E-NEWSLETTER OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE BROTHERSOF CHARITY
ROMA ON-LINE
Edition N° 120/V/2010; February 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
It seems evident that Christ has lived only for the poor
“IT SEEMS EVIDENT THAT CHRIST has lived only for the poor: He was always in their midst. Thus
you are in all modesty another Christ, when you go the needy, to provide them with their physical needs,
with understanding, heart or spiritual needs. You are another Christ if you feed them with bread, with
knowledge or kindness, if you go to help them open their hearts for God’s grace.” (Letter of Servant of
God, Father Peter Joseph Triest to the Sisters of Charity)
What an encouragement for the Sisters who received this letter from their founder! It is surely not
everyday that someone get a compliment which compares them to Christ himself, moreover saying that he
or she is another Christ. However the condition to be worthy of this compliment is clear: that is to go to
the poor, to take them up in our love, to become a real brother and sister for them who were abandoned by
the others. Father Triest says at once something about the way of going about with the poor: we should
always approach them in their total human-being and help them physically and spiritually. Our going on
the way with them should be a pilgrimage, on the way to the Lord, with the living word of the Lord in one
hand, and the book of knowledge in the other. For Triest, both the inspiration and the expertise go hand in
hand. It became the characteristic feature of his life.
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Let us pray: Lord Jesus, we thank you for the Good News which You brought for us: a message of
kindness for all in need. Give us enough bread in order to satisfy those who are hungry. Give us enough
knowledge in order to share it with those who are uninformed. Give us enough kindness in order to bring
comfort and patience to those who are in sorrow and pain. Give us above all Your grace that all of us may
share in the joy of our faith. Amen.
News from the Superior General
Due to his illness after his journey to China and India he had to stay in bed for a week in
Belgium, Brother General didn’t recover enough yet to present his report of these visits now. He
will do that next month.
Bro. R. Stockman, Superior general - rene.stockman.fc@fracarita.org
The General Superior’ Visit Schedule
21.02.2010
02.03.2010
04.03.2010
06.03.2010
13.03.2010
15.03.2010
20.03.2010
24.03.2010
28.03.2010
30.03.2010
Brussels – Kigali / Ndera (Rwanda) – Bujumbura (Burundi)
Bujumbura (Burundi) – Brussels
Brussels – Rome
Rome – Washington (USA)
New York (USA) – Rome
Rome - Brussels
Brussels – Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)
Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) – Manila (the Philippines)
Manila (the Philippines) – Brussels
Brussels - Rome
International Foundation ‘Global Action against Poverty’ (GAAP) – Brothers of Charity
News from the Casa – Rome - 2010.02.15
On Sunday, January 10 ended the Christmas season, and really, on Monday, January 11, all the
students of the Belgian College and their Rector returned from vacation. We wish them a diligent
study.
On January 31 the Casa welcomed a new student, Nicolaos Kouremenos, a deacon from
Romania. The number of inhabitants rose to 24 out of 10 different countries: Belgium (9), Congo
(RDC) (4), Philippines (1), Greece (2), Ireland (1), Indonesia (1), the Netherlands (1), Romania
(2), Rwanda (1) and Sri Lanka (2). We are really a "Casa Internazionale" now and we become
prophetic too as we refer to what the earth must become at the end: one large family, children of
the Father. That's in line with Christianity. In his farewell speech Christ prayed for that
unification: "May all be one!" The Second Vatican Council took this desire of Christ very
seriously and said in the statement "Nostre Aetate": "Therefore the Church encourages her
children to recognize, preserve and promote with love and thoughtfulness through conversations
and through collaboration with the followers of other religions, by witnessing of their faith and
Christian life, the spiritual and moral goods as well as the socio-cultural values associated with
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them". Since then, initiatives for rapprochement between the religions have the wind in the sails.
On January 13, 1968 Pope John Paul II visited as the first pope the synagogue of Rome and laid
the foundation for good mutual relations. By visiting the ghetto and the great synagogue on
January 17, 2010 Benedict XVI is continuing to establish and strengthen these good relationships.
These are two milestones on the long road of many mutual efforts to know and appreciate each
other. The first Christians came here in the forties of the first century. Only in our time important
gestures of openness and friendship were made between the Catholic Church and the Jewish
people.
In Italy, not all judges are reconciled with the presence of a crucifix in the courtroom. This
symbol of love and truth are for them a nuisance to judge. Could it be that they defend injustice
when it brings them benefits?
Cold periods with much rain and periods of really nice sunny weather are alternating, so that our
central heating has been trying a few times to stop its service. We then have to switch over to the
auxiliary boiler and then Bro. Willy Schelfhout is our refuge.
We heard that Br. General was ill in bed in Ghent early February. We are living with him and are
praying for a quick recovery so that he can take up again the tasks he feels himself called to. That
the subway escalator in a metro station has also risks next to the advantages encountered Bor.
Eugeen Geysen. On Wednesday, February 3, he got the body of his predecessor falling back on
him and was pushed against the left side of the escalator, where he could hardly grab the railing.
Nothing was broken, but just below the chest he fell some pain. "Ten days pain and thank God it
was not worse," said the doctor.
