E-NEWSLETTER OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE BROTHERSOF CHARITY
ROMA ON-LINE
Edition N° 119/V/2010; January 15, 2010
(Please, always try to reduce the length of your reports for ‘Roma on-Line’ to maximum 1 page.)
(Copies of the texts to be published have to be sent before the 10th of the month.)
(We kindly ask the local superiors to print a copy for the Brothers who don’t have an e-mail address.)
Administratio Generalis – Roma
MEDITATION
What I might expect from you is your love and your gratefulness
“WHAT I MIGHT EXPECT FROM YOU is your love and your gratefulness. God is the witness that I love
you and that I wish you all things I wish for myself. Then it also consoles me to know that you love me
too. And your gratefulness exists exactly in the friendship, in your trust in me, in your support and in your
prayer. Pray then for me, you, children, because God likes the prayer of the small ones. Pray for me,
you, young people, I carry you in my heart. Pray for me, you, fathers and mothers, I share in your care
for your family household. Pray for me, you, alumni, I shall help and protect you. Pray for me, you, the
poor, because you are my suffering limbs which I will honor, cherish and help. Pray for me, you, the sick,
because for you I shall share everything I have.” (Servant of God, Canon Peter Joseph Triest, Ronse,
1802)
In this particular text, Father Triest talks of the mutual love which he might hope to expect from his
fellowmen. He expressed this expectation at the moment he was allowed to speak in public again and
might fulfill his task as a priest. It is as if he would break through all the borders and sound on a dream of
a society where mutual love reigns. It is a dream of all time, which was also proclaimed by Jesus as a top
value, but which is constantly disturbed by indifference, mercilessness, and even hate which troubles and
make our relations impossible. For Triest, the way of the mutuality lies in prayer, and when we think of it,
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it is perhaps the only feasible way to be full of love for one another. Prayerful association with others is
like recognizing Jesus’ face in each fellowman and making it possible even to be full of love in looking at
our enemies.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, may You be close to all our beloved. For those who are lonesome, be near to
them. For those who grieve, may they find relief. For those who find everything empty and meaningless,
may they find meaning in the depth of their existence. For those who set no more hope in You, may they
find You. Lord Jesus, may we always know You again in our daily existence, may we recognize your
face in the face of our fellowmen. Amen.
News from the Superior General
The last visit in Latin America was to Nicaragua, where we could see our new projects. Bro.
Bernard Houle and Bro. Benjamin Aska are already very good adapted in Granada and they love
their apostolate. Bro. Bernard is responsible for a home of abandoned children (“Christo Sana”)
and Bro. Benjamin is responsible for a day centre for street children. They received a nice
community house from the Bishop and the two facilities and the community house were handed
over to the congregation on the 15th of December 2009. It is the official start of the Brothers of
Charity in Nicaragua. We thank Bishop Hombach and Father Valère Neckebrouck, a Belgian
priest, for their dedication in the developing of these nice services and we hope that we can
continue them in the same spirit.
Coming back in Belgium, we had the fare-well ceremony of Dr. John Van de Velde, the medical
director of our Psychiatric Centre Dr. Guislain, who received for his many years of real
dedication the “Bene merenti” from the congregation. We had also the graduation ceremony of
our young brothers who finished their nursing training and their formation in special education.
The following days, we came to Rome, where we spent the whole Christmas period. It was a
period of preparing many conferences, because from the 8th of January we start again our period
of travelling. It was good to be together with the community and to participate also in some
religious services in the Vatican.
During the week of the 4th of January, we were together for the general council. We could accept
the final proposal of our new formation plan, we received a clear overview of the new novitiate in
the Philippines, we started three new foundations: Lusaka in Zambia, Bangui in Central African
Republic and Granada in Nicaragua. We are now present in 29 countries.
On the 7th of January, we left Rome for Nairobi and Rwanda. It will be the first visit of the New
Year. In Nairobi we will teach the novices and in Rwanda we will visit Ndera together with Prof.
Boon, a neurologist from Gent who is ready to support our new service in Caraes-Ndera. Of
course, we will take the opportunity to meet all the second year novices personally as preparation
to their first profession end February 2010.
We wish all of you a blessed 2010. May the grace of God be always with you and may our
beloved Founder, whose birthday we commemorate, be our guide during this year.
Bro. R. Stockman, Superior general - rene.stockman.fc@fracarita.org
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The General Superior’ Visit Schedule
08.01.2010
16.01.2010
18.01.2010
22.01.2010
26.01.2010
31.01.2010
10.02.2010
14.02.2010
21.02.2010
02.03.2010
Brussels – Nairobi – Kigali / Ndera (Rwanda)
Kigali – Brussels
Brussels – Pakistan
Pakistan – Peking (China)
Peking (China) – Ranchi (India)
Ranchi (India) – Brussels
Brussels – Rome
Rome – Brussels
Brussels – Kigali / Ndera (Rwanda) – Bujumbura (Burundi)
Bujumbura (Burundi) - Brussels
International Foundation ‘Global Action against Poverty’ (GAAP) – Brothers of Charity
News from the Casa – Rome - 2010.01.15
Our lovely collection of Christmas-cribs - one of Bro. General’s interests – made a timely
appearance so that we could enjoy them throughout the Holy Season. The cribs represent almost
all the countries where our brothers live and work. They also illustrate the universality of our
religion, and express our desire to feel at home wherever we live. Our enthusiastic worker, Linda,
has artistically arranged over 30 cribs.
On Friday 18 December, we were represented at the Pontifical audience by a Walloon delegation,
under the direction of Mgr. Aloys Jousten, Bishop of Liège, and the Walloon Minister of
Economy Jean-Claude Marcourt. In the presence of Frank De Coninck, Ambassador of Belgium
to the Holy See, the Belgian Christmas tree was offered to his Holiness. The Minister had
prepared a surprise. He had asked a Walloon craftsman to produce a cane and, while presenting it
to the Holy Father, he said: "So his Holiness can rely on a piece of Wallonia." In the afternoon, in
an appropriate setting, the tree was lit by two Belgian children living in Rome.
Another Belgian delegation was formed by the "Cantate Dominum" of Aalst, a choir under the
direction of David De Geest. They came to Rome on the occasion of their Jubilee and, between
Christmas and New Year, they sang in many churches.
On Saturday 13 December, we were invited to a Christmas party organized by the disabled of the
parish. We have seen their spontaneous joy when they presented their Christmas sketch and their
sincere gratitude for the use of our premises for their meetings. They made a collection for the
apostolate of the Brothers.
