E-NEWSLETTER OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE BROTHERSOF CHARITY
ROMA ON-LINE
Edition N° 131/2011; March 15, 2011
(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.)
(Messages with less or not importance according to me, may be important for others!)
Administratio Generalis – Roma
MEDITATION
Love
“When a heart is kindled by a burning love, it cannot rest anymore; it wants to go forward. Feet
are not sufficient to move; it needs wings to be able to fly.” (Father Triest: Sermon, not dated)
This short text in fact expresses a lot. It is about the power and the measure of love. Once our
heart is filled with love, it cannot but overflow and influence our whole being and all our actions.
But we have to have our hearts filled with love, filled to the brim, with a love that God will give
in our prayer, through the love for our neighbor. Very often our heart is filled with things that are
far away from what love is. There are the passions that keep us in their grip, or the many useless
things we seek to fill a certain emptiness, or the rush into business that we use as an evasion. All
these are impediments for true love, love that we can only receive in the silence of contemplation
and in an attitude of service to our neighbor. Father Triest knew what he was speaking about,
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because love was the only motive of his actions. He could not rest anymore, because he heard
the cry of the people. They cried for his love and as if on wings he went to them to give them his
love without measure. That became the center of his message to us, as he even expressed it in his
last words: “Give and you will be given.”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, give us your love without measure, so that we too may give without measure
to those we meet on our way: the poor asking for bread, the naked asking for clothes, the sick
asking for healing and care, the sinner asking for forgiveness. Only when we give bread and
clothes, care and forgiveness, with love, an abundance of love, will the poor man be satisfied,
will the naked be clothed, the sick be healed, and the sinner be really forgiven. Because it is your
love that truly feeds, clothes, heals and forgives. Amen.
News from the Superior General
From the 14th of February until the 15th of March, we visited five African countries. We first
visited our brothers in Ivory Coast. We all know through which difficult situation they are going
with a double government and two presidents etc. The week we were there was still calm, but
everywhere we felt that the tension was going up. Let us be near to our brothers in the community
of Abidjan and Yamoussoukro. Let us hope and pray that the situation may clear up without too
many difficulties. It was just the moment that some brothers both in Abidjan and in
Yamoussoukro had to renew their vows. In the formation house of Abidjan, there are for the
moment three students under the guidance of Bro. Andre and from time to time in the presence of
Bro. Romain, the provincial superior. In Yamoussoukro, our four brothers continue to serve the
psychiatric patients really with great dedication. We can only encourage them and offer them our
prayers.
Then we left for Nairobi where we guided the retreat for 47 postulants in preparation for the
oblation on Saturday the 26th February. During the celebration lasting three hours, the 47
postulants coming from eleven different African countries received the religious dress and
expressed their promise to open themselves for the formation of the novitiate. It was a real feast
day for our congregation and we wish the formation team with Bro. Paulin as novice-master and
Bro. Nepo, Gerard and Constantino all the best in their precious work. The souls of these 47
young men are given in their hands.
Then came the Republic of Central Africa, where we were together with Bro. Jean Mbeshi. Bro.
Antoine was installed officially as the superior of the house and he has now one postulant, but
more will come. He is also waiting for Bro. Cleophas who will join him soon. The country and
especially the church is going through the greatest difficulties and during the meeting with some
bishops and the religious who are supporting us, that theme came always back. We are grateful in
a special way to the Sisters Abizeramarya and our Sisters of Charity for their great support. So let
us be full of hope for the future.
And then we arrived in Rwanda where we had our classical meetings. We also gave some lessons
to the second year novices who just arrived in Ndera to end the last part of their novitiate. With
some visits to ministers, a meeting with the nonce, a short retreat for the brothers and the blessing
of the new chapel of the ‘School Group’ in Butare together with the celebration of the jubilee of
Bro. Sabinus and the commemoration that he spent 50 years in Rwanda, we had a more than full
program.
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On the 8th of March we left for Bujumbura (Burundi) to open the new ward for the patients with
toxicomania and in Gitega we also opened officially the new house who is placed under the
protection of St. Camillus.
With a grateful heart we are looking to the past month and our prayer is for all the brothers, the
associate members, the novices and postulants and the many co-workers who are continuing what
the Brothers started 100 years ago in Congo. We can say with Vincent de Paul: ‘davantage’ (‘let
us continue’).
