E-NEWSLETTER OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE BROTHERSOF CHARITY
ROMA ON-LINE
Edition N° 130/2011; February 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
Come, o Holy Spirit!
“WHAT DOES INTELLECT AND GIFTEDNESS mean without the light of the Holy Spirit and
his grace? What does beauty and gifts of the nature mean without the grace of the Holy Spirit?
What does wealth and welfare mean for someone who doesn’t know God? Seek then true
happiness where it is to be found. Consider yourself great when you may share in the gifts of the
Holy Spirit. Be children of God, temples of the Holy Spirit and heirs of his Kingdom that knows
no end.” (Canon P.J. Triest, Servant of God)
It is the godlike “Person” who is the least visual represented. Traditionally the Holy Spirit is
represented only as a dove. Yet, the Spirit is right the fullness of God who lets himself called the
Father-creator, Son-redeemer, and Spirit-fulfiller. With the coming of the Holy Spirit, God has
presented himself fully, without reserve and without limit. Father Triest also speaks in this text
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of the Holy Spirit as the fulfiller, as the one who may bring us the full happiness. Since a number
of years revives a charismatic renewal, and man bears witness that the fervour of Pentecost, the
Holy Spirit, also renews and heals them. We may be joyful with this new manifestation of God’s
Spirit who can give to the church and the world a new sign so that the people with a new heart
and new eyes go towards others and so bear witness of God’s philanthropy by his Spirit. Come,
O Holy Spirit!
Let us pray: Come, O Holy Spirit, enlighten the heart of your faithful and kindle in them the fire
of your love. Be close to us always with your gift of grace. Make us strong to live your Good
News, in good and bad days. Let us reveal the face of the Lord in each other and make us able to
get along lovingly with others. Come, O Holy Spirit. Come also today in our lives and make it
ardent in love to God and to others. We ask this in the name of the Father and the Son and the
Holy Spirit. Amen.
News from the Superior General
Just on the 16th of January, we arrived in Rome after a long absence. During that week, we had
our general council meeting and also a two days meeting with those involved in our new
international organisation “Global action against poverty”. The purpose was to bring that new
organisation in line with the structure of the congregation and to rethink our international
fundraising-activities.
On the 24th we had to be back in Belgium in order to have an official meeting with the Belgian
Special Commission of the Parliament about the abuse issues in the Belgian Church. Of course,
these are not the most interesting activities, but for the wellbeing of the Congregation and the
Church we had to go through it.
Due to that short visit to Belgium, we had also the opportunity to participate in one part of the
introduction day of our South-action, the yearly action organised by Caraes Belgium in order to
find funds for activities in the missions and also to develop some information programs in our
Belgian institutes. The community and the school in Merksem were the guests this year.
The following two weeks, we stayed in Rome for office-work, contacts with some ‘dicasteria’
and the Lateran University, and of course we had the opportunity to pray with the Pope on the 2nd
of February, the day of consecrated life.
We returned to Belgium on the 6th of February. That week was full with conferences, meetings
until Sunday the 12th, because on Monday the 13th we left for a new period to Africa where we
will visit Ivory Coast, Nairobi for the retreat and the oblation of our 47 African postulants,
Central Africa, Rwanda and Burundi. After just one month we will be back in Europe.
Bro. R. Stockman, Superior general - rene.stockman.fc@fracarita.org
Clarification
"Last year, a group of experts of the United Nations alleged that the Brothers of Charity and the
Xaverians in Congo had assisted the FDLR by providing material (guns) and financial support to
FDLR members. For the Brothers of Charity the name of Bro. Stan Goetschalckx was
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mentioned. We were of course very surprised and immediately we received all kind of reactions.
Through the Apostolic Nuntio in New York and the Secretary of State of the Vatican, we asked
clarification. On December 1st 2010 we received an official answer that in the final report
(S/2010/596) the names of both congregations were not more present and that the given
information was not relevant. We thank the Secretary of State and the Nuncio for their
intervention and we are glad that the names are cleared. May I invite the brothers to inform those
who knew about the informal report that came in circulation in November 2009 and that was the
work of political influenced people.”
Bro. René Stockman, superior general
The General Superior’ Visit Schedule
14.02.2011
20.02.2011
27.02.2011
04.03.2011
15.03.2011
18.03.2011
27.03.2011
16.04.2011
Abidjan (Ivory Coast)
Nairobi (Kenya)
Bangui (Republic of Central Africa)
Kigali (Rwanda)
Brussels
Rome
Brussels
Rome
News from the Casa – Rome - 2011.02.15
From January 10, the activity increases in the Casa. The rector and the students return from their
holidays and our students prepare to start the second semester. But there is even more. Our
general assistants and Bro. General also return for the General Council from 19 to 22 January. It
promises to be a particularly important meeting, because a number of collaborators and
benefactors of the Congregation are also present. To confirm and reinforce the friendship among
the members after the meeting, the General Council finishes with a small dinner. Bro. General
still remains on our premises until February 6 and then goes where the Spirit leads him.