Christmas 2009 will be remembered by a large number of faithful due to the attack on the Pope
by Susanna Maiolo (25 years). It happened at the time the procession was heading to the altar by
the central aisle of St. Peter's Basilica for midnight Mass. The previous year, the same person
jumped over the barricade but had been stopped immediately. This time she jumped with an agile
leap over the barrier, and by pulling the Pope’s pallium, he tumbled forward. This agile and
precise action was professionally matched by Domenico Giani, head of the Vatican’s state police.
While the Pope fell forward, he threw himself on the ground, thereby protecting the Pope with his
body. The Pope has already forgiven the woman, but the Court has still to pronounce its verdict.
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Our Holy Father didn’t show any concern about what had happened to him. In his homily, he
helped his listeners understand that "God’s sign, given to the shepherds and to us, is a poignant
miracle. The sign of God is his humility. The sign of God consists in his coming as a little child
that can be touched, requesting our love. We would like to see another sign, a powerful and
irrefutable evidence of his divine power and his majesty. But his sign invites us to believe and to
love, and by doing so, he gives us hope: that is the way God is".
Following a good tradition of many families, we too, we have spent Christmas at home. Brother
General was present during the whole Christmas period and he regained a small amount of
weight that he had lost during his many visits. Bro. Joel Ponsaran arrived on 29 November and
Brothers Adrian Hartotanojo and Jean Mbeshi on Sunday, January 3 for the General Council
which took place from 4 January on.
On Monday 28 December, we commemorated the founding of our Congregation in 1807. A day,
on which Father Triest, who intended to found a Congregation of Brothers, brought together three
candidates in the Bijloke. That same day, we restored the old religious tradition, the day of the
Holy Innocents, on which the youngest member of the community becomes the superior. Our
student, Bro.Seraphin Tshijika, has fulfilled this role in a gentle manner.
During the Christmas holidays, a new student entered the Belgian College. He is Don Ionel
Ababi. He belongs to the seminary of Namur and, for six months, he will do research at the
Biblicum for his doctorate in biblical matters. Being the only priest present during the holidays,
he edified us by his spontaneous rapport with his listeners during his homily. From the outset, his
joy was palpable to the gathering.
On New Years day the Superior invited us to dinner at a nearby restaurant. This is the tradition.
He chose the ‘Seadas’: a popular restaurant with its roots in Sardinia. The place was lively but
everything went smoothly. The staff took care of a relaxed atmosphere. However, while we
savored our dishes, we remembered that our Congregation was entering a new Jubilee year. We
have many reasons to be proud of our Congregation and we pray daily the Jubilee prayer in order
to live more in accordance with the example of Father Triest, who responded to the graces he
received.
Bro. Eugeen Geysen
ST. AUGUSTINE PROVINCE – AFRICA
Provincial Administration – Saint Cyprian Community - Abidjan (Ivory Coast)
Blessed Isidore Bakanja Novitiate Nairobi – Kenya
On the 2nd of October 2009 Bro. Hubert Kadiaba, the postulant master went to Congo-Kinshasa
to renew his passport. The same day Father Patrick Ezeounu was graduated with success in his
“PHD” defense. It was a wonderful day. May the almighty God give him the courage to
strengthen our vocation.
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On Monday the 5th of October 2009 the novices started to attend the inter novitiate courses for
the whole month of October: how to become a peace maker; courses on liturgy and on the
sacraments; the Trinitarian foundation of the community and social justice and peace. The
novices were happy to meet colleagues from other congregations. The courses also helped them
to grow spiritually and socially in their way of living Christianity.
On the 8th of October 2009 Bro. Constantino Kaunda visited us coming from Rwanda on his way
to Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania.
On the 17th of October 2009 the novices went out for a sports manifestation at the Marist
Brothers’ ground, playing a friendly match versus the Brothers of St. John of God. One of the
novices, Hubert Kyezi, dislocated his leg. The novice master took him to the Kikuyu Mission
Hospital for X-rays and for treatment. Another novice, Samuel de Marie (Pascal Kapake), was
operated at his accidental shoulder from which he already suffered a long time as the result of an
earthquake.
On the 25th of October 2009 the novices had their recollection the theme of which was: “The
place of Mary in the plan of our salvation and in the Church”. It was conducted by Fr. Thomas
Kambere, a student at the Catholic University of East Africa.
The 30th of October 2009 was the last day for the novices to participate in the ‘Inter Novitiate’
courses. It was wonderful for the novices, all of them sisters and brothers were very happy for
that opportunity given to them to attend these courses in order to be peace makers in their
communities by seeing, judging and acting in Christ’s spirit received in the Holy Eucharist.
From the 01st to the 02nd November 2009 our community celebrated the mass of all Saints and all
Souls. All who participated got an opportunity to pray for her or his family: parents, brothers,
sisters and other relatives.
On the 09th November 2009 we shared our supper with four ‘Abizera Mariya’ Sisters our
neighbors. One of them was coming back from Europe.
On the 10th of November 2009 we welcomed Brother General Superior who spent one day in our
community coming from Rwanda where he had visited the second year novices. He was on his
way to Lubumbashi and other communities in Congo. The formation team and the novices were
very happy for his presence. We got time to gather with him for one hour and a half and he
shared with us the content of the second encyclical letter of the Pope: “Caritas in Veritate” (Love
in Truth), to improve our spirituality and our intelligence, as well as to develop our human
dignity values and to see the influence of justice through the eyes of Jesus. ”Justice without
charity is not a worthy justice”.
On the 29th of November 2009 the novices had their last recollection conducted by Father
Cosmos a priest student in CUEA from Malawian. The theme of this recollection was about
living the moment of conversion and repentance for Christ’s coming. It was just before the end of
the liturgical year 2009 (ordinary period) and the preparation for the Advent season.
On the 4th of December 2009 the novice master Bro. Paulin went to Congo-DRC for the renewal
of his passport, where he spent two weeks and came back on the 17th of December 2009.
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On the 6th of December 2009 some novices and Bro. Hubert went to sing in the Karen-Parish as a
part of their apostolate. The Christians of the parish and the parish priest were delighted with our
contribution to the liturgical animation.
On the 22nd of December 2009 a group of novices who had to improve their English finished the
lessons given by Mr. Ben Kinaro.
On the 23rd of December 2009 from morning to sunset, all the novices were very busy preparing
Christmas. On the 24th of December 2009 in the morning at 10.00 o’clock, we had the sacrament
of confession with Fr. Edward from the Society Missionaries of Africa (SMA). In the afternoon,
a delegation of the novitiate and the scolasticate community went to share some food as a sign of
living Christmas in a concrete way with the poor our masters living near to the novitiate. At 16.30
o’clock the two communities went to participate in the Christmas vigil mass in the Karen Parish.
