E-NEWSLETTER OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE BROTHERSOF CHARITY
ROMA ONLINE
Edition N° 97/V/2007; November 15, 2007
(Please, always try to reduce the length of your reports for ‘Roma on-Line’ to
maximum 1 page.)
(We kindly ask the local superiors to print a copy for the Brothers who don’t have an email address.)
Administratio Generalis – Roma
MEDITATION
“IF SOMEONE DURING PRAYER time urgently calls on you for helping a poor patient, stop
your prayer or better set your prayer later. God asks for it, because love stands above all
regulations. It is to leave God for God.” (St. Vincent de Paul)
How often people place themselves before a rending choice: whether to work and fully dedicate
themselves to the world or to pray and dedicate themselves fully to God? As if God and the
world are two antipodes. When the works in the world close us fully from God, then something
is missing in our dedication. And when the service to God makes us unworldly, then something
is missing in our image of God. Yet, also in the Church the apostolic religious are always placed
against the contemplative, and Martha is played off against Maria who should have chosen the
best part. And in between the world turns further, the world which was created by God with the
people in whom God himself became man in Jesus Christ. As to Vincent de Paul, it concerned no
more to prayer or to action, but to love. It is with the same love that we go to God and to the
people. True worship expresses itself in love to God which flows out in a love to our neighbors.
God whom we adore in the tabernacle is the very same God whom we adore in the poor. It
pertains to the very same love.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, let us adore you in the gifts of bread and wine and let us find you in the
poor around us. We want to give you our best time, in order to give the poor our best time. Bless
the church of our hands so that all our worship becomes worthy to Your Father. Then we should
find you in everything we do: in our prayer, in our work, in our rest, in our joy and in our
suffering. Lord, we all belong to you. Amen.
News from the Superior General
The last month, we visited the four continents, so it was a very busy time.
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From the 7th until the 12th of October, I was in Belgium and the Netherlands where we
had meetings and several contacts. On the 10th we met the direction of the ‘Lilanefonds’
in ‘s Hertogenbosch. The ‘Lilianefonds’ is an ONG with whom we are collaborating
already for many years in the field of support of people with a handicap. For the
moment, they are supporting us in the creation of a new institute for disabled people in
Kigali-Rwanda. On the same day I gave a recollection to the brothers in Eindhoven and
stayed overnight, in order to visit the nice exhibition about the congregation in Eindhoven
and also to inaugurate the “water-bed-therapy” in Roermond. The brothers in Roermond
offered some rooms to install a kind of relaxation-therapy.
From the 12th until the 22nd of October I visited China. Father Jeroom Heyndrickx, with
whom it was foreseen that I had to travel, didn’t receive a visa, probably linked to the
National Congress who was going on in Beijing. But they arranged everything so that all
the visits and meetings could go on. After a day in Beijing, I visited three days the
Hebei-province, where we met several bishops and religious communities, and three days
the Shanxi-province. During the first days, the police was following me the whole time
and really complicated the visit. Nevertheless, all the appointments could be realized.
The visit to the Shanxi-province was organized by Father Joseph Guo, a young priest
who stayed for several years in the brother’s house in Manila. At the end we could do a
positive evaluation: we have some candidates who are interested to become a brother, we
developed a clear plan for the follow-up, and Fr. Joseph Guo, who became also an
associated member, is now full-time involved in the follow-up. A dream of many years
seems to become reality. Let us pray for it! We can speak of a present at the occasion of
our jubilee.
Back in Belgium, we had our Chair Triest-Guislain, organized by the University of
Antwerp and the Training center Guislain. This time, it was Minister Herman Van
Rompuy who received the chair, and in his conference that was attended by a big crowd,
he developed the theme of tolerance between several religions and cultures in our actual
society. During the few days in Belgium I also visited our community and institute StAmedeus in Mortsel.
From the 27th of October until the 4th of November, it was Africa who was scheduled.
First, we visited Rwanda, where we had the jubilee in Butare on the 27th with a nice
ceremony on the cemetery of the brothers. For the occasion, the tomb of Bro. Gabriel,
our first missionary, was renewed. And than we had the visits to the communities,
meeting with the council, meeting with the bishop of Kabgayi and of course a visit to the
prison of Nyanza where our Bro. Athanase is still waiting for a final decision. The 1 st of
November, we left for Nairobi where we visited the novitiate where 39 postulants are
preparing themselves to start the novitiate. During the visit, we had also the graduation
ceremony for two brothers who received a master in the social doctrine of the Church:
Bro. Deogratias and Bro. Hubert.