On February 2 all the consecrated people around the world celebrated their special election. We
could do it by attending the vesper service in Saint Pieter’s, led by the pope himself, who also
held the homily. Here is a fragment out of it. If you are pleased with it, you can read the full text
in different languages on the website [www.vatican.va]. "Finally, dear friends, we want to start a
hymn of thanksgiving and praise to the Lord for the Consecrated life itself. If it did not exist, how
much poorer our world would be! Over the superficial evaluation of the functional, the
consecrated life is essential, particularly for its sign of gratuity and love, and even more in a
society that is risking to be caught into the maelstrom of the transient and useful ". (Cfr. "Vita
consecrata ", 105). "The Consecrated Life, on the contrary, testifies the abundance of love
starting by “losing” their own life in response to the abundance of love from the Lord, who ‘has
lost’ first his own life for us. At this moment I am thinking of the consecrated persons who feel
the weight of the daily fatigue poor of human gratitude, I am thinking of the elderly religious, the
sick, those who encounter difficulties in their apostolate ... None of them is useless, because the
Lord record them in his "throne of grace". On the contrary they are a precious gift to the Church
and the world, thirsty for God and his Word."
On Sunday 7th February we were informed of the decease of the younger and only brother of
Sister Ancilla, Mister Valère Vanhooff (71). We wish her much strength and we will pray for the
rest of the soul of her brother.
Bro. Eugeen Geysen
ST. AUGUSTINE PROVINCE – AFRICA
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Provincial Administration – Saint Cyprian Community - Abidjan (Ivory Coast)
Saint Bakhita Community – Yamoussoukro – Ivory Coast
At a certain moment at the weekend a girl of twelve was sitting down all alone in front of the
psychiatric hospital. We interviewed her and gave her all the necessary care. She couldn’t only
give vague indications of her family and she either could make clear why she wanted to stay at
us. We tried to find her family with the aid of our personnel. Happily, after a weekend full of
commotion, we could find the members of her family who came to collect her.
In the main time, on Friday 05th February, we welcomed Bro. André, the new superior of the
community in Abidjan accompanied by Bro. Bonaventure. They did not only come to visit the
community but also to assist at the celebration with regard to the world day of the consecrated
life on the 05th February in the Our Lady of Peace Basilica. All the Religious of Ivory Coast were
on the appointment. The mass was presided by the Apostolic Nuncio.
On Saturday the 13th February we had the marriage celebration of a member of our personnel,
civil as well as religious. All the personnel were prepared for it. On Sunday the 14th February the
mass for the sick in the MSP was led by their spiritual director, animated by the friends of the
patients of Yamoussoukro and followed by exchanging gifts. On Saturday the 20th February a
concert was presented by the choral of Saint Bernadette in favor of the sick from the MSP in the
cathedral Saint Augustin followed by exchanging of gifts. On Sunday the 28th February our
second Brother from Ivory Coast, Bro. Koffi Laurent, will do his first profession in Ndera. On
Saturday the 13th March will be the start of the activities of the ONG “Light and Life” in the MSP
with exchanging of gifts.
Bro. Félicien Ngendahimana
Région Saint-François-Xavier, Rwanda – Burundi
International Novitiate (2nd year) – Ndera – Kigali (Rwanda)
We are pleased to inform you that the formation program for second year novices (Prebac) is
moving quietly to the end; because the first profession of our 36 novices will be on Sunday 28th,
February 2010 at Saint René Chapel in Ndera. We ask for your prayers so that what we have
started in good way may finish in good way as well.
Looking to some events of the last two weeks; let’s say that novitiate is always privileged with
the visit of the General Superior as the first responsible of the formation in the congregation.
That’s why, on Friday 15th, and 16th, January 2010; novices had a personal encounter with our
General Superior on issues related to their vocational journey. We are grateful to him, because his
visit added new insights to each member of the formation house so that we may go ahead with
the vision of Saint Vincent de Paul: “davantage”.
On Friday 15th, 2010, evening, we had a social evening with him; with a guest of honor Professor
BONN head of the department of neurology in the University of Gent. I am not positivist, but let
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me say, it was a nice experience during his visit in Rwanda to study some possibilities of
collaboration in order to improve the quality of our services in the field of neurology in Rwanda.
On Sunday 17th, January, 2010, we went to sing the second mass to Regina Pacis Parish in
Remera. The idea behind was first to pray with the English community of this parish, and
especially as Rwanda is shifting from French to English. Secondly, to build bridges of
collaboration between the International Novitiate and local Church in terms of liturgy and why
not, to extend possibilities of pastoral care and catechism of children in English with the next
group of novices. Because having a vision in life is always healthy.
The same day we welcomed Bro. Jos M. Regional superior of Saint Paul Region, who came to
teach the Module of “Working with communication disorders, hearing impairment, blindness
and low vision” to the novices of special education group.
On Tuesday 19th, January we welcomed Bro Emile Nibigira, from Bujumbura, he will teach
“Essential skills for health care providers” to the psychiatry students group.
Brother Ghislain Bakanja, Novice Master.
Our Lady of Africa Region – Democratic Republic of Congo
Brother Dieudonné Mukonkole arrived the 16th January 2010. We announce you the first
canonical visit of Brother Provincial in Kinshasa the 17th January. He was accompanied by an
historian, Mister Vanoverschelde Vaast. From the 18th to the 19th January they visited the all the
services in the Reeducation Center for Physical Handicapped in Kinshasa and they had a work
meeting too. On the 21st January they left for Kananga. On Friday the 22nd they visited the place
and had a work meeting. On the 23rd they took the plane for Lusambo where they visited the
place and had a work meeting. They returned to Kananga on the 26th January. Next day, on the
27th January, they paid a visit to the community of Katuambi. On the 28th January they visited the
Hospital Center of Jukayi. On the 29th January they went by car to Mbuji-Mayi and on Saturday
the 30th they went to Kabinda by car also.