On the 25th of December 2009 in the morning, the novice master Bro. Paulin attended the
Christmas mass in Karen-Parish with some novices who had been appointed for the kitchen
service. Others attended the mass in the Marist Chapel at 11.00 a.m. After lunch, the novice
master sent some novices to neighbor religious communities to distribute Christmas cards within
Karen. The same afternoon novices went for an outing.
On the 27th of December 2009 the novices had their recollection which was led by the novice
master Bro. Paulin. The theme of the recollection was: “Living the moment of Christ’s
Incarnation and becoming a Christian.” It was a desert recollection. We tried to revise our
individual life during 2009. This was helpful to take new decisionsfor the coming year 2010.
On the 28th of December 2009 our community celebrated the feast of the foundation of the
Congregation. During the night there was a game that consisted in answering intelligent questions
by a group of novices. The same day it was the feast of the Innocent Saints. Novice Katentu
Hubert was the youngest novice and he was allowed to replace wisely the superior of the house
from 08.30 o’clock until 23.00 o’clock in choosing the food of the day and in asking some
reasonable requests for the community.
On the 31st of December 2009 we had a special adoration for one hour 11.00 p.m. - 00.00 p.m. as
last adoration of thanksgiving to God for 2009 and offering the New Year 2010 asking God for
more love, faith, hope, forgiveness, peace and justice for more human dignity of his beloved
people in the world. We prayed specially for the poor and the suffering.
Brother Paulin - paulkindambu@yahoo.fr
Région Saint-François-Xavier, Rwanda – Burundi
International Novitiate – Ndera – Kigali (Rwanda)
On the 19th, December 2009, we had our recollection as preparation to Christmas. This
recollection was animated by Fr Prudence who is a Dominican priest and the main theme was:
“Change your heart”: At the end Fr Prudence gave us the following questions which might help
anyone of our readers to pose a bit and reflect on them as well.
a) Which kind of behavior do I have to change to welcome Christ in my life?
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b) What barriers or hindrances which often impends me for being opened to brothers, for
giving, for living in peace with my brothers in the community?
c) Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand. What does it mean for you?
Christmas vigil was celebrated by Father Calixte, Salesian and one of our chaplains in the
novitiate. Our associate members, brothers of the main community, sisters of charity, other
congregations around and some of our co-workers joined for the Eucharistic celebration and after
the mass we shared a fraternal meal in our garden.
During the Christmas Holidays in the morning the novices were busy studying book-keeping and
mathematics with Bro. Michel Mutabazi. In the afternoon the novices were busy organizing other
activities in the community.
On the 31st, December, we went for the ‘Te Deum’ where everyone could follow the liturgy in his
familiar language in Kigali (English, Kinya-rwanda and French). Thereafter each fraternity
shared meals outside. Then we came together as community for the New Year’s vigil.
Brother Ghislain Bakanja, Novice Master
Our Lady of Africa Region – Democratic Republic of Congo
On the 4th December Bro. Paulin Kindambu, the novice master in Nairobi, came to Kinshasa
taking steps to get a new passport. He returned to Nairobi on the 18th December. On the same
day, Bro. Théodore Nkondo left for his community St. Ambroise in Kabinda.
Bro. Jacob arrived in Kinshasa on the 16th November 2009 in order to accompany Brother
General and Brother Regional to Ilebo visiting the Brabanta mission. Returning to Kinshasa he
still stayed there a time to get his new car, a Land-cruiser and the number plate. He left Kinshasa
on the 24th December with his new car and so he could celebrate Christmas with his Confreres.
Brother Floribert Kabindu, Regional Superior
Saint Ambrose Community – Kabinda
The community is doing relatively well. In the beginning of past month we welcomed Bro.
Théodore Nkondo as new member. He is giving courses of religion in the secondary school and
in the professional school. Bro. Pierre Ngoie spent two days in the monastery of the Trinity (of
the Claris’ Sisters) in order to reflect on himself at the beginning of his jubilee year (on the 6th
August 2010 he will celebrate his silver jubilee).
One of our girl students in the secondary school (Charlie: daughter of our former cook Ferdinand)
and one of the best football players in Kabinda, was transferred to Mbujimayi by the authorities
to play in the provincial ladies’ football team.
The Office of the Official Representative of the education sector has planned a recollection day
for the teachers in the Lent period (March) on the theme of the “Mission of the Co-worker
Educator” and another one in Eastern Time (May) on “Discipline”.
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The Fund for Mutual Assistance in St. Ambroise is doing well; the assistance started this month
after the death of the mother of the sentinel of the professional school.
Brother Pierre Ngoie – ngoiepierre@yahoo.fr
Saint Dominic Region, Tanzania
Community of St. John the Baptist - Tabora
The community of Tabora consisting of Bro. Deus, Bro. Brighton, Bro. Joseph, and Postulant
John wishes you all the best for Christmas. It is the time to feel God’s wonderful love, knowing
the blessings he sends from above and sharing them with our dear ones. We wish you also joy,
peace and prosperity in the New Year 2010.
Milestones: As we bid good-bye to the year 2009, we will share you some of the events that have
been mile-stones in our life, in the community and in the lives of our neighbours. Bro. Joseph
joined the community of Tabora on 29th November 2009 coming from Kihinga. Bro. Brighton
left for Zambia on 15th January 2010 to take up his new assignment of starting a new community
foundation with Bro. Jacob in Lusaka.
The ‘Tabora School’ for the deaf shared its joy with the deaf Aneth Gerana former pupil who
graduated from the University of Dar es salaam with a degree in ‘Mass Communication’.
The school continuous to shine in the Tabora region and shows how successful the children are.
16 students from Standard Seven succeeded in the National Examination in 2009. This
performance puts the school on the 8th position on regional level. Although it is a special school,
it is the only school in the region where all the children have made it to form one group.
Christmas: On Christmas day we attended different masses in different chapels: in the Cathedral,
in the Students’ centre and in the Kruni Sisters’ chapel. We had dinner with the Sisters of
‘Mabinti wa Maria’ (Daughters of Mary).
On 26th December 2009 we had a picnic with the Lay Co-workers, the Brothers, the Sisters, and
the Priest. We went out to Gombe. Bishop Paul Ruzoka was with us. We had a very interactive
outing. We talked, drunk of course in a religious way and we played cards (‘za kuowa na
kuolewa’).
Weather: We had a continuous heavy rain pouring in Dodoma, Kilosa and Morogoro regions.
Since Christmas day
floods covered these flat lands, driving
hundreds of families
homeless and leaving them without food. The
people living along
the railway line depended on the train, but as
the transport was
affected by the bad weather, the trains were
not moving. The train
that left Kigoma on 28th December is still
staying in Dodoma.
The railway line at Kilosa - Morogoro was
eroded. Also the deaf
children had difficulties to come back to
school especially those coming by train from Mwanza and Kigoma. The school started again on
12th January 2010.