And than came the 4th continent: America, where we arrived on the 5th of November to do
the follow-up of the creation of our office of development in New York, where we visited
the two communities in Washington and Philadelphia, where we met the responsible
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persons and professors of the Catholic University of America in order to evaluate our
training programs, and where we participated at the ceremony at the Catholic University
of America where Bro. Stan Goetschalckx with his Ahadi-project received the prestigious
Opus-price, good for 1 million dollar. The price was officially granted the 8 th of
November during a nice ceremony, where many officials were present, also the former
Archbishop of Washington, Cardinal McCarrick, who accepted to become the Honorary
President of our “International Friends Committee” in New York.
A busy period, yes, but very fruitful. But now it is time to go back to Rome, where we
will have our annual meeting with the general superiors and also the celebration of the
jubilee on the 25th of November, the same day that the Holy Father will create some new
Cardinals.
Bro. R. Stockman, Superior general - rene.stockman.fc@fracarita.org
The General Superior’ Visit Schedule
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17.11.2007
26.11.2007
28.11.2007
09.12.2007
13.12.2007
19.12.2007
Rome
Brussels
India (Delhi and Ranchi)
Brussels
Abidjan
Brussels
News from the Casa – Rome - 2007.11.15
A spectacular event happened in Rome on Friday the 19th of October. In the afternoon
the water of the Trevi fountain colored blood red at once. Someone had poured a tin of
red color as a protest against the film festival of Rome. The situation was quickly restored
and before it became dark it could be assured that the world tourist attraction wasn’t
damaged.
The same evening in the TV-news was repeated that the Italian Bishop’s Conference
organized the 45th Social Week of the Italian Catholics on two places, in Pistoia and Pisa
from the 18th to the 21st of October. Due to an interview with the secretary it was spread
all over Italy that the Catholics had become second hand citizens. This damage won’t be
repaired as soon as the Trevi fountain! Why this decline? Our social learning gives
enough ample indications how to build up a happy world for all. Don’t we give too much
attention to the endless row of technical and scientific novelties, so that we loose sight on
the eternal values? The next day in the radio news was told that a Roman school
distributed contraceptives to eleven years old pupils. Freely expressing his conviction is
honorable and helps our own liberation and those of our contemporaries.
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Like all over the world our brothers are celebrating our bicentenary, our Casa in Rome
also wants to participate in it. The great day is on Sunday the 25th of November. Cardinal
Renato Martino will preside the solemn Eucharistic on 4.00 p.m. The Collegium Vocale
will care for the music. Afterward on 5.30 p.m. a special exhibition will be opened and all
participants will be invited to a reception at 6.00 p.m.
Our house got a great cleaning up. Wendy, the servant, washed the windows as clear as
glass and Linda, the cleaning woman and Ursula, the temporary aid, cleaned everything
and the floors are shining that it is a pleasure to look at them. Always two hundred years
our Congregation participates in the works of charity of the church. Congratulations. We
regularly commemorate more than two thousand deceased brothers in our prayer. We are
very proud and grateful of what they realized. With so many intercessors in God’s
presence new generations undoubtedly will continue worldwide and continuously the
initiative of our founder, the God’s Servant, Peter Joseph Triest.
In the meantime the Belgian College Students are on cruising speed already. Under the
responsibility of their Rector Mgr. Johan Bonny they are working on their formation and
preparing their future apostolate.
Two students are from Belgium:
1) The Reverend Philippe Hallein from the diocese of Bruges. He is in his second
year preparing his doctorate on “The defender of the marriage string according the
instruction Dignitas Connubii”;
2) The Reverend Juan Carlo Conde from the diocese of Namur. A doctorate on
Canon Law in the Santa Croce University will put the crown on his work.
Africa is presented by three priest students:
1) The Reverend Pontien Bisimwa from the archdiocese of Bukavu. He is in his last
year to become a licentiate in Canon and Civil Law at the Lateran university;
2) The Reverend Georges Bizimana from the diocese of Ngozi. He is in his second
year to become a doctor in Moral Theology at the Alphonsianum, and
3) The Reverend Innocent Masozera from the diocese of Goma. He follows the
courses in the first year to become a license in Bio-Ethics at the university Regina
Apostolorum.
One student is a Greek citizen: Mister Emmanue Papamidroulis who is following the
courses in the first year Canon and Civil Law at the Orientale.
We all wish them satisfaction and success in their studies. We congratulate them also
because they are the living witnesses that faith and science can be reconciled; indeed they
need and support each other as they put more light on both of them.
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Bro. Eugeen Geysen
ST. AUGUSTINE PROVINCE – AFRICA
Provincial Administration – Yammoussoukro – Côte d’Ivoire
Région Saint-François-Xavier, Rwanda – Burundi
Région Notre Dame d’Afrique – République Démocratique du Congo
Lubumbashi – scholasticate
The academic year 2006-2007 was hopeful and joyful. All young brother students ended
the year with success. One even, Brother Gérard SIMPAMAGAYE, got his diploma in
hospital administration. The community of course celebrated this event. Bro. Gérard is
now in his new community in Tanzania.