We also had the chance to greet Bro. Jos Mathijssen, the newly appointed regional of the
Netherlands, and also Bro. Thomas Lekalake of South Africa who, on the occasion of his jubilee
stayed for two weeks in Rome. Many years ago he stayed in our Casa. This helped him much to
rediscover the center of Christianity.
On February 4, Mgr. André-Joseph Léonard arrived unexpectedly to go to the Vatican,
undoubtedly not for a cup of coffee, although that would be welcome. On one single day we had
three bishops, because in addition to Mgr. Léonard, there were also the Bishop of Kabgayi and
Mgr. Luc Van Looy (Ghent).
Rome prepares for an event of world importance on May 1. On Saturday, January 15 we learned
that Pope Benedict XVI will beatify his predecessor John-Paul II in Saint-Peter’s square.
Considering that everyone is welcome and that there will be a large crowd impossible to control,
tickets will not be issued. It is estimated that the number of people present will reach 2 million,
with approximately half of them coming from Poland. The Belgian College in Rome has a reason
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to be proud, because he is the first former student raised to the honor of the altars. The
preparation of the ground floor of the Saint-Peter’s Basilica is already in the process.
The world day of Consecrated Life, on February 2, is celebrated in a special way in Rome.
Because of the partial exams of Sister Angela Fernando and of Bro. Seraphin Tshijika, we started
morning prayers fifteen minutes earlier, so that all could take part in the procession of the light to
the chapel where we placed, as a symbol of the gift of oneself, our candle on the steps of the altar.
The presiding celebrant was Mgr. Smaragde Mbonyitege, Bishop of Kabgayi (Rwanda), of the
diocese from which our priest-student Abbé Bertin Gasinzigwa comes. The rector Mgr. Dirk
Smet, concelebrant, wore for the first time the new stole with the representation of St-Vincent de
Paul, also visible on the fabric of the lectern. A future feast in the Congregation will bring the
portrait of Saint-Vincent, our patron, to the chapel. In the evening, as a good custom founded by
John-Paul II, we were invited to Saint-Peter for Vespers, with the exposition of the Blessed
Sacrament. The Pope himself presided and he was very close to the religious. In his homily, he
described the mission in the temple as an eloquent icon of their total gift. He presented three
thoughts for reflection.
1. As the light emanating of Christ is propagated via Marie and Joseph towards Simeon, Anna
and towards us all, so is the vocation to consecrated life a reflection of this light.
2. At the sight of the Child, Simeon and Anna prophesied his death and resurrection for the
redemption of all, so the monks testify that God occupies the first place and that the Gospel and
the Kingdom are already actively present in the world.
3. As Simeon and Anna testify to wisdom by devoting all their life to the search of God’s face by
listening to and proclaiming his Word, thus the Consecrated Life is, in the world and the Church,
a visible sign of the search for God’s face and of the ways which lead to Him.
Notwithstanding the previous years, this year one did not wait on February 2 to remove the crib
of the Saint-Peter’s square.
Italian cooking has many good qualities. It is healthy, easy to digest, very varied, tasty and the
dishes are nicely presented accompanied by a delicious wine. However it does not mean we
forget our own national cooking. On his computer, Bro. Ghislain found an Italian description on
how to prepare chips the Belgian way. Discreetly and courteously, he could place the recipe in
the hands of the cook. And really! The chips were delicious. Precisely as at home!
Bro. Eugeen Geysen
ST. AUGUSTINE PROVINCE – AFRICA
Provincial Administration – Saint Cyprian Community - Abidjan (Ivory Coast)
Région Saint-François-Xavier, Rwanda – Burundi
Our Lady of Africa Region – Democratic Republic of Congo
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Bro. Jean Mbeshi arrived in Kinshasa on the 4th December 2010. He continued his journey to
Lubumbashi for a visit from the 6th to the 12th December. On the 7th December it was the leave of
the local superior, Bro. Simon Wumba accompanied by Bro. Alphonse Mukenge to Brabanta. It
was at the same time the official opening of the community in Mapangu. Marc De Backer, a
nurse in the general hospital went to Brabanta Mapangu on the 8th December.
The dates of the 17th, 18th and 19th December 2010 will be remembered as the arrival of all the
Brothers of the following communities: Saint Gabriel/Nioki, Saint Monica/Lusanga, the
Associate Members and the Brothers of the community in Kinshasa for the retreat from the 20 th
to the 24th December. Brother General and Brother Provincial arrived in Kinshasa on the 20th
December for the retreat. On the 22nd December there was a television program on the century
with Father Jean-Baptiste Malengela, charged with the communication on the bishop’s
conference in Congo. On the 25th December another emission on the century of the Brothers of
Charity in Congo was realized on the catholic radio and television in Congo.
From the 26th to the 30th December Brother General took some rest after the retreat in Kinshasa.
In the same period Brother Provincial made a canonical visit to Kikwit in the community of Saint
Monica. The Regional Superior of Rwanda arrived in Kinshasa on the 30th December to assist on
the opening of the century of the Brothers of Charity in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We
may not forget the Region Our Lady of Africa that prepared in fever the opening of the century
in Kinshasa, Congo.