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Updates compiled by Bro. Joseph C. Mulenga - jomule504@yahoo.com
Zambia - Blessed the pure of heart, for they can see God at work
As congregation we were invited in the general chapter of 1994 to pray for spiritual renewal, for
vocations and for a prophetic and luminal presence in the world. Surely God heard our prayers,
and He answered them in unexpected ways. His name is praised.
Who could have foreseen that what started in a Burundian refugee-camp in Rwanda in 1993
would have developed into the St. Dominic region in Tanzania, officially established in 2000 in
memory of Bro. Dominique Munyurangabo who had been killed in Rwanda in 1994? Who
could have foreseen that this would lead to this providential growth of our congregation in
Eastern Africa (Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda)? Who could have foreseen that St. Dominic region
in 2009 would already count 85 brothers, novices and associate members, from 10 nationalities
and in 7 communities with a challenging and diversified apostolate? Who could have foreseen
that in 2009 there would already be 24 Zambian members, and that in 2008 a first Zambian
brother of charity, brother Pasco Chola, would take his perpetual vows?
It was with a grateful heart that from 11th to 18th October 2008 the Superior General, together
with Bro. Pasco, Bro. Kaunda and my self went to Zambia to explore the openings for a new
foundation. After the visit the General Council decided to start in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, a
formation house for study-opportunities for our young brothers and at the same time to see how
as brothers of charity to answer the cry of the poor, of Gods poor in Zambia.
Bro. Brighton Mutali and Bro. Jacobus Taru were assigned to this new mission. From 28th
November to 10th December 2009 brother Constantino Kaunda and myself went to Zambia to
prepare the new foundation and on 8th December 2009, the feast of Our Lady of Africa, we were
able to inform the superior general that, for the first time in the history of the congregation there
was a community of Brothers of Charity in Zambia, to be found at Mwalule Road nr 1 (near
Thornpark) in Lusaka. It was providential how the same day we were able to take over the house
from the FMDM sisters (Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood) who were moving
to a bigger formation house in Kitwe Diocese.
God’s hand is visible present in what is happening and we are confident that His providence and
care will also lead us for the choice, the establishment and the development of our future
apostolate with the vulnerable youth of Lusaka. We go forward without fear, and we will
overcome the obstacles on the road. Blessed the pure of heart, for they can see God at work.
Bro Stan Goetschalckx
St. Paul’s Region – South Africa
Triest House – Florida
Bro. Rodrigue Sadiki was a guest at Triest House. He underwent medical treatment which was a
great success and he is feeling much better. He returned to Congo on 5 September 2009. Bro. Jos
Mathijssen participated in the Conference ‘Transforming by Participating’ about projects in
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South Africa 4th September 2009. He went to Rwanda for two weeks from 22 November to 6
December 2009. The purpose of the visit was to teach in special education at the formation house
Twizere in Ndera for the second year novices.
We have two candidates starting their postulancy from next year. Two candidates are expected
for a ‘come and see’.
St. Conrad’s community – Klerksdorp
Bro. Jan Gillis visited us several times during the year to enforce the community and to assist the
school and the Triest Training Centre for people with intellectual disabilities. His valuable
support was welcome. Bro. Mothobi Rasehlabo is in the process of applying for his work permit.
Bro. Paul Chishinte attended a retreat at Good Shepherd Retreat Centre from 3 to 10 December
2009.
On 5 November 2009 the community was honored with the visit of the Ambassador of Belgium
Jan Mutton, whilst visiting St. Conrad’s College and Triest Training Centre.
St. Placid’s community – Pax
Bro. Gaston Jeurissen returned to South Africa on 30th September 2009 after recuperating from a
surgery in Belgium. Bro. Louis Verschueren is following up the renovations of the hostel. Bro.
Dirk Debusschere arrived in South Africa on 7th October 2009 and has taken up his duties at Pax
Farm. Jan Aldelhof, past pupil of the ‘Sacred Heart’ school of the Brothers of Charity in
Tessenderlo (Belgium) and high school teacher stayed in the community, while teaching at Pax
College and the computer centre during the 3rd term of the school year.
Triest Training Centre – Klerksdorp
The International Day of People with Disabilities was held 3 December 2009. The centre created,
on this occasion, awareness and acceptance in the community of ‘People with Disabilities’. The
centre hosted the event of a table of Peace and Unity on the fields on 2 December 2009 for 300
people involved in various churches, organizations, clubs and other centers.
The centre accommodates seven people with severe intellectual disabilities, who reside in the
Klerksdorp Old Age Home, on a rotating basis for several months since this year and at no cost to
them in the Activity Centre.
Thandanani Centre – Florida
The Centre has 47 members. Phase one of the old age home has been completed and the building
of the second store commenced at the beginning of October and it is nearing completion. This
was realized thanks to funds received from various organizations.
Brakpan
Our property in Brakpan has been leased to a non-profit organization ‘Ratatang Care Centre for
Recovering Mental Health Patients’. Preparatory activities have commenced and the centre is
expected to be fully operational from 1st February 2010.
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St. Conrad’s College – Klerksdorp
The College together with the past pupils organized Founders day on the weekend of 16 October
2009. Many past pupils came to the different activities. The Belgian Ambassador Jan Mutton
paid a visit to St. Conrad’s College. He left the College with a huge impression of the quality of
education based on values that are important in life as humans and as Christians. He could see
that an education based on Christian values was put in place and that the ethos of the Brothers
will remain part of the school policy.
Pax College – Pax
Luk Schollaert, as expert from the NGO ‘Ex-Change’ in Belgium, arrived on 29 October and
stayed until 8 November 2009. He assisted the school to set up a strategic plan, to upgrade the
quality of the school. The idea behind this is that Pax College will be part of the ‘Historic Schools
Restoration Project’ which will enable it to get funds in becoming a school of educational
excellence. Bro. Thomas Lekalake approached Luk Schollaert about involving Pax Hostel in the
project.
Pax Skills Development Centre – Pax
Bro. Douglas Robertson is working as director at Pax Skills a project committed to poor people.
Helmut Rohrbuck, an expert from ‘Ex-Change’ arrived on 9th November 2009 to assist in
developing a business plan.
Pax Farm – Pax
Brother Douglas has taken over the management of the farm. The farm will, besides becoming
self sustainable, offer opportunities for training local people in agricultural skills.
(Source: Community Newsletter – December 2009)
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE - AMERICA
Provincial Administration – Washington DC – Brazil
In Washington
We experienced an internet black out from 21 December to 5 January so that all email messages
addressed to Donald Joyal during this period never arrived and were lost.