Holidays were not at all lost time for the students. The community and Caritas Austria
organized several activities: holiday training and three formation courses: one was about
the administration of projects (with 15 participants), another about bookkeeping (with 25
participants) and one about mental health (with 75 participants). We wanted to make
nurses and people sensitive for mental health care and to prepare them for the opening of
the neuropsychiatric hospital in Lubumbashi. Among the participants were: nurses,
doctors, administrators, sociologists and psychologists. Every session lasted one week in
the period between the 9th and the 21st September 2007. The animators were specialists
from Kinshasa. The bookkeeping and the administration of these projects were animated
by Mr. Placide who is responsible for the financial administration of Caritas Kongo.
Mental health care was in the hands of Dr. Daniel Okitundu, professor at the University
of Kinshasa, also doctor in the National Neuropsychiatric Centre in Kinshasa and
councilor of the Brothers of Charity in matters about mental illness in the RDC.
The community closed the year with the annual retreat from the 1st to the 6th August, led
by Father Yan, the regional superior of the Labour Chaplains. The following Sunday we
had a day out in Kipushi, a town about 35 km from Lubumbashi. From the 2nd October
we welcomed the new brother students, André Falaki and Alphonse Mukenge. On the 6th
of October our community welcomed four Brothers of Our Lady of Mercy: two students,
a delegate of the general superior and his councilor. Some days later another four brother
students arrived. The scholasticate in Lubumbashi has 17 brother students at this very
moment.
On the 16th October the General Consul of the Kingdom of Belgium and his wife who is
responsible for the administration of projects, paid us a visit. They visited our Psychiatric
Centre and in a meeting afterward the Consul expressed his will to help us in the
functioning of the hospital. We hope that he will give us a very important support.
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On the 6th November, 13 days after his hospitalization, brother Benoît could leave the
hospital of the “Gécamine Society”. He underwent there a chirurgical intervention. But
on the 8th November he was again hospitalized with a malaria crisis. After a night of
intensive care he could return home. He is now recovering in the community surrounded
by the friendship of his confreres. Let us pray for his total cure.
Bro. Matala Donatien
Visit to Congo by the secretary general
From the 15th October to the 4th November Bro. Aimé Peirsman paid a visit to our
schools in Congo as reference assistant general for education in the congregation. Due to
the enormous distances (Congo measures 80 times Belgium) he had to limit his visit to
the East- and West-Kasaï.
On his visit with the plane and with the car (a Landcruiser) he was accompanied by Bro.
Jean Mbeshi, reference assistant general for Africa and by Bro. Floribert Kabindu, the
regional superior for Our-Lady-of Africa Region (Congo).
During four days about 1.000 km was done by car on routes that were sometimes very
difficult to pass. From time to time we had even to work on the road. And the car also
refused to start.
We visited our schools in Katuambi (pre-elementary and elementary), Lusambo
(elementary, secondary and technical and professional) and Kabinda (elementary,
secondary and professional). We admired the headmasters, the administrative and
teaching personnel for their engagement although they are lacking the most necessary
didactical means and in situations often difficult with regard to the state of the school
buildings.
Bro. Aimé addressed all the co-workers to ask them to collaborate and try to adapt the
pedagogical project and the education plan for our schools in Belgium to the situation and
the culture in Congo.
We’ll try to get ‘relations of friendship’ between those schools and our schools in
Belgium. It will certainly be an enlargement of their view and an enrichment of their
education and teaching for both of them.
We also visited our centers for physical handicapped people in Kinshasa and Kananga
and our psychiatric hospital in Katuambi. Bro. Aimé had an individual talk with all the
brothers of the five communities he visited.
At the end of his visit the former pupils of Bro. Aimé from the Saint Ambroise Institute
in Kabinda between 1967 and 1970 gave him a surprise by organizing a day-out. It
became a warm and joyful reunion. The association of former pupils in Congo became a
new élan. We’ll try also to realize a ‘relation of friendship’ between our federation of
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former pupils in Belgium with the association in Congo, as it has already be done with
the association in South-Africa.
Bro. Aimé thanks all the brothers, associate members, former pupils and the great number
of collaborators for the way he was welcomed. This is indeed unforgettable!
Bro. Aimé Peirsman – secretary general / reference assistant general for education and
teaching in the congregation of the Brothers of Charity
Saint Dominic Region, Tanzania
Kigoma
Today 26 October is the birthday of bro Eric Jeje. But it is also exactly 11 years since
Brothers of Charity arrived in Kigoma.
Ahadi Institute is amongst the 3 candidates nominated for the Opus Prize Award 2007.