Bro. R. Stockman, Superior general - rene.stockman.fc@fracarita.org
The General Superior’ Visit Schedule
15.03.2011
18.03.2011
27.03.2011
16.04.2011
19.05.2011
24.05.2011
31.05.2011
Brussels
Rome
Brussels
Rome
Manila
Rome
Brussels
News from the Casa – Rome - 2011.03.15
Faithful to our charism of hospitality, we joyfully accommodated, three Bishops from dioceses
where our Brothers are active: Mgr. Marcel Madila, archbishop of Kananga, Mgr. Pierre
Tshitoko, bishop of Luebo and, thanks to Sister Angela, Mgr. Joel Z. Baylon, bishop of Legazpi
(Philippines) who came on Sunday 13 February.
The mid-term exams at the universities are finished and our students succeeded brilliantly. Sr.
Angela, brave and adventurous, speaks of 100%; Bro. Seraphin, very modest, finds his result
satisfactory.
On the birthday of Bro. Seraphin (February 26), we sang for the first time, the final version of
“The Ode to Canon Triest”. The text and the music are composed by Rev. Father Jan De
Brabandere, o.p. It is naturally not the only song of homage to Father Triest. I would like to
collect all existing works and to encourage all those who have the capacity to proclaim in song
their veneration and their gratitude towards our Founder.
Rome is a progressive city, but does not forget its past. From February 26 until March 8 an
ancient Carnival has been revived, for the third consecutive year. The tourists and other visitors
could fully enjoy a horse-training, a theatre in the style of Commedia dell' arte, baroque
fireworks, street animation, processions and concerts.
The Belgian national Church in Rome, Saint-Julian of the Flemings, has a titular Cardinal again.
He is Cardinal Walter Brandmüller, born in 1929 in Ansbach (Germany). He was the President of
the Pontifical Committee for Historical Sciences. In the Consistory of November 20, 2010, Pope
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Benedict XVI made him a cardinal and assigned the Saint-Julian church to him. He took
possession of his church on Sunday March 6, during a Eucharistic celebration. He is the second
titular cardinal of Saint-Julian. Cardinal Jan Schotte, a Fleming, was the first.
For Italy, 2011 is a jubilee year. Indeed, 150 years ago, on March 14, 1861, the first Italian
Parliament met in Turin and proclaimed Victor Emmanuel the first king of Italy. The Chambers
favored the prediction that Rome, at that moment the capital of the Pontifical States, would
become the capital of Italy and that the relations with the Church would be regulated according to
Prime Minister Cavour’s formula: a free Church in a free State. The national feast is celebrated
on March 17 with a holiday. The Episcopal Conference of Italy supports this commemoration
with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration in the national church of Santa Maria degli Angeli,
presided by its president, Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco.
In Rome, we maintain the custom of not taking a dessert during the days of Lent, as a response to
our personal duty to fast. In his occasional message, the Pope made the link with Baptism. “From
time immemorial,” he writes, “the Church connects Baptism with the Easter Vigil: in this
Sacrament takes place the great mystery by which man dies to sin, embraces a new life in the
Risen Christ and receives the same Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead.” (Cf. Rom.
8,11)
A small reflection: the baptized who, nowadays, in an expression of anger on account of the
abuses by the clergy and who made them deregister from the baptismal register, perhaps lost
sight of the true significance of Baptism. The Pope indicates the spirit in which we have to live
this Lent, rich in graces, as follows: “Through the traditional practice of fasting, almsgiving and
prayer, which are the expression of our commitment to conversion, Lent teaches us how to live in
a way increasingly more radical for the love for Christ.” A blessed time of Lent to all!
Bro. Eugeen Geysen
Change of email address
Bro. Ivan De Roeck (Brat Ivan) (Ukraine) has a new email address: fcrejo@gmail.com
The former was indeed cracked.
Mrs. Changa Christine, Associate Member of the NDA-Region in Congo, changed her email
address as follows: changachristi@yahoo.fr
ST. AUGUSTINE PROVINCE – AFRICA
Provincial Administration – Saint Cyprian Community - Abidjan (Ivory Coast)
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Community Saint Cyprian – Abidjan
Community Sainte Bakhita – Yamoussoukro
All the brothers are doing well and they don’t stop praying for the definite peace in the country,
Ivory Coast.
On the 15th January, Bro. Félicien, local superior of the community and Bro. Stanislas
participated in the meeting of the sector, called ‘Yves Blot’. This meeting was held in the
basilica Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro. It was a meeting gathering all the priests and
religious (men and women) of the sector to exchange and evaluate and inform each other on the
actual parish situation.