On the 1st of January 2011 the community Saint Augustin in Kinshasa celebrated the New Year
in a fraternal ambiance. That day everybody was there, to start with Brother Superior General,
Brother Superior Provincial, the Brothers Regional Superiors of Rwanda-Burundi and the
Democratic Republic of Congo, all the Brothers delegates of Kinshasa, the delegates and
regional councilors of Congo and other Brothers who happened to be in Kinshasa.
On the 2nd of January it was the opening of the centenary celebration in Congo, starting with a
solemn mass of gratitude and in the same occasion 11 new associate members made their first
promise.
On the 3rd of January Brother General took his flight to Rome. On the same day there was a
provincial council meeting with the Provincial and the two Regional Superiors. On the 4th and 5th
January there was a regional council meeting. On the 6th January the Regional Superior of
Rwanda-Burundi returned home. On the 7th January it was the leave of Bro. Augustin for
Mapangu, his new community. Bro. Jean Mbuku returned to Kananga on the 9th January after his
internship in Sub-Congo. On the 10th of January, Brother Provincial and Brother Regional made
a canonical visit to Nioki in the community of Saint Gabriel. They returned on the 12th January.
Brother Provincial Superior took his flight to the Central African Republic and the delegates
returned to their respective communities after the regional council. On the 15th January Bro.
Richard Kibambe returned to Abidjan and Bro. Jean Mbeshi left for Rome for the general
council meeting. Bro. Joseph Kapinda left for Lubumbashi on the 18th January to recuperate his
school dossier.
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Bro. Jean Mbeshi arrived from Rome on the 28th January and left for Goma on the 30th of
January. It was also the arrival of Bro. Adelard Nganga M’Pasi, prefect of Lusambo who came
for a work mission in Kinshasa.
Bro. Floribert Kabinda – Regional Superior
Saint Dominic Region, Tanzania
St. Paul’s Region – South Africa
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE - AMERICA
Provincial Administration – Washington DC – Brazil
Washington DC
Outreach to Homeless Vets: Updates on the Project Proposal of the Brothers of Charity and Local
Support Partners; Archdiocese of Washington Departments of Special Needs and Family Life.
History of the Project: Spring 2010 Bill Gorman requested the Department of Special Needs to
see how they may support the work of the Brothers of Charity. A Project Proposal was submitted
to Bill Gorman on March 15th, 2010. Meetings took place between Sr. Rebecca Burke, Brother
John FitzGerald and Mary O’Meara. Options and opportunities were explored.
The Need: The U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs estimates that as many as 195,000 veterans
are homeless on any given night. Although veterans make up about 11 percent of the civilian
adult population, they represent 26 percent of homeless people; a figure the report calls
“shockingly disproportionate”. The VA has said 45 percent of homeless veterans suffer from
mental illness, including many with PTSD. The high percentage of homeless veterans in the
District of Columbia could reflect its urban nature, the concentration of services provided in the
city and the lack of affordable housing.
The Scope of Proposed Project: The Brothers of Charity, in collaboration with The Archdiocese
Department of Special Needs, supported by funds sought through the White House Office of
Veterans and Wounded Warrior Policy wish to create an outreach for transition housing for
homeless vets. The Brothers intend on staffing this project. It is their hope to live in Community
with 5-7 homeless vets who suffer from PTSD and other adverse conditions to help these men
build up to be able to re-enter systems and programs available to serve them. This outreach is
meant to serve the most vulnerable and underserved.
The Location & Facilities: Two of the three floors of the Parish School Holy Redeemer would be
available for the project that is three big classrooms of the ground floor to be converted as living
quarters for the clients while the second floor would be converted as apartments for the
community of the brothers.
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Institute for Policy Research & Catholic Studies at CUA Washington: I’m happy to let you know
that my research proposal is accepted. I can join the Institute for Policy Research & Catholic
Studies at CUA Washington as a visiting scholar. So I seem to be more than one step closer to
coming to the US. It looks more probably now that I will be able to stay in the community of
Washington. I don’t see myself first of all as a scholar, but I hope I can be mainly a visiting
fellow-brother. I’m looking forward to this experience. Greetings, Bro. Dirk Beirnaert, Belgium.
Perù – Saint Martin de Porres Region
Canada
We celebrated in a joyful way the 92nd anniversary of our deacon Bro. Philippe Huot. He is a nice
model of fidelity and daily presence in the chapel as well as in the other community exercises. He
is a fervent admirer of external nature; in summer and in winter time he finds his occupation, his
instruction, his contemplation, renovation and inspiration there … From the early morning hours
he knows cheering up the rest house with his enthusiastic conversations. Where he is staying
there is life circulating … Thank you for being among us.
Information bulletin: On the 26th January we held our Regional Council Meeting in the regional
house. Bro. Joseph Turcotte has been nominated responsible for the Associate members of the
Saint Anna Region. On Sunday, the 23rd January, in our residence of Beauport, the Provincial,
Bro. Donald, accepted the promises of five persons as Associate Members. They had done their
promises on the 8th September 1983 as the first Associate Members of the Congregation.