The winner will be announced in Washington on 8th November. (www.opusprize.com)
On 15 November the first year students of Newman Institute of Social Work will move
from Kihinga to Kigoma. Urgent priority is the completion of the unfinished buildings.
On Wednesday 17th October the regional council met in Kigoma. It was a farewell to
brother Dieudonné, and a welcome to brother Pasco as member of the council.
DAR (Dar-es-Salaam)
The general council made the establishment of the community of Dar-es-Salaam official.
The community welcomed the first members on 24th June, took possession of the house,
and started cleaning, etc… That day, birthday of St.John-the-baptist, we commemorate
also the death of our founder. Therefore we are happy to call this community the "father
Triest community" and to put her under the protection of St.John-the-Baptist. Postulants
Jean Claude, Alex, etc... and Brothers Gerard, Louis and Ronaldo are the pioneers,
sharing the inevitable and hard conditions proper to the pioneers.
The re-habilitation of the existing buildings is now going on well. Everything will be
ready with the end of January for welcoming the 2nd year novices for Pre-bac.
Kihinga
Brother Dieudonné Mukonkole left his responsibilities for the community of Kihinga to
the new superior brother Pasco Chola, and has taken up his new responsibilities as
provincial superior. On 24th October bro Dieudonné travelled for Rwanda.
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Brother Constantino Kaunda recently joined the community of Kihinga after completing
Bac in Education in Nairobi. He is assigned to the "academic office" of Newman
Institute of Social Work.
On Friday 19th October the new academic year of Newman Institute of Social Work was
officially opened by the director. 26 residential students and 9 distance-learning students
started the first year. Total number of students for the moment is 106 (50% residential,
50% distance learning
8th November will be an important day for the Newman Institute of Social Work. The
National Accreditation Council for Technical Education (NACTE) has invited the
institute to defend its bachelor-program and other documents organising the institute.
This is the last step in a long process started by brother Johan Bruers, continued by
Brother Hippolyte Manirakiza and that now reaches its final results. The team of
Arteveldehogeschool in Gent has contributed already during many years to the growth of
the institute and the accreditation process.
Tabora
In SD region all original documents are deposited and kept at the regional administration.
Marumba
During the weekend of 20-21 October the 2nd year novices assembled in Marumba for
two days of intensive "quality-teachings" by bro Dieudonné.
The construction of rooms for the patients had started last year by bro Dirk Debusschere.
Bro François Makenga continued, and the rooms have now been completed by bro
Welhard Mukeshabatware. There is also a new fence build around the compound of the
patients, and a shelter for the patients during meals.
Brothers Students
Brothers Chrisantus, Brighton and Benjamin travelled from Kruibeke to UK for
fieldwork of special education.
Brother Alexis Kwigize in Nairobi is finishing his 4th year of bachelor in education with
the first months of 2008.
It will be a joy to meet our brothers Willbrod, Clement, Venance, etc in Washington in
the first week of November.
Brother Stan - regional superior
Saint Paul Region, South Africa
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St. Placid’s
Bro Gaston Jeurissen celebrated his 82nd birthday on 30th October 2007. Bro Gaston is the
most senior member of our brothers in South Africa. We congratulate him and wish him
good health and good luck.
Triest House
The brothers have had their heads buried in books as they prepare for and write their
exams.
St. Conrad’s
Bro George has gone to Malawi to obtain his police clearance in order to apply for an
extension to his temporary visa. He will return on 7th November. Whilst in Malawi, he
had a nasty experience as he was robbed of all his money and belongings. Fortunately he
was not harmed.
“Prize Giving” for the High School was held on Thursday 11 October 2007. Academic
awards for the different grades were awarded to learners who had averages during the
school year of above 70%. Different other awards to pupils who worked exceptionally
hard during the year and who participated in different extra-curricula activities during the
year. There were also cultural awards to those who participated and achieved as well as
sports awards.
A very special award was presented for exceptional achievement, for service to the
school, “The Brother Matthew award" which was given to honor the memory of Bro
Matthew. The award was evaluated on the following criteria
 Challenges not restricted to ‘what was easy’
 Talkative
 Sense of humour
 Sociable, intense, helpful
 Deep faith
 Obeyed for doing God’s will
 Self effacing
 Truthful
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE - AMERICA
Provincial Administration – Washington – U.S.A./Brazil
Our Lady of Charity Region – U.S.A.
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The FC Boys Reunion 2007
Some 55 persons gathered October 6 and 7 at Triest Hall in Laverock (Philadelphia) in a
reunion of former boys of the Brothers of Charity group homes, namely: Gwynedd House
(1970), Triest Hall (1972) and Fintan Hall (1975). The group included spouses and
children and some former staff members. One of the Congregational bicentenary
anniversary events, the schedule included Mass for the deceased Brothers and boys.