On the 2nd February, the day of the Presentation of Jesus in the temple, we celebrated also the
day of consecrated life in our usual parish of Sainte Monica. The brothers didn’t want to stay
away and participated in the mass at 19.00 o’clock and joined in the gifts surprise for all the
consecrated people in the parish, given by the AFEC (Association of Catholic Women).
After a stay for medical care in the community of Saint Cyprian, our postulant Ziehi Marius
returned to his community, Sainte Bakhita on the 4th February accompanied by another aspirant
Didier, who came to visit us for three days. We gave them both a warm welcome.
On the 6th February, before we (Bro. Stanislas and myself) were going to the community of Saint
John for a retreat in Abidjan, all the brothers of the community in Abidjan participated in the
mass dedicated to consecrated life in the parish of the Good Shepherd. The service was assured
by religious people. The minister in his homely put the accent on the day Gospel: ‘Being the salt
of the earth and the light of the world’. You are aggregated to Christ, you have chosen to follow
Christ, your conduct has to be exemplary and you have to be the animators in the social context
you are living in.
In the occasion of the world day for the sick a mass was said in the chapel on the 13 th February
by Father Joseph Ekanza, spiritual director of the sick, accompanied by his sick friends. The
program contained what follows: a conference given by Dr Yapo on VIH/SIDA, a mass and a
visit to the centre followed by gifts for the sick.
Our website: www.mspbrothers.blogspot.com is now active, you can visit it.
On the 14th February, the superiors of Yamoussoukro and Abidjan, Bro. Félicen Ngendahimana
and Bro. André welcomed the Superior general in the airport Félix Houphouët Boigny in
Abidjan. The next morning Brother General started his visit with the renewal of vows by Bro.
Freddy in the community of Saint Cyprian in Abidjan. Brother General left Abidjan in the
afternoon of the 15th February for Yamoussoukro.
On the 16th February he met all the personnel of our psychiatric hospital. Out of this meeting,
three essential elements sorted:
- Love: it is love that gives strength that nature cannot give. Seeing and meeting Jesus
himself in the person.
- Service: we have to develop God’s service towards the sick and we should see our care
giving as service.
- Professionalism: we should give space to the sick to express themselves.
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The 17th February, Brother Superior general received the renewal of vows by Bro. Stanislas and
Bro. Laurent in the center of the hospital, in the presence of the Sisters of Providence, the
Brothers Franciscans, the personnel and the residents. The 18th February Bro. General returned to
Abidjan accompanied by Bro. Félicien. On the 19th February he took the plane at 20.50 o’clock
for Nairobi.
On the 20th February, the members of the ‘Presidium Our Lady of the Rosary of the Cathedral of
Saint Augustin’ in Yamoussoukro came to the psychiatric centre for a recollection day under the
theme: ‘How to reach the perfection of a legionnaire?’
“… He was lost, and he was found back.” It happened during the night on the 1st March, about
20.00 o’clock a little shepherd, named Haïdara about 9 or 10 years old, presented himself in the
entrance hall looking for his home. We welcomed him in our community. The next morning, the
superior, Bro. Félicien Ngendahimana brought him to the social assistant asking to find his
parents. With the help of the social assistant the little Haïdara found his biological family back.
What a joy for the family and for the child it was!
Bro. Laurent Kouadio Koffi – laurentkof@yahoo.fr
Région Saint-François-Xavier, Rwanda – Burundi
Our Lady of Africa Region – Democratic Republic of Congo
Bro. Adelard Nganga, the prefect of Lusambo, came to Kinshasa for the cause of the EPSP, his
school and Bro. Cléophas Mukwa continued his medical treatment.
A meeting was held with the Regional Superior, the responsible persons of the CRHP/Kinshasa
(Centre for Physical Handicapped People) and ‘Handicap International Belgium and R.D. of
Congo’ to harmonize certain clauses in the contract signed for Bro. Martin Babadi.
We noticed the visit of Bro. Assistant general, Bro. Jean Mbeshi, from Goma on his way to the
Central African Republic for a canonic visit. There was a fraternal community meeting on
Sunday the 20th February together with the associate members. From the 23rd to the 25th February
there was a rendezvous of the apostolic novices (second year novices) in Kinshasa in order to
prepare their trip to Goma and Ndera in Rwand. The first group left on the 25th February and the
second group left on the 27th February.
Bro. Floribert Kabinda – Regional Superior
News from Goma
We celebrated the renewal for two years of temporal vows of Bro. Clément Mufuto. We prayed
that Jesus spirit should be his joy and his life.