25 out of 28 at the installation of superiors: We have the feast of the mothers, the feast of the
fathers, but we still are lacking the feast of the superiors. The Saint Anna Region seems to use the
installation ceremony of new superiors, every three years, as the occasion to celebrate them.
Twenty-five out of twenty-eight Brothers, still living in Québec, gathered spontaneously in SaintSulpice for the event of the 25th January. It was an occasion for them to reflect on their
experiences as superiors and on he experiences of the subjects in relation to their superiors and
about everything they received living together one for another in their religious life. As all of
them have been subjects and as the great majority of brothers have been serving as superiors, they
all felt concerned.
Superiors are good for two things: to guide and to serve; to be leader and to be servant. Four
brothers accepted a new mandate as servant.
Associate Members: Under the impulse of the Holy Spirit and the finger push of Bro. General
during his last visit in Canada, in spite of a Siberian cold, that 23rd January 2011, brothers,
associate members and their friends gathered in the house of Beauport that has been seen so
many juniors and novices in formation serving the charism of Peter Joseph Triest. Five associate
members would pronounce their promises for three years. They were already engaged as such
during the years 1983-1984.
Bro. Edouard Bolduc who was the Provincial that period, had encouraged the movement as
pioneer in the Congregation, he could still participate in the celebration. Despite his staggering
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health situation Bro. Edouard expressed with enthusiastic emotion the rebirth of the fire which
had been covered apparently under the ashes and he wished that the fire should embrace the
group again. He stressed the importance of the call to guard and to promote charity in the Church,
even and most of all, by giving attention to the small great things in daily life. He invited the
group to have confidence in the brothers who should accompany them, Bro. Gilles Rivard as
regional superior and Bro. Joseph Turcotte as their guide.
As to Bro. Provincial Donald Joyal, he stressed how much the comprehension of the vocation as
associate member had been deepened after more than 25 years. It was not more seen as a simple
participation in the footsteps of the charism of Peter Joseph Triest. It was now seen as an
authentic vocation opening a new dimension to baptism life and as entire member of the family
of the Founder. Also the whole context has been changed on the accreditation level to the
Vatican, the approbation of the own statutes and the formation plan of the associate members,
what gave birth to the growing number of members in the different cultures all over the world.
This means of course a possibility of interaction between the groups, stimulating and multiplying
the possibilities and ways of developing the charism in the Congregational family.
The great characteristic of the celebration, as it was indeed a feast of resurrection, was the
enormous simplicity that permitted everybody to life profoundly the meaning and the symbolism
of words and gestures. Every engaged member passed the flame of his candle to the following
member and every one was invited to express him self/her self verbally and written and to say the
official formula of which he/she kept a personal copy of the engagement while the Region only
kept the register.
The group that has already a long lived experience of the charism has never ceased at least on the
personal level to live the charism-spirituality. It will joyfully restart to listen to the Sprit of
Charity as a group thanks to the expert animation of the animation couple Gaétan and Monique
Nadeau (grmnadeau@oricom.ca). Both also gave testimony of their experiences as associate
members in Belgium during the meeting for formators in the Congregation.
We welcome again among us: Alda Cyr, Huguette Savard, Ruth Labillois, Gaetan and Monique
P.-Nadeau! You can find pictures of the celebration on Internet:
http://www.facebood.com/album.php?aid=86702&id=1624082155&1=3ebf5717a1
Impressions of associate members of Quebec after the renewal of promises: What a joy we
experienced yesterday in the presence of the Brothers of Charity, associate members and friends
while renewing the promises of 5 associate members. It was a beautiful celebration, filled with
simplicity and friendliness. … I feel a deep happiness, because the small fire of Triest that
continued to burn in my heart was greatly stirred by the event. The flame of charity was still in
my life, but with the support of your community, it has become stronger. It is taking new
amplitude through my vocation as an associate member. … Our heart overflows with
thanksgiving.
Monique Nadeau MAFC
From the Diocese of Nicolet, P.Q. – The Day of Consecrated Life:
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The Day of Consecrated Life also serves to highlight the precious legacy bequeathed by religious
communities. The congregation of the Brothers of Charity has for example contributed for over
100 years to the development of Drummondville on the educational, cultural, sports and
community level. The Director General of the College Saint-Bernard in Drummondville,
Alexandre Cusson expresses his gratitude as follows: "Their openness, generosity, selflessness
and availability have forever marked the soul of this institution. Even today, their values are well
alive in the college. They deserve our gratitude for the love they have spread and still convey in a
thousand of ways around them."
ST. THOMAS PROVINCE – ASIA
Saint Thomas – Asian Province - Provincial Administration – Lahore – Pakistan
Father Lievens Region – India
Triest House (Formation House) – Ranchi
11th January: We started our lessons after Christmas and New Year vacation.
13th January: 1st Regional Council meeting held in Triest House this year.
15th January: We organized a community meeting in the evening. Candidates and postulants
received new tasks/responsibilities in the community.