There was a feeling to gather again soon in the coming years to deepen and strengthen the
bonds among us.
On Sunday 14 October was held the Nursing Commitment Ceremony of the third year
nursing class of Brother Clément Kezimana in Washington. The profession of nursing
being considered as a vocation, a Nurse’s Pledge was being publicly declared during the
ceremony.
During their formation each students in nursing is assigned a mentor, a skilled senior in
the profession who can help, guide and support the student in the integration of their new
profession.
Vocational witness in the cathedral of Washington
On Vocation Sunday, Bro. Venance gave a talk on his vocation and bro. Jean-Clément
helped to present the vocational display after mass. The organisers were impressed.
Région Saint-Martin de Porres – Perù
Région Sainte-Anne – Canada
(From the local newspaper)
The Brothers of Charity - 200 years of service and help - College Saint-Bernard,
October 9, 2007
More than 350 persons participated on Saturday October 6, in Saint-Frederic parish
church, in a religious celebration presided by Mgr Raymond Saint-Gelais, bishop of the
diocese of Nicolet, in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the foundation of the
congregation of the Brothers of Charity.
They are an international apostolic congregation involved in various social domains,
namely mental health care and special education as well as normal teaching.
In Drummondville, the Brothers of Charity are committed for more than one hundred
years. An education of quality was dispensed in St-Frederic College and is still developed
in the College Saint-Bernard.
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The Brothers of Charity live and work, inspired by their proper spirituality and try to
answer to the present needs. The child, the young and the adult in need of education and
care are at the center of their concern.
A summary of the activities of a retired brother of Ste-Anne region:
- Animator of a scout group
- Secretary of the 49th division of scouts in St-Georges
- Occasional help to other scout units (f.i. for camps)
- Monthly communion ministry at the parish
- Knight of Columbus chancellor
- Taxi for aged person to hospital, grocery, parents
- Text proof reader for various publications such as Catechesis Pastoral Cahiers
- Member of committee of our Cumberland Land (maintenance works)
- Member of the team of totemisation (scout initiation)
- Choir member with weekly practice and 10-12 concerts a year in rest houses.
Gaston Paquet, f.c.
ST. THOMAS PROVINCE - ASIA
Provincial Administration – Lahore – Pakistan
Father Lievens Region – India
Blessed Joseph Vaz Region - Sri Lanka
August was a very special period for Bro. Bavo
His niece Tine and her husband Peter and their three teenagers paid him a visit from the
14th to the 18th of August.
September was a sad period of time
This month was more a sad time. On the 22nd of September our Regional Superior, Bro.
James Peires died in the hospital of Colombo after a long period of intensive care. The
process of his illness couldn’t be stopped any more. On the 25th there was an impressive
funeral in Batticaloa with almost some thousands of participants. Bro. James was indeed
the headmaster of the Saint Michel’s college in Batticaloa, a school with some thousands
of pupils. He also was an intelligent, wise and pious brother, appreciated and loved by
many.
October on the contrary was more festive
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The reason why was not only because of the nomination of Bro. P.M. Linus (a former
brother of the Saint Joseph Congregation) by the General Superior and his Council after
the usual consultation of all the Brothers as the new Regional Superior of Sri Lanka.
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Brother Bavo was paid a surprising visit of a former Japanese friend, one of the
highest responsible persons in the Buddhist organization of laity people, the
‘Rissho Koseikai’. The man is now responsible for this religious organization in
South-Asia. In 1975 he visited Belgium accompanied by some other responsible
persons of his organization. He also paid a visit to Bro. Bavo’s family. He was
very pleased to meet Bro. Bavo in Sri Lanka. Welcome Mr. Teruo Saito!
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There was also the successful celebration of the bicentenary of the Congregation
of the Brothers of Charity in the parish of Ja-Ela, with the archbishop as major
celebrant and many religious priests, the personnel of Nisansala, family and
friends and many, many sisters of Charity celebrating with us. On the plain before
the entrance of the church a group of middle-aged clothed Sri Lankians Kandy
dancers gave a performance with drums and festive colors. In the afternoon from
3 to 6 p.m. there was a free entrance performance of music, songs and dance with
well-known singers and musicians in the big sports hall of the Marist Brothers in
Negombo and with sketches presented by the pupils. Unfortunately our Brothers
from Kalmunai, Batticaloa and Trincomalee couldn’t participate as the situation is
still too dangerous and the military control too strong after the attack of the tigers
on the previous Sunday on the great air-force base of the national army.
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We were very pleased with the presence of Mr. Pringiers, the Honorary Belgium
Consul in Sri Lanka. Bro. Bavo could talk to him in his mother tongue (Dutch).