Together with the collaborating professors and the educators (men and women) we had a
conference on: ‘Education in the hearth of human reality: individual and social educational
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goals’, animated by Bro. Bernard. The most important educational goal is to permit the educated
finding a sense to his life in order to have the chances to build up his happiness.
We celebrated also the international day of women under the theme: ‘Gender and peace:
challenge and perspective’. It was a day for women to make the balance on their situation in
society. In the course of his conference Bro. Bernard showed that women dispose of their proper
abilities.
In the course of last weeks we welcomed the second year novices on their way to Rwanda for the
continuation of their formation.
Bro. Bernard Ntambwe, local superior, a.i.
Saint Dominic Region, Tanzania
St. Paul’s Region – South Africa
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE - AMERICA
Provincial Administration – Washington DC – Brazil
Washington DC
Project of Washington is at the phase of studying the plans of renovation of the former school
released by the architect, revising the memorandum of understanding with the Archdiocese,
writing the grants (renovation and operation), looking for other forms of support and sources of
subsidies, clarifying the type of service: “Transitional Housing program” must be Faith Based,
duration of 24 months and aiming at:
- Residential stability
- Greater self determination
- Increase skill or income level
We are on Catholic Online Website; click http://www.catholic.org/vocations/ and scroll
downwards.
In Washington and Philadelphia we are actively and feverishly writing grants to meet the
deadlines in order to transform Catholic Holy Redeemer School into Holy Redeemer Housing
Outreach to Homeless Vets and Wounded Warriors. The building is at one mile distance from the
Capitol and the White House.
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Canada
February 15, 2011. Brother Roland Thibault had a brain blooding and was hospitalized in
Montreal. Despite paralysis of the left side he seems to speak more easily from day to day. The
monitor for his heart has been removed which is good sign. It seems that he will be transferred to
the infirmary in St. Sulpice on Monday the 14th or on Tuesday the 15th March.
Project of Edmonton: a brother from Congo is expected to arrive by March while we are looking
for another one preferable from Asia.
Perù
Greetings of peace and love from Ayacucho
The center COSMA is unique in the region for victims of political violence. It is a day clinic. We
have six nurses; 4 psychologists; a social worker; a physiotherapist; 1 special education teacher
and a half time pharmacist. The management is in the hands of brother Jimi and I'm helping in
the pharmacy while learning Spanish. The law is really restrictive so that we are not allowed to
hospitalize patients without having an attending psychiatrist which will possibly never happen
because none among the psychiatrists would accept to live in Ayacucho. One weekend a month
three psychiatrists come from Lima; they do consultation and return to Lima.
Bro. Alfred Kiza
“I just returned in my community in Ayacucho, after 22 days in Lima instead of 10 as foreseen.
Why? Rainy season in the mountains had destroyed roads and bridges. I went to Lima to
introduce my paper in the Psychology’s for registration. I was also invited by The National
Institute for Cancer in Lima to give a conference about "Family Support and Cope with Stress for
Women who are receiving the treatment". It was a nice experience to share some insights on this
topic. I had also the opportunity to meet several people in the field of mental health and talk
about our work in COSMA-Ayacucho in order to establish some collaboration. I am happy that
many people want to help in one way or in another, but we still need to work hard.”
Bro. Jimi
ST. THOMAS PROVINCE – ASIA
Saint Thomas – Asian Province - Provincial Administration – Lahore – Pakistan
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Father Lievens Region – India
Tamil Nadu – Sivagangai – South India
It was a very busy month for all of us. On 1st of February 2011, the deacons from the Precious
Blood Congregation visited our place. They had a breakfast and they had a little chat with our
residents. On 5th February 2011, the Infant Jesus Celebration, the Parish Feast, took place and we
all were invited. We also helped very much in the parish. On 11th February 2011, the priests from
the Precious Blood Congregation invited us for the foundation day of a new presbytery about 30
kilometers from our house. The Bishop was present to celebrate the Holy Eucharist. The other
parish priest and the assistant were present too.
On 18th February 2011, the brothers, co-workers and the residents went for the picnic. It was our
first picnic. We went to Trichy at the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary and then to
Mukamboo, a water park, and finally we went to Kallannai, to the water dam. All of us enjoyed it
very much, although at the end of the day we were tired. On 27th February 2011, the family
commission of the St. Theresa of Avila parish came to perform dances and to prepare midday
dinner. More than 65 people participated in it. The children’s dances were very joyful to see. It
was the first time to perform such a program for our residents. On 28th Bro. Arnest came back
from his holidays and his retreat.
