit, you who transform us to empower others.

Gerard rolls up his sleeves

The life of prayer has enabled me to deepen my relationship with God who has revealed his/her face in different ways - in the local and wider community, where I share my gifts and shortcomings with my brothers and sisters; in ministry, where I am becoming aware of Christ ministering to me as I reach out to others, especially those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. This has motivated me and given meaning to the life of brotherhood.

My vows invite me to stand on the side of the poor and to try to challenge the structures which keep people poor and oppressed. They call me to strive for the right relationship with God, people, and the cosmos. They encourage me to listen to God through the designated leaders about my way of life.

Here is the vow-text of Michael Mumba from Zambia:

In the name of the Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier. Standing before you today in the midst of this community gathered here, I re-commit myself as a vowed member of the Congregation of Christian Brothers.

Gerard teaching in Orange Farm

In the past months, it has been so difficult for me to bring my life and energy and hope to all those to whom I am called to minister. I was able to glimpse something of the consistency, fidelity, and genuineness of God’s love for me. As I progressed, so did my knowledge and understanding of God. I came to see God as patient, compassionate, understanding, caring, and just. I came to see the foundation of my home as community, based on sharing our brotherhood in moments of both good and challenge. Sitting around and telling our stories in community, is one way of lifting up my spiritual journey. I came to see my ministry as being a life-giver to victims of HIV/AIDS and to orphaned and vulnerable children.

I am challenged to use my deep-felt emotions and pain to understand the deep suffering of those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and to accompany them. All I can bring to this encounter is who I am, leaving myself open to engage with their pain and to let them know that I am suffering with them. Discernment has become my key to discovering God’s will and love for me in the events of my life.

Both brothers ended with versions of the standard formula-of-vows, along these lines:

Gerard with colleagues

To this end I renew my vows of Celibate Chastity, Evangelical Poverty, and Gospel Obedience for one year, according to the Constitutions of the Christian Brothers. I promise and pray that with the support of my family and my fellow brothers and sisters, I will remain faithful to my promises.

You can read more about their experience in Orange Farm by reading Gerald Mgalula’s personal account ‘A Heart Open to AIDS victims’ which can be found by clicking RECENT RICE EXPRESS on the left.

December 2009