Mr. Pringiers seems to be a captain of industry, owning several factories in Japan
for the production of tires for big vehicles. He is also involved in social works. He
said that Belgian scouts had been asking him to do some volunteer work in Japan.
Bro. Gregory should dress an action plan for them.
Bro. Bavo Van Dingenen
Regio Rama Sandjaja – Indonesia
Sahabat Kita
In the beginning of October we held a staff meeting to discuss our work program
consisting of the following points: admissions and discharges of our clients; development
of our new greenhouse; improvement in building maintenance; accompaniment of our
clients, their activities and reorganizing our administration.
With the addition of two more clients at our home, our dining-room became more
crowded and it made it difficult to move about there. Therefore we are now planning to
extend our dining-room in order to provide more space for our clients.
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We feel the interests of our local government towards the services of our centre
nowadays. Last month, on 29 October, we also celebrated our second anniversary of the
foundation of our rehabilitation centre. The next day, 30 October, we celebrated the 43rd
birthday of Bro. Ferdinandus Harun in a simple manner.
Bro. Ferdinandus Sifriardus Harun & Bro. Bartholomeus Gulan Murtono
The Kunci Rehabilitation Center – Yogyakarta
Today, November 1, 2007, on the Feast of All Saints’ Fay, the Kunci Rehabilitation
Center in Yogyakarta celebrated the second anniversary of its foundation.
Here at the Kunci compound, we held a simple celebration and reception together with all
the staff and the brothers of Nandan, Yogyakarta.
Bro. Yoanes Suhakto – St Paul’s Community – Nandan-Yogyakarta
Sacred Heart Region – Philippines/Japan and Vietnam
Our Lady of Fatima Formation House - Tabiguian, Tabaco City
Bro. Aurelio Valdrez, Regional Superior, celebrated his 49th natal day on October 15. He
was not with us in Bicol (Fatima Formation house), he celebrated it in the Manila
community because he was busy preparing his VISA papers at that time.
The young Brothers left for Manila last October 19, 2007 to attend the MAGPAS
(Religious Gathering) which was held in De La Salle, Greenhills, where they met
Religious Brothers and Sisters of different congregations and parishes within the
Archdoicese of Manila.
On October 24-26, 2007, Bro. Andy attended the Luzon Association of Religious
Brothers (LARB) which was held in Baguio City. It was a three day affair.
October 28, 2007 the young Brothers were on their way to Manila for their annual
gathering with the young Brothers of the three communities. However, on their way,
there were floods from Albay up to Camarines Sur due to continuous rains. They decided
to return home after referring the matter to the Regional Superior who advised them to go
back to Tabiguian.
October 29, 2007, they started early by leaving Tabiguian at exactly three o’clock in the
morning. Although there were no rains, some areas were still flooded but passable. It was
a long trip but they managed to as they enjoyed the view and they had prepared food so
they will not prolong their trip. They arrived in Manila at 12:30 pm. We are looking
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forward to a fruitful and enjoyable bonding with the young Brothers of the three
communities.
October 30, 2007, the Brothers from all the three communities (Bicol, Manila and
Baguio) who had their annual gathering in Baguio, celebrated the Birthday of Br. Vic
(advance celebration for tomorrow Oct. 31). The Regional Superior, Bro. Aurel Valdrez,
was also there. Simple meals were prepared and socials after dinner (songs by the
Brothers-Karaoke).
Manila informed us that Br. Jovy Tan was discharged from the hospital. Welcome home
Br. Jovy! There’s no place like home. We would like also to thank all the family and
close relatives, friends of Brother Jovy who were with us during those trying moments of
the operation of Bro. Jovy. Our staff members and especially the Brothers, the local
superior, Brother Tony Rodano, drove him to the hospital in the early hours of October
15, 2007. All the support and prayers for Brother Jovy!
Bro. Aurelio
Holy Face News
St. Theresa is known to be the patron saint of the missions. October, being the mission
month in the whole world, special intentions for the missionary work is said in the masses
and prayers of the faithful.
At the Holy Face Rehabilitation Center for Mental Health in Tabiguian we have started
with the praying of the full decades of the Rosary every afternoon at 6:00 with our
residents and staff. Some of our residents are assigned to lead the Rosary each day.
Tuesday, October 2, we had a hundred students from the Bicol University Tabaco
Campus (BUTC) visiting us. Together with their mentors, the group arrived at the
premises of the Nazareth Complex as early as 9:00 in the morning. Their objective was
to visit our facilities and learn from our program for mental patients. Most of them also
were first timers to a Center like our mental institution Holy Face. Staff and social
worker Arleen met with the group and toured them around. It became a very useful and
informative time for the students. In this way, these young students will soon get to
know people around them who have a mental disorder and share some insights they’ve
got at the Holy Face.