St. Alphonsa Community 182, Kanke Road - Ranchi
On 6th January 2011 Bro. Praful went for a home visit and returned on the 10th. On 15th and 16th
January Bro. Regional Superior visited the Simlia Community. On 8th January Bro. Anuranjit left
P.M.S. for Delhi. On 16th January three brothers went to Bheetha Parish with residents to join the
parish day celebration. It was crowded and many activities were held by the parish people. On
18th January Bro. George returned back from his home visit. On 20th January Bro. George left for
Sri Lanka. On 25th Bro. Emil went home to take part in his brother’s wedding feast. He returned
on the 3rd February. On 23rd January Bro. Isidore visited his family for a week and returned on
the 30th.
On 1st February doctors visited the mental disabled institute for a monthly inspection. Also Bro.
Ernest visited P.M.S. On 4th February our ex-novice Mr. Ruban arrived in P.M.S. from the
International Novitiate in the Philippines. He stayed here for a few days and then left for his
home in Tamilnado. Since 5th February Bro. Navin joined the community of the Blessed
Alphonsa, P.M.S. On 6th February there was a New Year gathering in the Father Lievens Region
of the Brothers of Charity in Ranchi. Brothers, postulants and candidates arrived from all the
communities. The gathering began with a short prayer service in the chapel. We asked the
blessing from God for the new appointed brothers who were given new responsibilities for the
growth and development of the Father Lievens Region. The same day the new regional superior
brought Bro. Praful and Bro. Ambrose to St. Kuriakush Community Simlia. Bro. Subodh was
brought to the formation house on the Burdwan Compound.
On 7th February our care givers took the residents to Raj Bhavan on the occasion of the open
monument day. On 8th February some brothers went to Simlia to enjoy the brotherhood picnic in
Ranchi. On 9th February our community joined the Simlia Community for the installation
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ceremony of the superior in the St. Kuriakush Community. Bro. Praful was installed superior in
that community. Since 9th February Bro. Dayal joined the Blessed Alphonsa Community.
Since 12th February Father Rajesh is coming to say Holy Mass in our chapel on Saturday, so now
we have Holy Mass in our chapel twice a week. On the same day Bro. Isidore, Bro. Praween,
Bro. Praful, Fr. Rajesh and a seminarian went to Netherhat to take part in the thanksgiving
ceremony of a new ordained Jesuit priest. They stayed over night there. On 16th February four M.
sc. students visited our mental disabled institute for a whole day. On 17th February a relative of
brother Roshan passed away and he went to the burial. On 22nd February caregivers took
residents to Khel goan to enjoy the 34th national game of India and to see the new Mega Sport
Stadium in Ranchi. On 26th February Bro. Isidore and Bro. Komal went to the Simalia School as
chief guests to attend the school sport competition. Also on 28th February Bro. Isidore and Bro.
Emil went to the Simalia School to join the school committee meeting.
Bl. Kuriakose community
13th February: All the staff members of St. Albert’s College in Ranchi came for their annual
picnic to the Blessed Kuriakose Community, Simalia. All the brothers joined them.
14th February: The annual sport started in St. Peter’s Primary School, Brothers of Charity,
Simalia Nawatoli, Ranchi. It took five days. The students were divided into four groups. It was
really wonderful to discover the students’ talents and abilities and their lack of capacities as well.
18th February: It was a great red letter day on 18th of February for our school because it was last
day of the annual sport. The regional superior Bro. Isidore Kiro was invited and he came along
with Bro. Komal Lomga. The students were very happy and eager to receive from Bro. Isidore
Kiro the prize for their hard efforts.
19th February: It was again a joyful and happy day for the students because it was a picnic day.
We went to Rathratu Dam which is more or less about 30 kilometers from Simalia Nawatoli
village. All the staff members of the school joined us.
28th February: There was a meeting with the school committee members, staff members and
with the regional superior. The meeting was opened by the headmaster Bro. Telesphor Kerketta
with a prayer. Later on he conducted the meeting as well. We mainly discussed the development
of the education in the coming new school session. The committee members had been asked by
the regional superior to visit the school from time to time so that they might feel as members of
the school family.
This year we have been busy to plant some vegetables in our garden under the guidance of Bro.
Ambrose Tirkey. We hope the weather will help us to get good and healthy fruit from our garden.
Blessed-Joseph Vaz Region – Sri Lanka
Visit of Bro. Godfried, Asian Provincial: Rev. Brother Godfried Bekaert, the Asian Provincial,
visited the Blessed Joseph Vaz region during Christmas holidays and he had a gathering with all
the Bothers of the Region at Ja-Ela.