Some Results of the Visit of Bro. General and the last general council meeting of 4th of
January
In Peru
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The house in Comas (not the one of Chacra Cerro) can be sold and the money used to build an
adapted community house in Chacra Cerro. The property near Jesus Obrero can be sold and the
money used to buy a new house for the new apostolate in Ayacucho. The initiative of “Salud
Mental de Ayacucho” can be taken over and a community can be created there.
In Brazil
The shelter for children may continue under the responsibility of Bro. André Payeur. Bro. Éric
may begin the development of a psychiatric service for children and adolescent with psychic
problems. This has to begin with the implementation of a formation for special educators.
In Nicaragua
The transfer of the properties under the name of the Brothers of Charity is done.
In the three countries dedicated and competent brothers are wanted!
Recollectants
Not only our elderly but also our young brothers hold a recollection in Washington the day after
the anniversary of the foundation of the Congregation. The theme was: “Assuming the
responsibility of fulfilling our religious formation: Vision and Best practices ‘hic et nunc’”. The
invited speakers were brothers Dominic, Jean-Clément, Venance and Donald. Most of the aspects
of our formation were tackled. It was done on a base of sharing our views and not on imposing
any views.
Brother Donald Joyal
From Brother Joseph Turcotte (International Novitiate – Belgium)
Christmas is over. It was joyful with our very dynamic group of novices. The holy Child was
born in different places in our big house and flickering lights remembered us the Event.
A Vietnamese family came to serve us an exotic meal on the feast of the Holy Family. The 28 th
December we visited the Netherlands and the elderly missionaries in Indonesia. We were
informed that Brother Ton was nominated a great citizen of ‘Eikenburg’ as he worked fifty years
on the same place. On our way back we visited an abbey in Bruges where a former Chinese prime
minister became a monk and prior. A Chinese exposition was held in the monastery.
ST. THOMAS PROVINCE - ASIA
Saint Thomas – Asian Province - Provincial Administration – Lahore – Pakistan
Father Lievens Region – India
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Triest House (Formation) - Ranchi
We wish you Happy New Year 2010. Cold weather is increasing here. It has taken the lives of
many people and many are affected by it.
Bro. Ambrose went for a family visit on 4th of December and came back on 13th of December.
5th December: We had recollection day for the preparation of Christmas. Rev. Fr. Anselm Ekka
s.j. gave the recollection. He was in our community in the morning.
6th December: Jharkhand Assembly of Religious Brothers got together in ‘Prabhat Tara Singhpur’
for a Christmas gathering. We had talks, confession, Holy Eucharist, exchanging gifts, election of
the secretary and treasurer and a fellowship meal. Bro. Praween was elected treasurer by the
brothers. On the way back to Ranchi we visited ‘Shishu Bhawan Hinoo’, Mother Teresa sister’s
convent.
8th December: Bro. Praween attended the final profession of some Sisters of Charity Jesus and
Mary in Nirmala College.
We stopped our lesson on 20th December but we were busy with many things like the personal
preparation for Christmas and the Christmas decoration.
22nd of December: We were invited in Simalia School for a Christmas gathering. It was joyful
and meaningful to see poor children and personal reflecting on Christmas. We attended the Vigil
Mass in the Holy Cross Convent. The sermon touched us and gave us daily spiritual food.
According to our tradition and culture, on 25th December we were in St. Alphonsa Community
for the Christmas celebration. We shared our joy, love, peace and unity as one family, one heart,
one soul and one mind. After lunch we had a gifts distribution. It was sign of our brotherly love,
as our new born Saviour Jesus Christ also received gifts from the Magi. Then we shared our
happiness and joy by singing and dancing.
On 26th December our postulants and candidates went for a family visit for two weeks.
On 28th December Bro. Praween went to the family of Bro. Praful to participate in his farewell
and thanksgiving ceremony. On 4th December postulant Rejius came back from his family visit.
Brother Praween - praweenkullu@yahoo.com
News from South India – Sivagangai - Tamil Nadu
Greetings to all of you! On 18th December we had a meeting with our residents’ family members.
At the same time we had the Christmas and New Year celebration by cutting the cake. Our Parish
Priest Rev. Father Alphons Nadan shared the message of Christmas to all of us. On Christmas
eve we went to the substation of the Parish with our parish priest to attend the Holy Eucharist.
Finally we arrived at our parish to present our book called ‘May I Call you Brother’ which was
written by our General Bro. Rene Stockman. It was published in Tamil language. We were proud
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of it. Our residents went for holydays for a few days. And on 28th December we celebrated the
birthday of our Superior. Our postulants came back from their family visit too
Brother Yashwant Lakra - yashwant32002@yahoo.co.uk
Blessed Joseph Vaz Region - Sri Lanka
Regio Rama Sandjaja – Indonesia
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you! Hopefully Christmas and New Year
always bring us new hope and happiness in our life as members of our Congregation worldwide.
If you are interested to see some photos taken during our last Christmas and New Year
celebrations in Indonesia, please click the following link:
http://caritasindonesia.blogspot.com/2010/01/boc-indo-christmas-new-year-2010.html
On December 14, Brother Jodianus Obesi told us that his uncle, Mr. David Eban, passed away in
his home province of East Nusa Tenggara. May God grant his soul eternal rest in peace! Other
sad news is that, on January 3, Mrs. Aquilina Siti Suharno, the wife of Mr. Harno, our senior high
school teacher in Purwokerto, passed away at the General Hospital in Banyumas. Her funeral
mass took place at the Cathedral of Purwokerto on January 4. May her soul rest in peace!
After undergoing a very long journey from Indonesia, finally our young confreres, Bros. Raphael
Sujatmiko and Felix Kurniawan who have spent their brief holidays with their families in
Indonesia, arrived safe and sound in Brussels, Belgium, on January 3. First, they departed from
Yogyakarta to Kuala Lumpur, and then they continued their journey to Rome and finally arrived
in Brussels, Belgium. Their plane was delayed for some hours in Rome due to bad weather.
Unfortunately, on their arrival in Belgium, they could not find their luggage. Bro. Waldebert of
Kruibeke who was waiting for them for more than three hours had already left the airport in
Brussels when they arrived. They felt like lost people there. After further contacts, however,
finally Bro. Waldebert returned to the airport again together with Bro. Cyprian and took them
safely to Kruibeke.
On January 6, the husband of Mrs. Wati, our staff member at Don Bosco School for the Deaf in
Wonosobo, Central Java, passed away after suffering from a serious illness in the past few years.
Their daughter is actually the niece in law of Bro. Cosmas Sumardi, our former provincial
superior in Indonesia. Let us pray for the eternal repose of Mrs. Wati’s husband.