We conducted our Mental Health Orientation to the community in Ligao City. A
psychiatrist, Dra. Aimee Marie Nobleza joined the team to impart knowledge and
information on mental illness.
Important to mention was our celebration and solidarity with the Mental Health Month
also this October. Our Center prepared meticulously a special program on October 10.
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The next day, October 11, we expected visitors from CBM. Psychologist Violeta Bayato,
Dr. Istvan Patkai, Dr. Andrew Mohanraj and an officer from Australian Embassy came to
visit our Center. In October 17, I discussed and shared with all the staff and the Brothers
the recommendations given by CBM.
On Oct. 19 – 20 we attended a two day seminar at St. Domingo listening to some
speakers. This activity was organized by our Social Worker and Field Coordinator
Arleen Bongalbal.
On the 30th is our submission of our 3rd quarter interim report. Indeed, it was again a busy
month. But with our faith in the dedication and commitment of our staff and Brothers,
we accomplished all what should have been done this month.
With the intercession of our Founder Peter – Joseph Triest, our work for the less fortunate
brothers and sisters in mental health prevails.
Bro. Vic
Our Lady of Rosary Community – Pandacan, Manila
It was a blessing for the community to receive the Filipino Brothers who were assigned in
there respective areas. First of all, the young Brothers have to come to Manila before
leaving for their destination. Secondly, Brother Roldan Demabildo, the novice master in
the international novitiate in Belgium paid us a visit. And thirdly Bro. Joel Ponsaran
(Assistant General Superior) arrived here last November 07, 2007.
Meanwhile, the children, volunteers and teachers in our OPI School are busy in preparing
the Foundation Anniversary. We are already 20th years in Manila since Brother Armand
Peers started the school and community in Manila. Nevertheless, the community
awareness program has done successfully.
Johnny Rey Guan - 2nd yr. Novice
Ho Chi Mihn City / Saigon - Vietnam
Our 5 postulants are adjusting very well to the new level of their formation. They are
following courses at the ‘La Salle Brothers Institute of Religious Studies’ together other
congregations. They go to the university nearby for their formal lessons in English and to
the Sisters of St. Joseph for their conversational English. Sister Mary Chi of the
Handmaids of the Sacred Heart, a long time member of our Formation Team still
continue to guide our postulants for their Bible study once a week.
Once a month our postulants and aspirants join other postulants from 5 congregations for
a two-day and a one night recollection for their psycho-spiritual integration and prayers.
Father Bien of the Dominicans is helping me with the spiritual guidance and sacramental
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aspect of formation. I am still responsible for community life, prayer life, charism and
spirituality of the Brothers of Charity, music, practical guidance and house management
for both aspirants and postulants.
Additionally, the Sisters of St Paul de Chartes are truly grateful for the work of our
aspirants and postulants at their Handicapped Center and especially when the children go
for outing and other social training. Our 7 aspirants are following almost identical but
separate programs with our postulants except that they go to the ‘Dominican Fathers
Pastoral Institute’ for their religious and spiritual courses and to the Sisters of Charity of
Jesus and Mary for their English.
Our Recruitment and Formation Program is under supervision of a Formation Team
which include myself as the coordinator, Bro. Simon of the La Salle Brothers as
consultant, Fr. Bien of the Dominican Fathers as spiritual adviser, Sister Bach Tuyet and
Sister Goretti of the Domican Sisters of Siena, Sister Diem of the Dominican Sisters of
the Rosary, Mary Chi of the Handmaid of the Sacred Heart, Brother General René
Stockman and Brother Joel Ponsaran who come to Vietnam at least 5 times a year to
assist and guide me.
Brother Joel Ponsaran is helping the postulants and aspirants with their English and he
also gives some conferences on the charism, the founder, and the spirituality of the
Brothers of Charity. He always speaks with the postulants and aspirants either
individually or in group. To show his support, he also joined us in our monthly
recollection and our work with the handicapped. Few days ago, Brother Joel and I were
invited by Sister Bach Tuyet to visit their new community in Ca Mau. Ca Mau is on the
southern end of Vietnam. It is about nine hours by bus and one hour by boat from Ho
Chi Minh City. The Sisters live with the people and take an active role in the daily life of
the village.
This week another aspirant joined our community. His name is Joachim. He is 30 years
old and a doctor of animals (veterinary medicine). We have now a total of eight
aspirants: Vincent Vinh, Vincent Tuan, Joseph Loc, Joseph Cuong, Dominic Tam#2,
Dominic Savio Phong, Michael Oanh, and Thomas Hoai.
Our five postulants are: Peter Khoi, Joseph Khoan, Joseph Hoa, Dominic Tam#1 and
Anthony Hung. May we ask our Brothers, Associate Members and co-workers, please, to
continue praying for our community?