16th January: Candidate Praveen Lakra discontinued his formation and came to take his
certificate. Bro. Ambrose visited Blessed Kuriakose community Simalia.
23rd January: Candidates and postulants participated in the annual prayer service for Christian
Unity on St. Paul’s Cathedral Ground (Bahu Bazar) at 3.00 p.m.
th
26 January: Republic Day of India. Bro. Ambrose, postulants and candidates went to
Morabadhi Ground. The national flag was hoisted by the Governor of Jharkhand at
9.00 am, soon after there were March past and other programs.
4th February: Bro. Praween and Bro. Ambrose participated in a symposium on Social Concerns
and Tribal Issues of Jharkhand on the occasion of the visit of the Papal Envoy His
Eminence Cormac Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor, Archbishop of Westminster to
commemorate the historic Papal Visit to Ranchi 25 years ago.
5th February: Bro. Ambrose, postulants and candidates attended the Holy Eucharist at Loyola
Ground Ranchi. His Eminence Cormac Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor, Archbishop of
Westminster, the Papal Envoy was the main celebrant of the Holy Eucharist. Finally,
he said that he was very much pleased to visit Ranchi, he gave consolation to the
Christians that he’ll ask Pope to visit Ranchi.
6th February: All the brothers gathered in the St. Alphonsa Community to thank God for the
works he has done for us. Bro. Ambrose Tirkey moved to the Blessed Kuriakose
Community Simalia. Thanks to him for the works he has done for us. Bro. Subodh
Ekka replaced him. We welcomed him in our community.
8th February: Jharkhand Assembly of Religious Brothers had picnic at Blessed Kuriakose
community, Brothers of Charity, Simalia. We were all together thirty five brothers
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9th
from different Congregations. The brothers appreciated the place and enjoyed the
picnic.
February: Bro. Isidore Kiro Regional Superior installed Bro. Praful Kumar Surin New
Superior of Blessed Kuriakose Community Simalia.
Bro. Isidore Kiro – Regional Superior
Blessed-Joseph Vaz Region – Sri Lanka
On the 12th January 2011 Bro. Linus wrote: “The situation in Batticaloa and Kalmunai is very
bad due to dreadful weather with continuously raining, flood and a possibility of a cyclone. That
all entrails food, water and sanitary problems. Most of the villages are flooded. Many people are
refugees in the up stair stores of the school buildings. All the roads are closed, no transport, no
electricity, telephone limited, trees destroyed … Our Brothers are save and can find meals…”
On the 13th January 2011 Bro. Linus wrote: “Bro. Godfried, Bro. Linus and two other Indian
Brothers were staying in Batticaloa for nearly three days and they couldn’t move anywhere due to
heavy and continuous rain with strong wind like a mini cyclone... When the rain was increasing
we tried to go to Kalmunai to leave there the two Indian Brothers, but the road at Kurukalmadam,
the place of St. Francis Assisi community was completely broken and we could not continue.
Although after some repairs of the road we succeeded to reach Kalmunai… Our communities are
safe as well as our home children. They can find food, but they cannot come out. They cannot
find wood or don’t have gas for cooking. Our institutes are O.K. and so far nothing happened…
In Kalmunai the people of the ‘Village of Hope’ are already evacuated because of the very rough
sea and the flood. It is still raining continuously and the meteorological department said it might
continue for some more days. It affected Eastern, Northern and Central Provinces and also in
Colombo there are problems. Please, continue to pray for everybody because it is very, very cold
and there is no food, no drinking water, no toilets, no shelters, no medicines and the deceases are
spreading diphtheria, etc.)”
Regio Rama Sandjaja – Indonesia
Last December four of our young brothers returned from their studies in Belgium and joined us in
continuing our apostolate in our region. Bro. Rafael Dedi is now stationed at our Junior
Secondary Boarding School in Purworejo, Bro. Felix Diki Kurniawan at Sahabat Kita Psychiatric
Home in Purworejo, Bro. Dismas Prasetyo at the Caritas Schools in Yogyakarta, and last but not
least, Bro. Cyprian Anton Nindyantoro at Karya Bakti Special School for Intellectually Disabled
Children at Boro, Purworejo. May God bless their new apostolic work.
In enhancing our financial mindset and awareness, at the end of last December, our brothers
joined together in a two-day gathering at Wonosobo Community. The ‘Purba Danarta
Foundation’, an independent group focusing on financial development, helped us to understand
better the psychology of money. By using the emergenetics theory developed by Dr. Geil
Browning, our speakers made us realize our personal characteristics in financial managements,
called a.o. annalistic, conceptual, structural and social. Mr. Widada Prayitna and Ms. Evi Dyah
Pratitis, who used Robert Kiyosaki’s approaches, showed us that there are so many opportunities
to survive in this global crisis; how important transparency is; and only a congregation having a
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good financial management can carry on its works on this era of globalization. The theories are
now settled in our mind and the actions lie on our hands!
On January 27, on the fortieth day commemoration of Bro. Sebastianus Sowiyana’s passing
away, our staff and service users of Sahabat Kita Psychiatric Home of Purworejo, visited Bro.