Broeder André Kateba was nominated in the community of Saint Cyprian in Abidjan. He left on
Friday the 29th January via Nairobi.
On the occasion of New Year, Brother Director of the CRHP, exchanged wishes with all the
agents of the Center.
The adaptation works on the room of the brothers started in the month of January 2010.
Brother Floribert Kabindu, Regional Superior
Saint Ambrose Community – Kabinda
On the 20th January 2010 Brother Pierre Ngoie lost his younger sister of 43 years in Lusambo.
She left 8 orphans. He thanks all those who have supported him morally and materially in those
painful loss.
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From the 31st January until the 3rd February we had the visit of Reverend Brother Provincial
Superior, accompanied by Reverend Brother Freddy Mbayo, delegate for the Kasaï and Mister
Vaast, historian. We congratulate them for the courage they had to make the trip from Muyi-Mayi
to Kabinda by car on such a terrible road in order to encourage the Brothers and co-workers in
this community that will exist one hundred year still two years to go. Mister Vaast had encounters
with the brothers, the co-workers and the old-pupils about the history of the house Saint
Ambrose. Meanwhile Reverend Brother Provincial Superior didn’t stop sustaining the brothers
by drawing their attention to the five work points of his assignment as Provincial of Africa.
On the 2nd February the Consecrated People of the diocese of Kabinda celebrated with glamour
the World Day of the Consecrated in the monastery of the Sisters of Saint Clara. During the
composition of the Directory Commission, Reverend Brother Pierre Ngoie was indicated as
President of the Commission of Religious Life in the diocese of Kabinda. In its prayers, the
community of Saint Ambrose presented this nomination to the Lord so that he could fulfill this
new task in a good way (the animation of the male and female religious in the diocese).
The steps undertaken to renew the documents for the concession are going in a good way. The
community hopes to restart the project of elevating cows in order to put our property in high
value totally. This elevation will be useful for the veterinarian and agricultural sections that will
start next year the end years.
Brother Pierre Ngoie – ngoiepierre@yahoo.fr
Saint Dominic Region, Tanzania
St. John1 - Tabora community
On 1st February 2010 all Religious Brothers and Sisters in the Diocese of Tabora we had a retreat
held in a cathedral hall, The theme of the retreat was ‘Religious life is a call to perfection’. The
facilitator was Fr. Zakaria, Francis de Sales Congregation.
On 2nd February 2010, we celebrated the feast of the presentation of the Child Jesus in the temple.
On the same day we celebrated the Religious Day at Makokola parish. All Lay Brothers, Priests
from religious congregation and Sisters working in the Diocese were present. The mass started
with the blessing of the candles and the celebrant was Bishop Paul Ruzoka. In procession, we
sung the canticle of Simeon as procession song we carried our illuminating candles into the
church. The liturgy of the word was organized and celebrated by the Brothers and Sisters. The
bishop's message to people living consecrated life was that, ‘fulfill your lives as religious people
by participating to Christ suffering and his resurrection, by telling the truth, so that the entire
nation can see God salvation, and do not just disguise yourselves in temporal or perpetual vows’.
After mass we had 2hrs of interaction under the shades. In the mean time drinks were served. We
had a meal out side with all the parishioners. After that the bishop gave thanks for the meal, a
final blessing and bid good bye to the brethren.
From 9thJanuary-7th February 2010 we did not have water in Tabora. This was due to the
breakdown of the water pump at Gombe dam.
At last the deaf pupils from Kigoma arrived on 23rd January 2010.
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We continued to receive a moderate rain over Tabora with a lot of lightening striking old mango
trees, transformers and electric poles. On Thursday 21st January Bro. Joseph’s computer was
crushed after a very strong lightening struck an electric pole near the house and causing a lot of
damage to appliances in the neighbor convents.
Deaf children of standard 1, first year started school on 18th January 2010.
Thousands of people continued cramming in the Cathedral church of Tabora, as the deaf pupils
started saving as Alter boys to the first and the second masses. The month of January was a
turning point to many people that never attended masses at the Cathedral.
The flat lands of Kilosa – Morogoro were still flooded. However, the TBC1 radio announced that
there will be a mid train starting from Dodoma to Kigoma from 15th February 2010.
Bro. Joseph C. Mulenga < jomule504@yahoo.com >
St. Paul’s Region – South Africa
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE - AMERICA
Provincial Administration – Washington DC – Brazil
Washington DC
Open letter to Brother General in the wake of RS 43. (Some extracts of that letter!)
Dear Brother Stockman, thank you so much for your last circular RS 43. The two main points
you developed touched me hard, inculturation and cooperation for the future development of the
Congregation. You said what I needed to hear. You expressed your charism of leader with
ponderation, maturity, spirituality and vision for the future.
Bro. General you evoked the negative influence of our milieu, the ongoing struggle with evil and
its eroding subtle forces. … Then you showed the way out in using the values of our charism as
our main weapon as well as our unifying and dynimysing force. From the charism we are even
enabled to suffer joyfully for what we believe.
Bro. General tackled the values of religious life and this is a theme on which I am still reflecting:
religious life in the Catholic Church is a Western cultural product that did not change much
throughout the ages. We are still wondering how it will fit in the other cultures, what we
can/should let go and what we cannot/should not.
The second point, about cooperation and vision on how to manage the future of the Congregation
was treated in a very helpful way. …
Bro. General informed us that Bro. Eric Ferdinand Twizeyimana (Ndera, Rwanda) will come to
study informatic in Washington. Most heartily welcome to Eric who professed in 2007.