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Bro. Provincial visited all the communities and institutions, thus experiencing the horror of
nature’s devastation. He had meetings with the Brothers individually and collectively,
encouraged them to be real Brothers of Charity. He then proceeded to the famous Shrine of
Madhu and Mannar and visited the convents and the Home for elderly people, managed by the
Sisters of Charity Jesus and Mary.
He spoke to the 4th year students of Theology about the consecrated life of the Brothers of
Charity at the National Seminary in Ampitya Kandy. He attended the Tri–Centenary Celebration
of the Blessed Joseph Vaz, the Apostle of Sri Lanka at our national Basilica at Tewatte, Ragama.
He met the Nuncio and the Bishops of different dioceses. Finally he had a meeting with the
Regional Superior and the regional councilors and left the island in happy and joyful memories of
this country.
Visit of Mr. Philippe De Meyer & the New Project: he arrived in Sri Lanka on the 3rd of January
2011 to start up the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Centre at Pandiruppu –Kalmiunai. Two Brothers
from India, the Father Lievens region, Bros. Xaxa Pratap and Kisku Anil arrived in Sri Lanka to
help in the project along with Bros. Lawrence and George Elias. All were warmly welcomed by
the Regional, the Provincial and by Bro. Christy at the Colombo International Airport.
Mr. Philippe held also a seminar at the regional health ministry at Kalmunai for the doctors and
the nurses, answering the invitation of the Regional Director Health Ministry Dr. Ibrahim Lebbe.
The numbers of participants were around 50. He also conducted a one week seminar for the
volunteers and nurses who were interested and willing to help in the Mental Health Unit. The
participants were around 50. We are grateful and thankful for his acceptance to help us.
The new project at Pandiruppu–Kalmunai was solemnly blessed by the Parish Priest and
witnessed by the Committee Members and friends and the admitted patients. The name of the
new psychiatric centre is “St. Benedict Menni Psychiatric Rehabilitation Centre”. St. Benedict
Menni was a Brother of St. John of God from Italy. He started a new congregation of Sisters to
take care for psychiatric patents. His slogan was: Prayer, Work, Perseverance,Suffering, God love
and Silence.
Mr. Philippe De Meyer guided the student Brothers in starting up this Project and to continue it
afterwards in an efficient and smooth way. He left the island on 16th of February 2011.
On the 04th of February 2011, we celebrated the 63rd Independence of Sri Lanka and also the feast
of our Lady of Sri Lanka.
Devastating deluge after deluge: “Worst ever in Sri Lanka”: from December 2010 to February
2011 there were natural disasters: heavy rains, a mini cyclone, flood, road blockings, many
buildings were damaged and collapsed. This was the worst flood in 100 years.
Prepared by Bro.P.M.Linus f.c.
Regio Rama Sandjaja – Indonesia
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On February 17, we received the sad news of the passing away of Mr. J.B. Sartono, the father of
Bro. Thomas Prasetyo. Let us pray for the eternal repose of his soul in the Lord’s peace and for
the consolation of Bro. Thomas and his family members.
Mr. Eddy Carrette arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia, on February 18, to start his work visit in our
region on behalf of our International NGO, the GAAP (Global Action Against Poverty). During
his visit throughout our region, he was accompanied by our regional coordinator, Bro. Martinus
Mardimpos.
On February 27, Bro. Jodianus Obesi who is studying at the Sudirman University in Purwokerto,
concluded his 35-day internship program held at Ajibarang, Banyumas County, Central Java.
The internship was aimed at empowering the economy of poor families in the village. As an
intern, Bro. Jodianus and his fellow students of economy taught the poor villagers how to
produce liquid natural fertilizers, to sell vegetables and coconuts, and to establish a home
industry (producing snacks etc).
On Friday, March 4, all of the sixth-graders of our elementary school in Nandan, Yogyakarta,
attended a recollection held at our community hall.
Our parish of St. Alphonse in Nandan, Yogyakarta, is currently constructing a new so-called
“communication” hall with a traditional Javanese “Joglo” design.
From March 8 to 11, our Regional Superior, Bro. Lukas Subiyatno and our Regional Bursar, Bro.
Bosco Sugiyanto, paid a visit to our community in Ruteng, Flores. They returned to Purworejo
on March 12.
On March 23, our Indonesian postulants will be leaving for the Philippines to join the
international formation program (i.e. intensive preparatory English course) in Baguio City
together with their fellow postulants from Vietnam and China.