On Friday, January 8, our Caritas Elementary School in Nandan, Yogyakarta, held its Christmas
and New Year mass at our community hall. The mass was presided by the Redemptorist Fr. Dr.
Matheus Mali who is an expert in the field of Christian morality. In his homily, Fr Mali
encouraged our pupils to develop their moral in a better way. Fr Mali was very friendly with our
pupils, and he could move the hearts of these children and their parents as well. His homily
could easily be understood. He always tries to educate them through the monthly Eucharistic
celebrations held in our schools. He is really a faith and Catholic moral educator for our pupils.
We thank Fr. Mali deeply, as with his humility, he understands that those who are like children
may enter the Heavenly Kingdom. We remember that in the past, among our former students,
there are already several who became priests, like Fr. Pius Riana Prapdi who is now working as
the Administrator of the Archdiocese of Semarang; Fr. Iswahyuhadi, and Fr. Sunata CSsR who is
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working in a parish church in Jakarta. During their childhood, they were a part of our Caritas
School Community in Nandan, Yogyakarta. When they were still studying at St Paul’s Seminary
of Kentungan, Yogyakarta, they were in the same class as Fr. Mali whose college is still located
at the side of our schools in Nandan. We’re really impressed by all of these events, and we thank
the Lord who allowed us to see all of these divine works.
The following day, January 9, our Caritas Junior Secondary School in Nandan, Yogyakarta,
celebrated their 42nd anniversary. This celebration took place at the school hall and was
combined with the school’s Christmas and New Year celebration as well. A thanksgiving mass
was offered and presided by Fr. Tri of St Alphonse Parish Church of Nandan, Yogyakarta. All
the school staff as well as the students took part in the celebration. The traditional bamboo music
instruments of “kolintang” were used to accompany the school choir during the mass. The said
music band was conducted by one of our postulants, Mr. Cosmas Lanang, who is assisting in the
school as music teacher. After the mass, some speeches from the school administration as well as
some entertainments consisting of beautiful dances, songs, acrobatics and poem-readings, were
presented and performed by our students. Everyone was very happy with the celebration, and
wished all the best for the better future of our schools in Nandan.
Correspondents: Bros. Yoanes Suhakto, Martin Mardimpos, Jodianus Obesi, Rafael Sujatmiko
Sacred Heart Region – Philippines/Japan and Vietnam
Celebrating the TRIEST YEAR in the PHILIPPINES
We want to inform you about how we launched the "Triest Year" last December in the 3
communities in the Philippines.
Bicol Community
It started with a Holy Mass attended by the brothers, staff and clients. A gift giving followed.
Manila Community
The availability of a Priest was problem number one. We had a communion service headed by
Bro. Lalit and Bro. Tony Benito. They made a short introduction to the celebration. It was
attended by Brothers, staff, associate members, 15 selected students of O.P.I. who are really less
fortunate and 15 children outside the community. After the liturgical ceremony, we proceeded to
the hall for the snacks, followed by games with prizes. They received also a bag of goods for
their Christmas
Baguio Community
A Holy mass also was the highlight of the celebration. The prayer for the faithful of Fr. Triest
was used. The celebration was attended by the brothers, postulants, aspirant and people in the
community.
This was just the beginning, the council is planning to have activities the whole year. May our
Good Lord always bless us.
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Bro. Antonio L. BenitoFC - ton8benet@yahoo.com
Fatima Community News - Tabaco City, Albay, Bicol
The Fatima Formation House is now ready to welcome its new international occupants. Bro.
Edcel, the International Formation Coordinator made the place as suitable as possible for the
postulants, novices and their formators to live in, putting everything in an organized manner and
making necessary adjustments to the house. Thus, settled he has an office and workplace as well
for the superiors and formators. The carpentry works by their time are already been finished.
Appliances like refrigerator, freezer, electric fans, etc. have also been purchased. It is now a new
place ready for a new undertaking.
The Brothers are occupying the first level floor of the building. Bro. Vic, Bro. Andy, Bro. Allan,
Bro. Arnel and Bro. Nathan are the five Brothers in the community fully involved in the
apostolate at the Holy Face Center. The Brothers are busy in helping to prepare the Christmas
program for the residents in the Center. They were practically constant participants in all aspects
of the celebration, from assisting the residents in singing and dancing to the exchanging of gifts.
But the big news, if it can be called so was the Canonical Installation of His Excellency, most
Rev. Joel Zamudio Baylon, D. D. as the 6th Bishop of the Diocese of Legazpi. Bro. Vic, Bro.
Gary, Bro. Tony and Bro. Lalit attended the solemn Eucharistic celebration as well as the
reception at the Albay Astrodome.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the Gov. Joey Salceda, Mayors and other political figures
were in attendance as well as bishops and priests from different regions and provinces of the
country. In his homily, the good Bishop Baylon in all humility explained the concept of “power”
not as a manipulation of others and absolute control of interests but as a humble and
understanding shepherd of Christ. His Excellency, most Rev. Edward Joseph Adams, D. D.
Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines made the installation official.
Triest Year Opening. On December 19, the entire Holy Face Community with the Brothers
observed the opening of the event in a celebration of the Holy Mass and a program where gifts
were distributed to all. Bro. Vic, in his message mentioned the extraordinary compassion of
Founder Peter-Joseph Triest towards the poor and this is worth emulating. He also proposed that
within the year 2010, a major activity would be held and this was the tree planting program
which would be called “Trees for Triest”, an environmental advocacy and protection of Godgiven natural resources.
Other recent news, Bro. Vic attended the blessing of the new parish church of San Antonio. Most
Reverend ‘Bong’ Baylon, the newly-installed bishop of the Diocese of Legazpi blessed the
entrance of the church, the baptistery and the newly built Blessed Sacrament Adoration room. A
mass was celebrated with priests attending from different parishes. The solemn ceremony was
capped with the inspirational homily of the Bishop. A sumptuous lunch followed at the Parish
Hall. Fr. Socrates Vita, the Parish Priest expressed his gratitude to the donors of the Church and
those who prayed for its completion.
Bro. Victor Manuel
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Our Lady of the Miraculous – Formation House – Baguio
Greetings to you all! The most joyful month as they say is the month of December. From the
onset of the month most of the people here in the Philippines start buying gifts for their love ones.
The streets and houses are lighted with different Christmas lights and decorations of various
types.
Here in the community, Bro. Caloy and Bro. Gary made a distinctive decoration from the ground
up to the chapel. A passerby couldn’t hold his or her amazement and admiration how beautiful it
was. The long preparations were symbols of our Love waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ. But the most important was the preparation of ourselves for his arrival as our Guest.