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The Ranchi community and Bro. Ranjit Kullu, the director of the new school of Simalia, invited
Bro. Denis Nadeau, former missionary in India at the inauguration of the school.
Donald Joyal f.c.
Philadelphia
Bro. John Fitzgerald accompanied by Bro. Provincial went to Alberta, Edmonton, from the 17th to
the 21st January in order to follow up the consultations related to different projects in that diocese
where religious brothers are absent. The prayers and the support of the province are always very
welcome.
The visit was a new success for the promotion of the vocation to brotherhood and of the charism
of the Brothers of Charity in this archdiocese. The success was secured by the preparation and
contacts done by David the brother of Brother John but also by the welcoming spirit of the
catholic community of the place. It is not impossible that Triest continues his charity itinerary
started in Belgium (1807), arriving in Montréal (1865), then in Boston (1874), Philadelphia
(1960?) and Edmonton…
Nancy Smith will be the Representative of the Associate
Members of the Brothers of Charity in the Province of the
Americas during the meeting of the Superiors in Rome in April.
Nancy has been an active collaborator of the Brothers since the
start of the cooperation between Catholic University of America
and International Institute of Canon Triest. She has been
“shuttling” between Europe and America for the last ten years in
order to guide the formation program.
Brother Aurel has safely arrived in Philadelphia. He is now busy
updating himself on the changes that have
taken place in our programming since the
ten years he was last here. He is still a
smiling and joyful person. We are happy to
have him in the community.
Bro. John Fitzgerald
Peru
A new apostolate in Ayacucho for mental health care
The Brothers in Peru were thinking of a house out of Lima because now they get candidates from
the country side and it is difficult for them and for us to live immediately in Lima.
In April 2009 Bro. Victor Hugo met Sister Ann Carbon, a Missionary Sister of saint Colombanus
and she is from Philippines. She started a program for mental ill people in Ayacucho a region
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touched by the terrorism for twenty years with a lot of suffering for the violence. Now she cannot
continue working in this project because she is the only one of her congregations working in that
field, and she was looking for a congregation specialized in mental health care and because we
were in the same group she was surprised with the coincidence and she asked me to think
seriously about that.
Brother Victor Hugo Merino Conde, regional superior, visited the work and he took the
opportunity to visit it again during the stay of Brother General end December. They held a
meeting with the board of that organization and also with the Bishop and they looked happy
facing the possibility that the Brothers of Charity should take over the work. They were ready to
hand over to the Brothers of Charity the property and the administration from the commission of
mental health care. Bro. Victor Hugo presented the idea to the Regional Council as an intention
for prayer to discern if it is the will of God.
Second year postulant Ronald is preparing to travel end of February towards Philippines to
pursue his formation. May the Spirit accompany him at the other extremity of the earth. In
Belgium Roli is happily going through the last months of his noviciate, will make profession in
Belgium and return in Peru to pursue his professional formation.
Donald Joyal f.c.
Canada
Our Bro. Antonin wanted to be quick in opening the door of the residence for Bro. Roland René
after they came back from mass, but he missed a step and fell down and broke his hip. So there
had to be an operation and a revalidation in St.-Sulpice
Br. André Raymond is loosing his forces. Bro. Gilles is busy learning book-keeping while doing
it. Many details have to be considered, such as documents to be filled in when a missionary is
coming for a visit to assure his pension; the federal and provincial taxes for all the brothers, etc.
Ex Brother Valmont Caron accepted kindly to join, part time, the nursing team in the regional
infirmary of St Sulpice. Bravo!
After a whole week’s stay at the hospital, Brother André Raymond came back and manifested
clearly his will to come and live with his confreres. At this moment we can consider him to be in
a pre-palliative stage. Still conscious of his situation he received the sacrament of the sick. He
also receives his most close people every day. The nurses are giving him the best possible care.
He is very grateful for your prayers and for your wishes of encouragement and support. We stay
united in prayer and are thankful with him and for him. (He died the 11th January in the infirmary
of our rest house in St-Sulpice.)
Brother Lemay had a bad end of the year. On the 21st December he broke his left hip. He was
operated on Christmas Eve and liberated from the hospital on New Year’s Eve in order to
recuperate in our infirmary in St. Sulpice. But he was brought back to hospital by the ambulance
due to pneumonia. He returned home on Sunday the 24th January. He is recovering but he is still
keeping his room with shortness of breath.
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The 2nd February many of us were remembering the day the Lord called them. Congratulations at
all of you in particularly the brothers celebrating their jubilee anniversary: Pierre Noël Poulin and
Origène Bergeron (60 years).
Brother Donald Joyal, provincial superior
ST. THOMAS PROVINCE - ASIA
Saint Thomas – Asian Province - Provincial Administration – Lahore – Pakistan
Father Lievens Region – India
News from South India, Sivagangai, Tamil Nadu
On 1st of January 2010 we had the sports day in the parish. The youth of St. Joseph organized it
with great enthusiasm and many people participated. On 22nd January 2010 in remembering of
the anniversary of Mrs. Thinese Mary’s death, Mr. Pal Raj, our parishioner offered food for our
residents and for all of us. We had a prayer service for the repose of her soul. On 24th January
2010 the opening of the house of our parishioner was celebrated and again they offered food for
our residents. They all enjoyed the delicious food! On 26th the 61st Republic Day celebration took
place all over India. We had a simple flag hoisted by Bro. S. Wilfred, the superior of the house
and we distributed sweets for all those who participated. On 29th January 2010 we had the flag
hoisted for our parish Church, in honor of the Infant Jesus. We ask your fervent prayers for our
community and for our mission. We wish you all the best.