From April 8 to 20, the Regional Superior of the Netherlands, Bro. Jos Mathijssen, the AdjunctCoordinator of Caraes-Netherlands, Mrs. Nelleke Gerbrandy, and the General Director of Mental
Health Care of Venray, Dr. Toine van der Sanden, will pay a visit to our region of Indonesia. We
wish them a fruitful visit and a safe as well as pleasant journey to our country! Welcome to
Indonesia!
Correspondents: Bro. Yoanes Suhakto, Bro. Thomas Prasetyo, Bro. Martin Mardimpos, Bro.
Nicholas Alyandu, Bro. Jodianus Obesi.
Sacred Heart Region – Philippines/Japan and Vietnam
International Formation House – Bicol
On 4 February 2011, the Blessed Sacrament Fathers invited us to join their celebration of the
150th anniversary of their foundation, as well as their 50th anniversary of existence in the
Philippines. The core of the celebration was the Holy Eucharist presided by Fr. Mandy, the parish
priest together with six other invited guest priests from different parishes and seminary rectors. It
was a nice moment to show the sympathy, the strong collaboration and the deepest gratitude and
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friendship between the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament and the Brothers of Charity. We
also expressed our thanks and our good bye to Fr. Mandy as he was assigned as parish priest in
Cabanatuan City (somewhere in the northern part of the Philippines).
On 19 February 2011, we had our monthly outing. We spent the whole day in the Villa Acosta
Beach Resort Sto. Domengo Albay. Everyone enjoyed the panoramic view of the mountains, hills
and the long black sand beaches. Some of us observed the local fishermen casting their nets for
catching fish. It took quite a long time to get some fresh fish. How hard it is to be fishermen.
Around 4:30 pm we went home safe and sound.
On Saturday, February 26, we had our monthly recollection. This time we did it by ourselves
under the guidance of Brother Hubert. He just gave a short introduction, followed by a guided
personal reflection. It was a whole day recollection with confession and Holy Mass presided by
our chaplain together with the Fatima Community. We reflect on the meaning and our answer to
the call of our Lord to become a religious Brother. After six months we meditated and reflected
on the chances and the opportunity to be “ourselves with God in the desert”. That was the theme
of our recollection for the month of February. And last but not least, we learned how to grow up
and to develop in a religious way our spirituality and community life through the give time of the
novitiate.
Novices: Dominic Maria Tam, Albertus Magnus, and Waseem Khan
Fatima Community News - Tabaco Albay
Bro. Vic attended the Vicariate Meeting on February 8, 2011 at the Holy Family Parish Convent.
Participated in the meeting priests and nuns from Tabaco, Tiwi, Malinao, Sto. Domingo,
Malilipot and other parishes in the district. The said gathering happens once a month and the
Brothers of Charity are always invited to participate. On the agenda was the ‘Reproductive
Health Bill’ opposed by the Church.
Bro. Nathan on his part resumed his catechism lessons with our residents and has been
consistently precise in his presentation of different topics. The patients have always been
attentive and participative. Bro. Nathan transmits an air of spiritual inspiration and defines
comprehensible terms to the resident participants.
The Fatima Community of Brothers was happy with the fast healing of Bro. Andy’s wounds. At
this time, for him life has started to be normalized again, he took up again his functions very well,
showing logistics endeavors day by day. Being the most senior, he always is calm and joyful in
the midst of the difficulties. This is one of the qualities that the Brothers admire in him.
Bro. Vic, Bro. Andy and Bro. Nathan were present during the wake of the mother of one of our
associate members, Mrs. Araceli Bongalonta in Malinao Albay. The mother was 85 years old.
The visit was appreciated by the whole family of Manay Cely, as she was fondly called.
Bro. Victor Manuel
Holy Face News - Tabaco Albay
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The nursing students from Bicol University Polangui Campus (BUPC) and Aquinas University
are sharing therapeutic activities to our residents every Monday, Tuesday and Friday. These
students are a big help to realize the programs of the Center particularly on Thursday when there
are many extern patients coming for psychiatric consultation. In return, they also gain a lot of
knowledge and get much experience in their contact with the patients.
It was really a blessing that the community in Japan, through the generosity of Bro. Ludo sent a
box containing clothing and bags which were distributed to the residents and staff members.
Everybody was happy to receive something from the generous people of Matsu No Seibo, Tottori
Shi. Such kindness was indeed appreciated very much.
Our partner CBM has provided some funds for buying food and goods like rice, sugar, noodles,
blankets, etc. for those families in our mental health communities in Tabaco City, Tiwi, Libon,
Daraga and on the San Miguel Island. The goods were distributed by the staff and the Brothers
from Holy Face.
