The use of abbreviations in religious communities has a long and varied history, often reflecting the need for clarity and distinction within the clergy. The Claretians, a congregation of missionaries, have their own unique journey with abbreviations, particularly the evolution of “CMF” as a significant marker in their identity.
The question that often arises among Claretians is when the abbreviation “CMF” first came into use. Delving into this query requires a journey through the historical context of the Claretians and their practices. The use of abbreviations, especially by Claretian presbyters, was not a sudden development but a gradual process that spanned several decades.
In the early years, Claretian priests would often sign their names with “P.” or “Pbro.,” indicating their status as priests. However, a lack of uniformity led some individuals to experiment with different abbreviations. According to Jesus Alvarez, a Claretian historian, the push towards a standardized abbreviation began in the Mission House of Segovia around the late 19th century. This effort aimed to distinguish Claretians from the secular clergy.
Fabregas, one of the Co-founders, Berenguer, Casanovas, and Pujol started using “P. M.” or “Mro.” to signify Missionary Presbyter. The abbreviation evolved further to “del C. de M.” or “del I. C. de M.,” reflecting the specific mission and identity of the Claretians. However, it was the Mission House of Segovia that played a pivotal role in popularizing the uniform use of these abbreviations.
The confusion arose when some members, including Fr. General Rmo. P. Xifre, adopted “C.M.” as an abbreviation, signifying “Corazon de Maria” or Heart of Mary. This created a dilemma as the Paulin Fathers also used the same abbreviation. To address this, some Claretians added an “F.” to distinguish themselves, leading to variations within the same congregation.
Amidst this diversity of expressions within the Claretian Congregation, Fr. Xifre officially formalized the abbreviation as “C. M.” This decision aimed to provide clarity and avoid confusion. The official announcement was made through the Buletin Religioso de la Congregacion de Misioneros, Vol 2, in July 1886. The publication explicitly stated, “Es voluntad del mencionado Padre Superior General que todos los individuos de nuestra Congregacion, en sus cartas y demas escritos, agreguen a sus respectivas firmas las iniciales ‘C.M.,’ como distintivo de los Hijos del Corazón de María.” (Page number 54.)
However, not all members were content with this decision. Some advocated for the inclusion of “F.” to represent “Filius” in Latin, meaning sons. This debate led to the publication of Buletin Religioso de la Congregacion de Misioneros, Vol 2, number 32 on August 13, 1886, just a month after the officialization. This publication declared “C.M.F.” as the official abbreviation, emphasizing its significance as “Cordis Mariae Filius” or sons of the Heart of Mary. “Hallando nuestro Rmo. P. General muy fundadas las razones que algunos de nuestros amados Hermanos se dignaron exponer respecto de la adición de la inicial F. (Filius) a las C.M. que se dispuso llevaran todas nuestras firmas, de hacer publico, por medio del Boletin, este su deseo de que los documentos que aparezcan firmados en el mismo, lleven adjuntas al apellido las iniciales de Cordis Mariae Filius, puesto que este es el verdadero distinctivo con que nos honramos los induviduos de la Congregación.” (Page number 121)
To pinpoint the first use of “C.M.F.,” one can refer to the signing of Antonio Naval. In July 1886, he signed as “C.M.,” but by August of the same year, he adopted the official abbreviation, signing as “C.M.F.” This transition exemplifies the shift from one to another official use within a short timeframe.
Although the official use of “C.M.F.” is firmly established in the historical records of 1886, there are indications that the unofficial use might have begun in the late 70s. Despite its posterior occurrence, the abbreviation aligns harmoniously with the Claretian identity, resonating with the official title of the congregation, “Sons of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” It becomes a symbolic representation of their title and, by extension, their identity as Claretian Missionaries.
The journey of the abbreviation “CMF” within the Claretian Congregation is a fascinating exploration of the need for distinction, uniformity, and clarity in the identity of the missionary. From the early use of various abbreviations to the officialization of “C.M.F.” in 1886, this evolution reflects the conscientious efforts of the Claretians to define and express their unique mission and devotion to the Heart of Mary.
Sebin Babu, CMF