Sebastian’s tomb to clean it and to pray together. Bro. Fransiskus Danang Kuseno said that
during the intercessions, our residents asked God’s forgiveness for their unfriendly attitudes
toward Bro. Sebastian during his life, since they knew each others well.
Bro. Martin Mardimpos assisted the Steering Committee of the Study Center for Individual with
Special Needs at the Sanata Dharma Catholic University of Yogyakarta. He joined the other five
Steering Committee Members in collaboration with The Kentalis International, Sint Michiels
Gestel, the Netherlands, who is supported financially by the Porticus Foundation, to organize a
training program for teachers for the deaf in Yogyakarta. The program started from January 10
till 28. Bro. Thomas Budi Prasetyo and Bro. Gerardus Ridwanto also assisted in the said program
as interpreters. Eight schools for the deaf from various cities of Java Island sent their teachers to
follow this training program. The teachers of our Don Bosco Institute for the Deaf of Wonosobo
were among the participants. Each school was required to send its best teachers. The teachers
who were chosen were trained to become competent mentors for their schools, and hopefully they
can be regular mentors for other schools in Java Island and other Islands as well.
The Mount Merapi eruption happened last October and destroyed thousands hectares of living
areas with its lava. Until last month the condition has not much improved yet, because its lava is
still flooding here and there, destroying more areas. Many buildings were flattened, collapsed,
and roads to remote villages were paralyzed. People flew their villages, becoming homeless and
jobless. Thanks to the support of many benefactors who are still donating goods, our Brothers and
Postulants in Yogyakarta Community could continue to help many people in need, mostly those
who are less cared for by government and other organizations.
Correspondent: Bro. Martin De Porres Mardimpos, FC
Sacred Heart Region – Philippines/Japan and Vietnam
Bicol Community – Fatima Formation House
On December 31st 2010, at 11 o’clock in the evening, we have had our special adoration for the
incoming year 2011. At 6:00 o’clock in the morning January 1st 2011 we celebrated Eucharist in
the community starting with a short procession from our main door in Fatima Formation House.
We also offered our prayer intentions for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.
We had our community outing on January 22nd 2011. We visited again some places and
institutions in Naga City. We had a guided tour in the Mental Hospital somewhere in Pili
Camarines Sur, a small town before Naga City. We were glad that our psychiatrist Dra. Aimee
Nobleza explained us everything. We witnessed what our founder Peter Joseph Triest
experienced during his time in the “Gerald the Devil Castle” in Ghent. We saw how those
patients with very poor mental facilities had been treated, merely locked up like prisoners. Right
after we took our lunch in SM City Naga. And then we proceeded to our last destination, the
“Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex”. While roaming around the “Water Sports Complex” we
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were still thinking of the patients on the opposite side of the town suffering from a poor
treatment, whereas the people in the “Water Sports Complex” were enjoying water sports
activities. Finally we went home after we had spent one hour in that “Water Sports Complex”.
On January 29th 2011 we had our monthly recollection. We usually start our recollection on
Friday evening with adoration. This month the theme was “HUMILITY”. We were guided by our
beloved father chaplain Rev. Fr. Conrad Goulet, SSS. It was a suitable moment to deepen our
relationship with God and to understand profoundly the essence of His divine call.
Every month we always have a good time for those who are celebrating their birthday. This
month we organized a short celebration program for our brother novice Iyaz who appreciated it
very much for he felt the ambience of brotherhood in our community.
Novices Albertus Magnus, Waseem Khan, Dominic Maria Tam
Fatima News - Tabaco City, Albay
Sister Manohari and Sister Ayumi came to visit the Nazareth Complex last January 24th and
joined the Brothers for lunch. The Sisters of Charity brought some special Sri Lankan food
always tasting good although spicy. Sister Manohari was familiar with the place already but it
was Sister Ayumi’s first visit indeed. She visited the services of the Brothers of Charity for
persons with mental illness. Over lunch, the Brothers had a delightful talk with the Sisters and a
regular visit to the community will always be welcome.
The Brothers organized their Saturday and Sunday evening prayers together. In the presence of
the Lord they feel the spirit of togetherness amidst the busy and demanding duties of the week. It
proved to be life-giving having meals together in the evening. Talks often last for an hour or so
depending on the topic.
Our Associate Member, Dra. Aimee Marie Nobleza brought special sea food from Sorsogon City
after her psychiatric consult in one of the hospital of the province in the Southern part of the
Bicol Region. Fresh catch of crabs, prawns, squids and oysters left the Brothers’ stomachs full
and happy.
Bro. Vic has been asked again to attend the next vicar meeting where issues and concerns of the
vicariate are being discussed. A representation from the community in these meetings is fruitful
to be in the same line with the goals of the Archdiocese of Legazpi. Once in a while, Bishop
Bong Baylon of Legazpi joins the meeting.
Bro. Victor Manuel
Holy Face News - Tabaco City, Albay
True to the nature of starting things right, Holy Face welcomed back the patients on January 3rd.