Brother Yashwant Lakra - yashwant32002@yahoo.co.uk
St. Alphonsa Community - Ranchi
Brothers who went to their family visit came back to the community and our best friends too. On
26th January we celebrated the republic day of India. The same day in the evening brother
General Superior, Bro. René Stockman arrived in Ranchi after a long tour in China, for the
inauguration of the new school building at Simalia in Ranchi on the 28th of January.
The most important guests were Br. René Stockman, Superior General of the Brothers of Charity
and Cardinal Telesphor P. Toppo of Ranchi. There were many religious brothers, priests, sisters
and also four Belgium guests and the children’s family present for the inauguration celebration.
After the inauguration there was a cultural program performed by the school children. The
program was very much appreciated.
It was a pity that our regional superior, Br. Godfried could not be present at the celebration due to
visa problems. He is still in Belgium. On 30th of January in the evening Bro. General left Ranchi
for Belgium. During his journey he was suffering of a cold due to the changing of the weather.
We all wished him for a good journey and good health. May good God bless you all!
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pratapxaxa@yahoo.com
Triest (Formation) House - Ranchi
We are all keeping well. Still we have cold mornings and evenings. On 7th of January Bro.
Praween went for a family visit and he came back on 10th January. Our postulants and candidates
also came back on the same day. Their lessons started on 11th of January. We have 6 postulants
and 4 candidates for the moment. The postulants are preparing themselves to go to the
Philippines for the novitiate.
On 19th of January in the evening four Belgian visitors came to Ranchi. We gave them a warm
welcome and they had dinner with us. The same night they left to Kolkata by train accompanied
by Bro. Ambrose. The visitors were guided by Bro. Dayal and Bro. Ambrose to Chatarpur
(Chainpur) on 23rd January. On 24th of January they visited Bendora, a historical and pilgrim
place because of Father Constant Lievens. They visited also the hermitage of St. Francis Asissi in
Bakrakona. We attended the prayer service for the unity of all Christian Churches on Sunday 24th
of January on the Loyola ground. We celebrated the Republic Day of India on 26th of January.
The flag was hoisted by Bro. Praween in the community.
On 27th of January in the evening Rev. Bro. René Stockman, General Superior of the Brothers of
Charity came to visit the Triest house. We gave him a warm welcome through our Indian culture.
He spent the night in our community and we had the opportunity to talk with him personally. On
28th January we all participated in the inauguration of St. Peter’s primary school Simalia from the
Brothers of Charity.
The regional council meeting took place in the Triest House on 30th of January in the presence of
the Superior General, Rev. Bro. Rene Stockman.
am_brose3@yahoo.com
Blessed Joseph Vaz Region – Sri Lanka
The New Year 2010 began with lot of hopes and anxieties. We were reminded by the Prince of
Peace, Jesus the Lord that peace is given to men and women of good–will. Therefore, the time of
Christmas & New Year was a time of soul-searching for all of us to discern if there is an
atmosphere of good–will, understanding and solidarity in us and in our nation?
After three decades of tension due to protracted war, we celebrated the feast of Christmas and
New Year in an atmosphere where guns had been silenced. We had great reason to be grateful
that war in the country was stopped. However the problems of the country and of the people are
still to be solved. Peace and unity have to be consolidated. The internally displaced persons are
being gradually resettled. However, the work of rehabilitation has to lead to normal life and to get
back to trades and professions to earn their living.
The tragedy of war put a heavy burden on our people and the resources of the country. The
importance of building up a consensus to eliminate the cause of devastating terrorism and
violence remains a matter of utmost urgency. A viable solution has to be found if lasting peace
will be established in the country. The escalating cost of living puts unbearable burdens on the
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people, especially on the poor. Development has to be given absolute priority if frustration
among the people has to be avoided. It is important to go through the process of democracy by
holding free and fair elections by respecting the election laws.
We therefore urge all our Brothers to focus on our national priorities and commit ourselves as Sri
Lankans to the work of peace-making and national reconciliation.
The Catholic Church in Sri Lanka published a press release of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference
of Sri Lanka, issued in view of the Tercentenary of the Heavenly Birth of the beloved apostle of
Sri Lanka, Blessed Joseph Vaz, which will be commemorated in 2011. This year 2010 will be the
final year of preparation to his canonization. The Sri Lankan Brothers of Charity recognise the
Blessed Joseph Vaz as their patron of the region. Si it is their duty to share the joy and participate
in this celebration.
We congratulate Bro. S. A. I. Mathew for the publication of two books in December 2009. One is
titled “World Arts and Culture – in a view”. It is a Tamil book. The other book is in two parts –
one is called “Venerable Joseph Vaz and his indelible marks in the history of the Catholic Church
in Ceylon” also in Tamil. The second part is named “Catholic Church in Ceylon – early History”
and is published in English. This is already his 38th book.
The Blessed Joseph Vaz region has also published a calendar for 2010 for the first time,
sponsored by the St. Joseph’s Catholic Press in the mark of their centenary celebration.
The two new 1st professed Brothers Isuru Angelo and Jude have returned to their homeland to see
their family. They are still on holidays.
Bro. George has been transferred to Kalmunai on 2nd January after the healing of the wound in
his leg. He received new assignments as local bursar in the community and as responsible for the
project of the Village of Hope.
Bro. Gracian has been transferred to the Batticaloa community from 10th January. There are four
Brothers now in this community.
Bro. Kadima Mukonkole Dieudonné has returned to his native region (Congo) on 15th January.
We thank him for his experience and mission in Sri Lanka.