The residents have celebrated Valentine’s Day with all sorts of activities. That brought fun and
happiness to their hearts. Games were organized and prizes shared to all. This was facilitated by
the nursing students and the Holy Face staff.
Holy Face has been visited by academic people not only from Albay, but also from Sorsogon.
The good name about the services that the Center is giving to the psychiatric patients has reached
beyond borders. It is always a challenge for all of us, to live and carry on the charism of the
Founder Peter–Joseph Triest to the poor.
Bro. Victor Manuel
Andre Phu Yen and Lavang Communities – Vietnam
Last month it was New Year in Viet Nam. We call it ‘Tet Holiday’. This year the animal we
celebrate is the Cat (‘Tan Mao’). We went to visit all the families of our Brothers and
benefactors. We gave them a sign of good luck and good wishes for the year so that they should
receive good luck and success in their work. We also want to develop a good relationship with
them.
From the 27th January to the 12th of February all the Brothers, postulants, aspirants went home to
visit their own families. There were only two Brothers left to take care of the new house.
From the 15th January to the 11th February Brother Dominic and an aspirant went to the north for
vocation promotion. During their journey they got a lot of experiences. They visited the sick, the
handicapped, the blind and people with all kinds of disabilities. So they got an idea of the need of
these people. In some cases the Brothers could help them by collecting money from the
benefactors and their families. They bought a wheelchair for a handicapped person, tickets for
some sick and poor people to be able to travel to HCM City. The Brothers are looking for a place
for them (the blinds and the autistic persons) to stay in HCM. Meanwhile the Brothers also get
known some students who want to join the Brothers. But they are still having something to do. So
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the Brothers said to them that they may come later to HCM to join the Brothers of Charity. So
after the New Year we had two students for a come and see period.
Brother Ignasio Vu Sang - ignasiovu@yahoo.com
ST. BENEDICT PROVINCE – EUROPE
Provincial Administration – Moerzeke – België
Life is still in full motion in the regions. Brothers, Associate members and staff continue to focus
on the concerns of the people.
In St Mary’s (Netherlands) the new regional superior Bro. Jos Mathijssen continues well and they
attempt to give the community of Roermond further consistency in terms of community life.
They also try to focus on the needs of the immediate surroundings.
In St Vincent’s (Belgium) among the many strategic initiatives we had the opportunity to attend
the Strategy-day on Friday, February 25. During a full day the managers from different sectors:
mainstream education, welfare health care, special education, nursing met in the Training Centre
Guislain. The central policy plan was presented by Mr. Raf De Rycke. Together with the
managers he identified the top priorities and then the sub sectors made a choice from those top
priorities. All those who were present found it a successful day!
We will welcome again some brothers of St Joseph’s (Ireland, Great Britain) at the European
Work Group on Vocation Care and Formation. The meeting will be held in Eindhoven
(Netherlands) on Friday, March 25 and Saturday, March 26. On March 26 the European
provincial council will meet in the afternoon. We hope for an encouraging and fruitful exchange.
Bro. Luc Maes, prov. Superior
Bro. Jef De Wit, prov. secretary
News from the Blessed Edward Poppe Community - Moerzeke
On the 4th of February sr. Kathleen from Ireland came to visit us. She belongs to the congregation
of the daughters of charity.
On the 9th of February a group of young children from Belgium accompanied by Fr. Jenvieor and
their teacher came to visit our community. We offered them coffee, cookies or a cold drink.
Meanwhile we gave a short introduction to welcome them and they asked us questions about our
charism. Our novice Dominic showed some magic tricks. The children were preparing their
confirmation. More information was given in Dutch by teacher Miss Caroline.
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On the 2nd of March we celebrated the birthday of Bro. Jef. Bro. Luc Maes and Fr. Aphrem also
participated in the celebration. At the end of the meal we had songs, magic tricks from Dominic
and mouth music from Pratap.
On the 4th of March the Philippino Bro. Francis joined our community. He is preparing food for
us. He will stay in our community until he will receive his visa for Rome.
On the 2nd of March we had our final exams, theoretical and practical. On the 7th of March the
students nursing had a one week holiday. On the 14th of March both the 1st and 2nd year students
started their practicum until June.
Bro. ranjitanukullu@yahoo.com – novice: pratapprabhu.barjo@gmail.com
Saint Joseph Region – Ireland and United Kingdom
St. Mary’s Region – Netherlands
Saint Vincent’s Region – Belgium/België/Belgique – Rumania – Ukraine
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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