Our History
A Heritage of Compassion and Commitment
The Brothers of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy (CMM) were founded on August 25, 1844, in Tilburg, the Netherlands, by Bishop Johannes Zwijsen. From their inception, the Brothers were driven by a desire to bring hope, knowledge, and spiritual guidance to the poor and underserved, beginning with young boys in the industrial towns of the Netherlands.
Joannes Zwijsen, engraving by L.Tuerlinckx, 1853
Zwijsen’s founding vision was shaped by a firm belief in the dignity of every human being and the transformative power of mercy. As the congregation grew, this vision expanded across borders and cultures, evolving into a global mission of education, care, and social support.
The Kenya-Tanzania Province
A Milestone in Missionary Growth
The presence of the CMM Brothers in East Africa began in the mid-20th century, marking a pivotal chapter in the congregation’s global outreach. The Brothers first arrived in Kenya in the 1950s, where they established schools and initiated programs to address pressing educational and social needs. Their commitment to service among the poor led to the development of projects focused on both formal and informal education, prison ministry, and community health support.
In 2005, the congregation expanded into Tanzania at the invitation of the Archdiocese of Tabora. There, the Brothers opened a co-educational secondary school and engaged in pastoral and youth outreach programs. This growth culminated in the formation of the Kenya-Tanzania Province, which today represents a vibrant expression of the CMM mission in Africa.
Br. Elijah Agilo Osena – Provincial Superior
Under the leadership of the Provincial Superior, Br. Elijah Agilo Osena, the Kenya-Tanzania Province continues to grow in both numbers and impact. The Brothers remain committed to responding to local realities with compassion and adaptability, living out their charism of mercy through practical action and community presence.
Throughout their history, the CMM Brothers have remained faithful to their original charism, always attentive to the signs of the times. They have responded with courage and creativity to the needs of each era, whether through teaching in classrooms, comforting the sick, or advocating for justice in society.
Today, their legacy is reflected not just in the institutions they have built but in the lives they have touched. The CMM story is one of continuous service, a history rooted in faith, sustained by community, and inspired by love in action.