Bro. Joel Ponsaran, assistant general, visited the Blessed Joseph Vaz Region on 16th January to
study and observe the possibilities of the region. He went to all the communities, he saw the
apostolate and the institutes of the Brothers of Charity and discussed with the Brothers before the
Presidential election held on 26th Jan. Some election violations took place but the former
President Mahinda Rajabaksha has been re-elected for another term of six years. We finished our
visitation before the elections to avoid unnecessary problems.
The regional council meeting was held on 30th January with Bro. Joel Ponsaran, the general
councillor. It was a fruitful, meaningful and encouraging meeting. The part time regional
accountant and the engineer assistant project coordinator also were invited. The future plans were
developed. Bro. Joel explained the need of a proper channel to implement the above mentioned
points.
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As the political situation became normal the general councillor had been given a chance to see
the Northern Province and visit the famous miracle shrine of Our Lady of Madu. He has seen the
bishops’ house and met the vicar general and the secretary of the bishop who happens to be the
nephew of our late Bro. James Peiris. He is a Jesuit priest. He also met the OMI provincial and
the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary and their wonderful mission with a home for the elderly
people. Bro. Joel visited the place where the martyrdom took place during the time of the Dutch
colonisation. Brothers spent their night in the oblates’ house at Pattim–Mannar. Brother Joel has
seen the Giant Tank in Katukarai Kulam in Mannar. On his way to the north he has seen the IDP
camps in Vavuniya district and he could now understood well the difficulties of the minority
Tamil people.
On his way back to the south he had an opportunity to see another shrine of St. Anne at Puttalam.
During his stay he met the local bishops and Sr. Anastasia the Provincial Superior of the Sisters
of Charity of Jesus and Mary. He left the Island on 4th February 2010 on the Independence Day
with pleasure and sweet memories he experienced during his short stay in this beautiful island.
By Bro.P.M.Linus f.c.
Regio Rama Sandjaja – Indonesia
On January 15 in Purwokerto, the second meeting for the teachers of our two elementary schools
and kindergarten was held as follow-up of last October’s Asian Congress of the Caritas
Pedagogy. Bro. Eduardus as chairman of the Pius Foundation in Purwokerto gave his
presentation. Altogether there were twenty nine elementary school teachers and three
kindergarten teachers who joined this meeting. During the meeting, Bro. Eduardus explained
about our founder, PJ Triest, St. Vincent de Paul, the Triest Congregations, the vision and
mission, and the spirituality of the Brothers of Charity worldwide and in the region of Indonesia;
and the pedagogy of the “caritas” that we have to develop in all our schools. The teachers were
very enthusiastic and full of spirits in following this session. The similar session was held the
next week for our teachers of the senior and junior high schools here in Purwokerto. In fact,
however, the pedagogy of “caritas” has been introduced to our junior high school since last year
thanks to the efforts of Bro. Eduardus. Let us pray that through this kind of activities our
spirituality as Brothers of Charity and the culture of the “caritas” will be spread and develop
more and more.
According to our Regional Superior, Bro. Lukas Subiyatno, in Purworejo, the pedagogy of
“Caritas” has been applied in our local curriculum at our senior high school. Bro. Albertus has
even developed a syllabus of this program which has been distributed to other schools of ours in
Purwokerto and Yogyakarta as well. At our junior high school in Purworejo, the local curriculum
of the pedagogy of “caritas” is being taught by Mr. Wahyu and Bro. Cornelius. There are also
some extracurricular activities done in the said school on the same theme of the pedagogy of
“caritas”, during which, among others, the students watch together a VCD about our school with
its mission and vision. Last month we started to use the monthly themes (e.g. faithfulness,
responsibility, generosity etc.). This is the results of the splendid teamwork of the participants of
the Congress of Pedagogy of “Caritas” held last October in Wonosobo. A seminar on the
pedagogy of “caritas” has also been held on St. Vincent’s Day. In short, we may say the
pedagogy of “caritas” is being applied in our schools in Indonesia.
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On January 26, we were saddened by the news of the death of Bro. Petrus Hendriks who is a
former missionary of Indonesia who passed away at Eikenburg, Eindhoven, the Netherlands at
the age of 79. Bro. Hendriks was one of our greatest educator of the deaf who had been
dedicating his life for about 37 years as teacher, director, superior at our Don Bosco School for
the Deaf in Indonesia. In addition, for many years he was also functioning as provincial
councilor in our country. On January 27, a special memorial service for Bro. Hendriks was held
at our school for the deaf in Wonosobo during which all the students, and staff members were
present. There is always a red line when people talked of Bro. Petrus, namely: tenderness,
kindness, faithfulness, charming, and educative. Most importantly, he’s always there whenever
someone needed him. Farewell, our dearest Bro.Petrus, and may you rest in the Lord’s eternal
peace! Photos and news about the said event in Wonosobo can be found by clicking the
following link:
http://caritasindonesia.blogspot.com/2010/01/midday-with-bro-petrus-elizabeth.html
On January 29, Mr Iwan Hari Setiawan and Mrs Rustiana, co-workers of our Don Bosco School
for the Deaf in Wonosobo, got married. The wedding ceremony was held nicely in the Javanese
tradition. If you are interested to see their photos please click the following link:
http://caritasindonesia.blogspot.com/2010/01/midday-with-bro-petrus-elizabeth.html.