Fresh from the holiday break, the residents and co-workers looked forward to starting the mental
health program again with new resolutions to make it still better this time. The programs and
activities were intensified with Holy Face opening its doors to the affiliating Universities of
Aquinas University Nursing Department and Bicol University Polangui Campus Nursing
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Department. Their students need field experience and gain real knowledge in the treatment and
programs of persons with psychosocial disabilities. These nursing students, who have psychiatry
subjects as part of their curricula were eager to take part in the Holy Face program. Their
mentors/professors are thankful that there is a place like the Center where they could bring their
students to be exposed to the real psychiatric settings.
Heavy rains battered the Region of Albay. Some of our communities were affected particularly
by flooding and had to move up to higher grounds or to other areas. Relief supplies were
requested from generous funding groups to distribute them to the affected families.
For the 2011 mental health program, the partners e.g. Holy Face, Simon of Cyrene, SIHSFI and
(DOH) Department of Health came together to plan programs and activities for the year.
Trainings in the community mental health were seriously considered this time, with the
involvement of the different government agencies like the Department of Education (DepEd), the
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and
others. The participation of other NGO’s was an important aspect for the extensive realization of
mental health programs in the Bicol Region. Part of the planning focused on the advocacy
program which included information gatherings and materials for epilepsy which is now part of
the mental health concerns. The one whole day meeting had some follow-up through the
evaluation and monitor inputs and outcomes.
Holy Face had been busy accomplishing reports (the bi-annual financial aspects of the program)
to the funding partners. These reports entail a lot of work but we’ve developed the spirit of
teamwork to accomplish such requirements as good as possible. The road to mental health is long
and open-ended. It needs the involvement of everyone in society to help persons with
psychosocial disabilities to become again good and productive members of the communities.
The time this report was written, Legazpi Mayor Hon. Carmen Geraldine B. Rosal signed the
Memorandum of Agreement with Simon of Cyrene and Holy Face for the full implementation of
the Community Based Rehabilitation Program in the City of Legazpi.
Bro. Victor Manuel
Baguio Community – Our Lady of Charity
At the beginning of January 2011, the brothers, the postulants and the aspirants returned to the
community after their Christmas holidays visiting their beloved families in the different places.
Everyone has now gone back to his respective duties and responsibilities both in the school and
in the community.
As for Bro. Nestor Iden Biddong, he arrived on January 5, 2011 and he was very much pleased
and warmly welcomed by the community. He replaced Bro. Tony Benito as formator. He just
came back to the Philippines on December 11, 2010 after having his formation and training in
Belgium. He stayed for one week in the Manila community. On the 18th of December 2010, he
went on his Christmas vacation to visit his family.
The one and big happy family of Baguio community felt unhappy and sorry when Peter, an
aspirant, left the congregation on the 20th of January followed by Joven, also a postulant, on the
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26th of January. The community is now composed of 8 members including one postulant and one
aspirant.
In the month of January, there were 6 birthday celebrations. As is the custom here, there was only
one celebration day which was held at the Charisa’s beach resort in San Fabian, Pangasinan on
the 21st of the said month.
On the 29th of January, four members of our community, including a postulant and an aspirant,
led by the superior, joined the “Vocation Awareness Week Program” with songs and dances,
organized by the association of religious women of Baguio – Benguet under the guidance and
leadership of sr. Eva, Daughters of Charity. It was wonderful seeing the dancing nuns from
different congregations and the special participation of the Brothers of Charity, the Order of St.
Camillus, SLRI deaf and mute students, the Maryknoll sanctuary choir, pupils from the St.
Vincent de Ferrer learning center and the Amaruzo family. This performance was showed in
different parishes, schools and universities in Baguio city, to promote more priestly and religious
vocations. Many thanks went to Mr. Rendell Jimenez, the choreographer.
On the 28th of January, the SLRI for special children and adults celebrated the Teacher’s Day.
The group of students from the St. Louis University was doing the internship. They organized
and facilitated the programs. The children, parents, students, and brothers enjoyed singing and
dancing that day. Moreover, the special children and adults and the brothers had their community
awareness as usual every first Friday of the month. They went to a particular place where they
could enjoy the heavenly atmosphere of being together by means of games, activities and some
other social interactions.
In the month of February, the SLRI School for special children and adults will be busy
celebrating the “Special Children’s and Adult’s Week” which will be held from February 14 until
18, highlighting the Day of Hearts or Valentine’s Day. All this will be under the direction of Bro.
Antonio Benito, the school director. Following the tradition, there will be an “Outreach” of the
Inter-Congregational Association of Novices and Postulants in Baguio (ICANPB) on the 14th of
February, an “Educational Visit” to St. Louis University at the College of Nursing on the 16 th.
The culmination will be on February 18 with a mass.