Brother Dominic
ST. BENEDICT PROVINCE - EUROPE
Provincial Administration – Moerzeke – België
Saint Joseph Region – Ireland and United Kingdom
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Regio Sint-Maria – Nederland
Reunion Eikenburg / Saint Joris College
About 50 or 60 former citizens of Eikenburg were present for the combined reunion of
the Saint Joris Plain College (90 years old) and the school and boarding school of
Eikenburg (at the occasion of the bicentenary of the Congregation). The organization of
this reunion was done by a special firm. Neither the school nor the brothers had time for
it (due to all the activities around the jubilee). That was the reason why some citizens of
Eikenburg came somewhat in the oppression, but the majority of the people present were
enthusiast. The result of which some persons are already busy organizing a real reunion.
Brother Koenraad Park
The city council of Nijmegen decided on the 3rd of October to give a name of “Brother
Koenraad” to the so far nameless park along the Hatertseweg. Brother Koenraad
Reichgeldt has been the only brother of the Netherlands who has been the General
Superior of the Brothers of Charity from 1958 to 1967. He started the b.l.o.-school
(special school) in Nijmegen (Jonkerbosch). The park which is near to Jonkerbosch will
be a lasting remembrance of this brother.
Opening of the “music water bed”
On the 11th of October Bro. René Stockman opened the new space for the practice of
Math. Hansen. It is a part of the convent of the Brothers of Charity in Roermond in the
Heinsbergerweg. Math. recently started a practice combating pain under the name “Music
Water Bed”. Bro. Stockman’s message: “The future of smaller becoming communities is
destined to the care taking sector. Small congregations only can survive if they dare
collaborate with organizations in the field of the care of handicapped people, as realized
in Roermond. The brothers of Roermond are taking the initiative in being engaged in not
so common cooperatives.”
Celebration of the bicentenary of the Brothers of Charity in the Chapel on the Sand
On Sunday the 14th of October attention to the bicentenary of the Brothers of Charity was
been given in the Chapel on the Sand in Roermond. At the same time the presence (living
and work) of the brothers during 60 years in Roermond was commemorated too. This
celebration that ended with a reception was offered to the brothers by the Redemptorist
Fathers, so that every parishioner was able to congratulate the brothers.
Brothers who are ill
Bro. Nieuwland broke his upper leg. This caused an unfortunate fall. It needed a surgery.
After a short time in the hospital he is already back home. He is staying in the Brothers
House in Eikenburg. Bro. Wil Smolders’ health isn’t good at all.
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Rotary plays bridge to help the handicapped in Klerksdorp (South Africa)
The Rotary Boxtel-Oirschot-Haaren organized a bridgedrive. Ninety pairs in total played
the whole day for sponsored prizes. The net proceeds are destined for the building of
workrooms for people with a mental handicap in the South-African city of Klerksdorp.
Rotary International doubled the amount and the total sum of € 30.000,00 goes to the
Triest Raining Centre in South-Africa.
Weeks of holiday for seniors
The organization “Holidays for Elderly People” organized some weeks of holiday for
seniors from Eikenburg and the outside villages in the pavilion Heihoef in Eikgenburg.
For many elderly people the winter months may last long. A week holiday is a nice break
of this period. The theme of the first week was: Religion.
Regio Sint-Vincentius - België/Belgique – Rumania – Ukraine
Sint-Maria Aalter – international novitiate
On October 24, 2007 at about one o'clock 8 novices went to the sport hall of the
University of Ghent for a table tennis game. We played against the children of our
institutes. Some of them played nicely and at the end of the game every player received a
medal, so nobody was disappointed then. We went home and we were very tired, together
with Sr. Bosco from the Franciscan Sisters convent who organized this event very well.
On the next day, 3 novices (John Paul, Felix and Christoph) went to the Pius X school in
Zele, to give a testimony about our vocations and to share our life as a novice. In the
morning we started at 9 o'clock; we met with three groups of students and in the
afternoon after lunch we met with two other groups. During those sessions the students
looked very enthusiastic and they asked many questions to us. Indeed for the 3 of us this
was really a nice experience. As we hope the same thing as well for the students.
On October 26, 2007 Bro. Roldan went back to the Philippines for his annual leave for
about a month, since then Bro. Dermot came to take his responsibility as the novice
master and the superior of the house. Besides he also gives English lessons for some
novices every twice a week in the afternoon.
Dismas, Christoph, Cyprian
ROMA ON LINE
Casa Generalizia dei Fratelli della Carità
Via Giambattista Pagano 35, I-00167 Roma, Italia
Phone: *39-06-660.49.01; Fax: *39-06-663.14.66
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Email: aime.peirsman@tin.it or aime.peirsman.fc@fracarita.org
Web-site: www.brothersofcharity.org
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