Concerning our deaf children, albeit they have difficulties in constructing sentences in their own
language, a second-language such as English with different structures requires more of their
efforts. If your have time, please read our article about how our deaf student expressing himself
in English, at the following link:
http://caritasindonesia.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-brother-myself.html
On January 30, a music concert was held by our junior high school students at our Caritas
schools’ yard in Nandan, Yogyakarta. During the event, the students performed traditional music
of “kolintang” (wooden musical instruments), “gamelan” (Javanese music instruments), keyboard
music and marching band. The concert was intentionally held as means of promotion in order to
attract more pupils to get enrolled at our junior high school, as well as to develop closer
relationships between our elementary and the secondary school pupils. The school traditional
“kolintang” music concert was also performed during the Sunday mass at St. Alphonse Parish
Church recently. Interestingly, it is our own postulants who teach music to our secondary school
students in Nandan, Yogyakarta.
Also, on January 30, Bro. Patricius Kurniawan came back from his one-month retreat at the
Jesuits’ Girisonta Spirituality Center in Ungaran, Central Java, as preparation for his final vows
later this year. During his retreat, he was guided by Fr. Zanweh SJ who used the Spiritual
Exercise of St. Ignatius of Loyola. During the break periods Bro. Patricius also made a
pilgrimage to the famed grotto of Our Lady in Kerep, Ambarawa, and visited the towns of
Ungaran and Semarang. Whereas, on the same date, Bro. Thomas Prasetyo finished his onemonth practicum period as psychology student at Prenggan-Sidomulyo Village, Bantul. Both
Bros. Thomas and Patricius thanked us all for our prayer support during their retreat and
practicum.
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Correspondents: Br. Jodianus Obesi, Br. Lukas Subiyatno, Br. Martin Mardimpos, Br Yoanes
Setiabudi, Br Patricius Kurniawan and Br. Thomas Prasetyo
Sacred Heart Region – Philippines/Japan and Vietnam
Our Lady of Fatima Formation House - Tabaco City, Albay, Bicol
By the 4th of January, the Brothers were all back from their family visits to start again their daily
duties in the Holy Face Center. Bro. Allan, the student Brother who regularly attends the
University is now involved in community teaching practice. He is taking the education course
with SPED as a specialization. He is foreseen to graduate next month and for now, he shares his
delightful and interesting experiences with the special children he handles. Although it seems
difficult work for a teacher, Bro. Allan is enjoying it.
At the time of this writing, the recreation area that used to be a place for watching TV and for
socialization has been vacated go give way to the international formation team. The small room
at the lower ground floor now serves as area for recreation to the Brothers. Life has become
simple for the Brothers who were used to a large recreational area that included also the billiards
table and the table tennis. The books all moved to the lower ground floor as well.
For the apostolate, all the Brothers serve as duty bearers to the mental health patients during their
daily activities. The spiritual side is quite present as each Brother develops a sense of spiritual
relationship with the Divine through community prayers, masses and other related activities.
After the evening rosary, the Brothers recite the “Oratio Imperata” or the great prayer to counter
the affects of calamities, natural or man-made. A proven formula that always saved the Region of
Bicol from further natural devastation brought about by typhoons and volcanic eruptions.
February, being the month of love will be celebrated by all in the Nazareth Complex. It is
everybody’s hope and prayer that “LOVE” is always living in our hearts.
Nathaniel D. Buyag F.C. - Email: nathan_buyag@yahoo.com.ph
Our Lady of the Miraculous – Formation House – Baguio
Our Lady of the Rosary - Manila Community
Holy Face News - Tabaco Albay
The Holy Face Center greets the New Year with full hope and great optimism after the holidays.
And what a way to start 2010 than to immerse ourselves to accomplishing bulks of reports to be
submitted on a deadline to CBM, the partner in the Holy Face project.
As a starter for the month the door of the Holy Face director’s office was at least replaced with
new wooden frame. Termites had gradually eaten up the wooden structure. The Center has to
look for a budget for such repairs. Considered of big importance is the maintenance of the
building facilities. Everyone involved in the facility is responsible in keeping it clean, organized
and well taken cared of.
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The Center harvested crops this month. Only a few incomes filled the coffers and the rest for
consumption.
Dr. Birgit Radtke (MD, MA, MPH), the mental health advisor for CBM paid a visit to the Center.
She met the staff and the Brothers during lunch after which she met the mental health facilitators
and the Family Support Groups. A day after her visit, the Coordinators with Bro. Vic met for an
important meeting at the Simon of Cyrene together with other partner NGO’s and the Department
of Health. The planning for the collaborated activities in mental health care for the next months
was done. It was here that the roles and responsibilities of each organization were defined. In the
meeting, the Provincial Mental Health Team was created as an operational framework for a
sustainable establishment of a mental health program. Holy Face faces an important role in this
undertaking.
Bro. Victor Manuel
Andre Phu Yen Community - Vietnam
ST. BENEDICT PROVINCE - EUROPE
Provincial Administration – Moerzeke – België
Monday, January 11, a general meeting was held in the Provincialate in Ghent. It was the day of
the associate members of our congregation. Two candidates made their promise for a year during
the prayer in the chapel (the St. Vincent’s Region). Two associate members renewed their
promises. From Flanders and Wallonia brothers, associate members and candidates were present.
Rewarding was also the presence of three candidates associate members from the of Ste. Mary’s
region (Netherlands). Everyone present could choose a figure of "Christmas" to support his/her
daily commitment with this visual aid.
The St. Vincent’s region started the reorganization of the communities. 32 communities were
grouped into 8 centralized communities. Meanwhile, 7 Superiors, each accompanied by 2
Brothers advisers have been appointed. A centralized community comprises 2 or more local
communities. It is a major change. In collaboration with the brothers, the regional government is
trying to play its role in a positive way in these changing circumstances.