On December 03, Bro. Tony and Bro.Gary went to Manila for a meeting. On behalf of their
absence Bro. Caloy was in charge of the ‘formandees’ for a week. The brothers, teachers and
staff accomplished the yearly tradition that is to sing a “Christmas carol” to different houses of
our students here in Baguio. On the following day, December 11, we welcomed our visitor Mr.
Richard from the ‘L’Arche’ community of Rizal. He chose our place for his one week vacation
and he was grateful and thankful for the hospitality of the Brothers of Charity. On December 15,
the’ formandees’ and formators of the ICANPB which stands for ‘Inter Congregational
Association of Novices and Postulants in Baguio’ had their 1 day Marian Recollection given by
Rev. Fr. Andres “Andy” Cosalan Jr.
On the 16th of December until the 24th we attended the Dawn Mass at the Holy Family Parish
early at 4 o’clock presided by Fr. Herman de Rijs and Fr. Stefanus Chandra from Indonesia,
CICM. In the morning of 19th of December we had the Christmas Party celebration with our
special children together with their beloved parents and relatives at the San Lorenzo Ruiz
Institute. There was a short celebration program. Different talented dancers among our children
performed a dance. Caregivers with the participation of the aspirants, postulants and the brothers
also presented their talents. After the program the Rotary Club of Baguio - headed by their
president Mr. Royeca - the company shared their blessings to our kids by distributing school
supplies. In the afternoon, the Hearing Impaired Department also celebrated its Christmas party.
On December 22, the brothers, teachers and staff gathered in our community for a Christmas
party celebration. The aspirants and postulants prepared some games to entertain our teachers and
staff since this would be the last Christmas with them. We really make sure everybody enjoyed
the moment. On December 23, the community of Baguio welcomed the family of Bro. Gary from
Manila who stayed with us for a couple of days.
In the morning of 24th the community welcomed the family of Bro. Tony Benito and in the
evening we had a mass. We invited our neighbors to join us on this special celebration presided
by Fr. Zhang Ming. At the same time the community officially launched the Year of Father Triest
of its 250th anniversary of his birth. The Brothers posted a tarpaulin outside the formation house
with the theme “Love gives you strength which natures cannot give you.” At 11 o’ clock in the
morning of the 25th we had a mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Joel Calatan.
On the 26 of December the brothers and postulants left the Baguio community for their 1 week
family vacation. We wish everyone a Happy New Year!
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Bro. Angelo
Manila Community – Our Lady of the Rosary
Christmas is the season of hope and peace and sharing that will always in our hearts and mind to
build the new kingdom of love. December 18, the OPI School in Manila celebrated the Christmas
party together with the families, friends of the students with learning disability including the
Brothers in the community. The students, volunteers and some parents perform their best such as
singing and dancing that color the party.
December 19, 2009, the Brothers of Manila community, the associate members, teachers and
staff, and students celebrates opening of Triest Year. It started with communion service in the
chapel guided by the Brothers. After the prayer for Father Triest the students with learning
disabilities and students from outside the school played the games that are prepared by the
teachers and staff. After lunch the Brothers distributed some good or food for the poor students.
In the afternoon the Brothers, associate members, teachers and staff prepares a dinner, exchange
gifts and some games to keep the program alive.
After Christmas in the community, the Brothers went home to visit their families and friends who
are waiting to see them in their place. They went home for vacation as it is already the culture of
the Brothers here in Manila after the busy days their apostolate. All the local Brothers spend their
vacation in their family to celebrate the New Year to come except Bro. Lalit as he doesn’t have a
family here in the Philippines except the community.
Bro. Rene, Jonie G. Gibaga
Holy Face News - Tabaco Albay
Considered as one of the merriest seasons in the Philippine calendar, Christmas deserves to be
called ‘fantabulous’, a combination of fantastic and fabulous! Both adjectives suggest festivity
and colors of joy because Jesus, the Savior is born again.
Holy Face, amidst the numerous undertakings for the patients in the rehabilitation centre and in
the communities, does not neglect nor sets aside this spiritual joy of giving and sharing, thanking
God for the blessings received through the year. The celebration is unstoppable. The residents
and staff made the Christmas decorations and prepared the Center in such a way as to feel the
joyful spirit. During this season, the climate changes from warm, humid to cool and crisp air
invigorating Filipinos and changing attitudes towards the much awaited birth of Christ.
December is almost often the busiest time in the calendar but the most celebrated. Events like
seminars and conventions are also held during this period like the WAPR (World Association for
Psychosocial Rehabilitation) which Bro. Vic attended in Manila. The convention brought again
added knowledge in community mental health care. There’s the nurses’ convention as well in
which the Caring Coordinator and Bro. Arnel participated. These seminars and conventions offer
milestones to the evolution of the Holy Face project. Just recently, the Mayor in Libon, a town in
Albay conferred an award to the Holy Face for the partnership and commendable services that the
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Center provides for the treatment of persons with psychosocial disabilities. Everybody in the
project was happy for this recognition and confirmation of the Holy Face project by the good
Mayor.
As the year ends reports are accomplished as well in order to evaluate the different aspects of the
work. Involvement of everyone was indispensable in the Christmas program which was called
‘Meaningful Day’. It started with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist by Fr. Fred Naga. The
residents sang and danced Christmas carols led by the nurse volunteers and staff. The Family
Support Groups and the families of the patients also participated and contributed their share in the
program. Everyone received gifts.
For the staff members and the Brothers gifts were also given to them as a token of the spirit of
giving and sharing which Jesus Christ pioneered and exemplified. They also had an exclusive
Christmas program at a Resort. Excitement couldn’t be contained in the exchange of gifts!
To all readers of Roma-on-Line, Holy Face is greeting you all with a blessed Christmas and a
productive New Year!
Bro. Victor Manuel
Andre Phu Yen Community - Vietnam
December was a busy and wonderful month for our community because we had a lot of activities,
especially for the Christmas. On 19th December we brought the handicapped of Phu My where
we help in the Pastoral Centre in Ho Chi Minh City for the Day of the Handicapped in Viet Nam.
They could enjoy the show for songs, dances and games.
On 19th until 25th December we 4 people went to the border of the South of Vietnam for apostolic
work on the occasion of Christmas, namely Brother Dominic, 2 postulants and an aspirant. They
were helping to prepare the songs and other necessaries for Christmas. Brother Dominic was a
choir master.
On 20th December the Sisters of Charity and the Brothers organized together a meal for about 40
poor on the street living people. During the meal there were also songs, dances from us and from
them as well.
On 23rd December two Brothers came back from Belgium, Brother Joseph Son came back for his
vacation and Brother Nicola came back as he finished his studies.
Those who remained in Ho Chi Minh City cooperated with the St. Martino’s Church parish on
the 24th night of December. They were teaching the catechism and the performed a Christmas
drama before the mass.