By: brother.nestor@yahoo.com
Andre Phu Yen and Lavang Communities - Vietnam
ST. BENEDICT PROVINCE – EUROPE
Provincial Administration – Moerzeke – België
On Friday, February 4th and Saturday, February 5th, 2011, the European committee Identity came
together in the St. Eduardus community in Merksem (Belgium). The whole group (12 members)
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was present. First we shared the activities in the various regions. We were pleased to hear that the
European Committee, after four meetings, clearly succeeded in encouraging the various regional
activities. Nevertheless, from the European level we still want to continue with this group to
achieve concrete incentives for employees of the various regions. Incentives to work and live
always better in the spirit of Father Triest and of Saint Vincent. At this meeting, we also managed
to present a concrete action plan for the future for this group. Each region got its 'homework'. The
next meeting is in Eindhoven (Netherlands) on Friday, May 27th and Saturday, May 28th, 2011.
We also like to thank Bro. Victor Quets, the local superior of the religious community of St.
Francis for the generous and hospitable reception. We also thank the other members and staff of
the community for their support. May the European "Circle of Life ', in the spirit of the
congregation, get more “flesh and blood” for the brothers, associate members, employees and for
those entrusted to us in our European province.
Bro. Luc Maes, prov. Superior
Bro. Jef De Wit, prov. secretary
News from the Blessed Edward Poppe Community - Moerzeke
The 1st of January ad midnight we celebrated Happy New Year 2011 with a happy hour. Next day
we attended the New Year Mass. At noon we shared our happiness in a happy hour.
On the 3rd of January three second year novices and the superior went to the Netherlands
(Eindhoven) to visit our brothers. We visited the rest house, the church and the museum. We
returned home after dinner.
On the 8th of January we celebrated the birthday of our superior. Bro. Jef made a community
photo. Our provincial superior of Europe was also with us.
On the 9th of January Bro. Pascal, our graduated nursing student, moved to the C. P Saint Martin
Dave community for his further study and practicum. Bro. Jef drove him to Dave and the Indian
novices accompanied him. Bro. Janvier and Bro. Superior welcomed us. Bro. Janvier showed us
some rooms and the resident’s house. In the evening we returned to Moerzeke. On the 10th of
January the first year nursing students started their lessons.
Our second year nursing students, Bro. Anu Ranjit, Bro. John and Bro. Joy went for Christmas
holiday (home visit) and on the 15th of January they came back safe and sound. We welcomed
them for New Year. They also started their lessons on the 17th of January.
On the 2nd of February 2011 we had a far well party for our Bro. Superior Roldan. Bro. Luc Maes
and Father Ephrem were also present. On the 4th of February he left for the Philippines.
Novice Prabhu Pratap Barjo - pratapprabhu.barjo@gmail.com
Bro. Anuranjit kullu – ranjitanukullu@yahoo.com
Saint Joseph Region – Ireland and United Kingdom
St. Mary’s Region – Netherlands
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Deceased: On January 19th Bro. Kees Korthout died in Voorhout. In recent years bro. Kees had
problems with his health. He was regularly in the hospital and underwent many treatments. Yet
he remained optimistic and wanted to live at home because he was surrounded with the best care.
After he got the message earlier this month that treatments were no longer indicated, his health
slowly deteriorated and he still died suddenly at home in Voorhout. On January 24th brothers,
family and friends said goodbye to him in the chapel of Eikenburg. Bro. Kees was buried in the
community cemetery in Eindhoven in Eikenburg.
Working Group Identity: The Regional Working Group Identity met in Eikenburg. A week later,
representatives of the Dutch regions went to the St. Eduardus community in Merksem for the
meeting of the Provincial Committee. It was a positive meeting where the various regional groups
exchanged the regional initiatives and made further arrangements regarding the future tasks of the
Provincial Committee.
Bro. Wout Lips 50 years professed: On February 2nd, 2011 it was 50 years ago that brother Wout
Lips made his first vows as a Brother of Charity. Although he did not desire the whole day
celebrating, he was surprised by the brothers with a special celebration in the Roermond chapel in
the morning. During the afternoon several brothers from Eindhoven visited him and in the
evening some staff from Eindhoven paid him a visit. A better celebration of this jubilee could not
be invented.
Caraes: The former director Toine van der Sande of Mental Health North and Central Limburg of
Venray would like to show his involvement with the Brothers of Charity by his commitment to
the new psychiatric project on the island of Flores in Indonesia. Several meetings were organized
for this specific completion of the engagement of the GGZ in Venray.
Lecture: On February 8th, 2011 Father A. Kroese ocm gave a reading in the Brother-House
Eikenburg on the spirituality of the Carmel. Besides the brothers, several interested parties were
present. Next day he gave a recollection for the brothers on the theme "We mean well."
Spiritual caregivers: In the St. Annaklooster Foundation, two new religious care takers came in
service. They have met some of the brothers and explained to them their activities.
Hospice in Helmond: The Foundation St. Annaklooster inaugurated the Hospice and Logeerhuis
(Guesthouse) in Helmond on Sunday, January 30th, 2011. Many Sisters and Brothers of Charity,
staff and concerned persons were present at the opening. The project has been organised in a
former school with preservation of the original infrastructure with the necessary adjustments.
Bro. Jos Mathijssen – Regional Superior
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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