On Friday, January 15 and Saturday, January 16, a meeting of the Working Committee of
European Vocations and Vocations was held in Chorley (England) (St. Joseph’s Region).
During two days, representatives (2 members from each region) tried to find a description of a
Brother of Charity in a European perspective. This meeting was very rewarding and encouraging
and we also enjoyed the hospitality of the fraternal community.
During the night of January 25 to 26, two brothers died in the ‘Broederhuis’ Eindhoven (St.
Mary’s Region). Brothers and directly involved employees were deeply affected by this event.
Bro. Joop Kobessen and Bro. Piet Hendriks, two very deserving missionaries, were buried
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together on Friday, January 29. They leave an empty space behind, but we also believe that they
won’t forget our congregation.
We are slowly approaching a strong period of the liturgical year, a time to walk more explicitly
and consciously in the footsteps of Jesus; wishing all the blessings of a fruitful Lent to you all.
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: Brothers Joop Kobessen and Peter Hendriks. In the early morning of January 26th, bro.
Joop Kobessen died suddenly in the ‘Broederhuis’ in Eikenburg. The same morning died, also
suddenly, bro. Peter Hendriks in the same ‘Broederhuis’ in Eikenburg. The community of
brothers in the Netherlands was shocked by this event. On Friday, a farewell service was held in
the chapel of Eikenburg, after which the funeral took place at the community cemetery. Many
people had come to escort the brothers to their resting place.
Jubilee. On February 2nd Brothers Andreas Delleman and Frans Maassen celebrated the jubilee of
their profession 70 years ago. Because of the age and health of the two brothers, we celebrated it
modestly. In Etten-Leur bro. Tarcisius Inderfurth celebrated his 60-year jubilee. Bro. Peter
Hendriks would also have celebrated his 60-year jubilee. But he died the week before.
Book Oostrum. The book about the novitiate St. Paschal at Oostrum, would appear May / June
2010.
It is postponed to October 2010. The imaging of the present architecture and art treasures requires
more time than originally thought.
Bro. Ton van Heugten, f.c.
Regio Sint-Vincentius - België/Belgique – Rumania – Ukraine
Since January 1st 2010, the monastic communities are a reality. The monastic community
councils are known, except for West Flanders. They are:
Saint Bavo (East Flanders): Superior Bro. Guido Cranshoff; councillors Bro. Luc
Lemmens and Bro. Flor Carette
Saint-Peter (Brabant): Superior Bro. Frits Swinnen, councillors Bro. John and Bro.
Diepvens Jan and Bro. Jan Gillis
St. Lambertus (Limburg): Superior Bro. Rene Van Tichelt; councillors Bro. Cauberghs
Peter and Bro. Jozef Engelen
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St. Francis (Antwerp): Superior Bro. Victor Quets; councillors Bro. Oscar Duym and Bro.
Jef De Wit
St. Martin (Antwerpen Kempen): Superior Bro. Frans Serroeyen; councillors Bro. Victor
Willems and Bro. Luc Van Dyck
St. Gerard (Walloon): Superior Bro. Michel Paquet; councillors Bro. Lambert Engelen
and Bro. Henry Fransen
Saint-Laurent (Zelzate): Superior Bro. Frans Van Hoorde; councillors Bro. Stouten
Lambert and Bro. Paul Belien
St. Donaas (West Flanders) still pending
Staff: Bro. August Sanders moved in August from Temse to our rest house in Zelzate. Bro.
Adriaan Ceelen came from Leuven to Zelzate. Bro. Antoon Theunis from Merksem lives now
permanently in Beernem. Bro. Marcel Van Walleghem moved from Zelzate to Bruges.
Day of associate members. The tradition wants to celebrate on January 11th in Ghent, the Day of
the Associate Members of the Brothers of Charity.
250 years Triest: reading-rallye. As part of remembering the 250 years birthday of Peter Joseph
Triest, a Reading Rallye is organized. The goal is to make people familiar with the figure of
Pierre-Joseph Triest through a specific theme in a way that is accessible to people. In every
religious community one evening will be held.
"Hola Amigos!" On Thursday, January 21, Caraes organized in the campus De Deyne of the
Institute St. Paul in Ghent, the starting day of the annual Lenten campaign. Central is a project for
street children in Nicaragua in the city of Granada. We also took the time to look back on the
results of the previous campaign and we want you to know what has been done to Simalia (India)
with funds raised by the Southern-action in 2009.
(Source: Latest News - 13/01/2010 - The Letter of the Regional Council of Region Saint-Vincent)
Saint Stanislas - International Novitiate – Sint-Maria Aalter (Belgium)
All the novices and formatters participated in our monthly recollection which was guided by Rev.
Fr. Mohan from the Nobertine Fathers. The theme was “forgiveness”.
15 January 2010. Our community participated in a funeral mass in the rest house in Aalter for
one of our community co-worker. As a community we shared in the family sorrows. It left a deep
impression in us.
16th – 17th January. Our house welcomed a group of married people for a two days retreat.
2nd February 2010. Presentation of the Lord. This was a special day for all the consecrated
persons, for all religious. In our lessons we studied the importance of this feast based on: Christ’s
humanity – the importance of mother Mary and the Eucharist. The day ended with a wonderful
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celebration, a holy mass which started with a procession with candles as mother Mary offered
Jesus in the temple to God. We symbolically also offered our candles to God and ourselves as
Brothers of Charity.
At the moment our community is in preparation for the Lenten period. We pray that all of us may
have a blessed and a successful Lenten period.
By 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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