We had a late Christmas feast because the Brothers went away for their apostolate. So on 27th
December we had a Christmas dinner in the community. During the meal we shared our
experiences. It was interesting for all of us.
The 1st January 2010 we welcomed the NEW YEAR together with the two other congregations.
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Vu Sang
ST. BENEDICT PROVINCE - EUROPE
Provincial Administration – Moerzeke – België
We use this way to thank Brother General, the assistants general, the various provinces and
regions for their wishes for Christmas 2009 and beginning 2010. We also wish everyone a
beautiful and brilliant 2010. We feel that the highs and lows of our life are received in God's
infinite love.
It was also a joy to learn that Mrs. Winifred O'Hanrhan, National Services Brothers of Charity
"of the" Republic of Ireland” has chosen to distribute the wishes through digital greetings and
thus saved the amount of € 200 to donate to Effata, a relief initiative of AIDS patients in Ronse
(Belgium).
December 18, we celebrated the 19th Farewell and Graduation Ceremony of the department
"mental health" and "special education". The ceremony was held at the Training Center Guislain.
Bro. General, Dr. John Convey, Catholic University of America, Bro. Joel Ponsaran, Assistant
General, the regional superior of the St. Mary, Bro. Ton van Heugten, Bro. Stan Goetschalckx,
regional superior of the Saint-Dominic region, Bro. Victor Hugo Merino-Conde, regional
superior of the St. Martin de Porres region attended the ceremony also.
December 19, several brothers from the international training centers Moerzeke and Kruibeke,
returned home (after graduation or because of holidays). But the first day of winter decided
otherwise. Though a few days later, everyone could leave and arrive at destination.
December 20, Br. Provincial was present in the community of St. Wilbrord in Temse at the final
celebration of "100 years of the Congregation of Our Lady Immaculate. It is a religious
association of former students since 1909, founded by the Brothers of Charity, dedicated to Mary.
For 100 years many people kept alive this religious association. This merits congratulations for
such a commitment giving concrete shape to the faith.
And now we enter 2010 with great confidence.
Bro. Luc Maes, Provincial Superior of St. Benedict.
Bro. Jef De Wit, Provincial Secretary.
Saint Joseph Region – Ireland and United Kingdom
St. Mary’s Region – Netherlands
Obituary: Father Adrian van Zonneveld, resident ‘Broedershuis’ in ‘Eikenburg’ died December
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13. He was a member of the Congregation of the Holy - Spirit. He was buried in the cemetery of
the monastery of Gemert.
‘Broedershuis Eikenburg’. Again, the ‘Broedershuis Eikenburg’ received a bronze certificate.
Thanks to all the nurses and caregivers.
Book Jonkerbosch. The first copy of the book Jonkerbosch has been offered. Johan Mahieu,
author of the book, used the coffee room of the old main building Jonkerbosch for the occasion.
The first book was given to Bro. Odoricus Horvers who was completely surprised.
25 years of Childcare Roermond. On 11 December the 25th anniversary of the center in
Roermond was celebrated. The brothers Andreas Delleman, Jef Spijkers Odoricus Horvers were
also present. It was 25 years ago that they started the daycare. The day began with a festive
Eucharist in the chapel. Then there was coffee and cake and at noon, a delicious dinner for the
brothers and several guests, including the Regional Council of the Brothers of Charity. At noon,
there was a reception.
Christmas ‘Pannenhoef’. Participants and volunteers of the day center ‘Pannenhoef’ celebrated
Christmas Thursday, December 17 at the chapel ‘Eikenburg’. Pastor Werner presided over the
celebration, organized entirely by the participants themselves. After the service, we enjoyed a
coffee in the ‘Pasteelzaal Van der Beken’.
Staff. Frijters Reed retired from January 1, after a career in the domestic service of the Brothers of
Charity. She has worked in the ‘Pannenhoef’ and in the Provincialate. On behalf of the brothers,
she received a beautiful certificate as a memento.
Chapel. The brothers occupy a small chapel on the top floor of the Provincialate, decorated for
the morning service. The daily heating of the main chapel is not necessary any longer.
Bro. Ton van Heugten, f.c.
Regio Sint-Vincentius - België/Belgique – Rumania – Ukraine
Saint Stanislas - International Novitiate – Sint-Maria Aalter
On the 10/12/2009 one of our novices Telesphore Tirkey underwent a knee operation. He is
recovering and again taking part in some community activities.
On the 18th December 2009 we had a small break of our classes. So we could start our
preparation for Christmas. From the 17th to the 22nd December 2009 our community once again
proved its value hosting a meeting for the brothers of the international formation team in our
congregation. We wished them all the best as they tried to put into practice what they had
discussed.
On the 18th December 2009 the novices were invited to Aalter to listen to the choir which was
presenting a Christmas song performance. We were glad to witness how the people shared their
Christmas message by praising God through songs.
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The night of the 24th December 2009 we had a vigil mass which started by a procession to lay
baby Jesus in the manger. After mass we had a reception together with some of our neighbours
who had joined us in mass. This was a good time to discover the various talents in our
community as novices danced, sang etc...
On Christmas day, we all gathered for the morning mass in our chapel, for the official
celebration of the birthday of Christ. Again we had a short reception with our visitors who had
come for mass, later we had our lunch and a sharing of Christmas gifts.
On the 28th December the novices went to Eindhoven in the Netherlands. We started our journey
at 08:30 a.m. and arrived in the Netherlands at 11:30 a.m. Shortly after our arrival we listened to
the history of how the first community developed presented by Bro, Regional, Ton van Heugten.
We could learn from the elderly brothers, who worked so tirelessly. We also learned that we
should have great respect for our brothers who died as pioneers for us as young brothers. In the
afternoon we went to visit the cemetery, guided by bro. Walter Lips. Then we went to the
community of the elderly brothers. They were very happy to meet us and we had coffee together.
We had mass in the evening to end the day.
On the 30th December 2009 we visited the Abbey of St. Andrew in Zevenkerken and went to the
exhibition of Lu Zheng Xiang; he was the prime minister of China who later became a monk and
afterwards was elected abbot.
We were full of happiness to welcome and celebrate our first New Year in Belgium. In the
evening we were waiting to welcome the New Year by counting down the minutes until
midnight. When it came to midnight we loudly wished everyone “A happy new year”! This year
it’s our wish to follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ better by living the spirit of our founder Fr.
Peter Joseph Triest.
The month of December was a month with many activities in our community and we all have
benefited from them in one or another way! Finally we would like to wish you all “A Blessed
New Year”.
Novices: Kevin, Andreo, Phillipus, and Peter
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
Email: aime.peirsman@tin.it or aime.peirsman.fc@fracarita.org
Web-site: www.brothersofcharity.org
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