Necrologynecrology

2020 / 01 Special

NECROLOGYNECROLOGY

MISSIONARIES OF AFRICA EDITOR’S WORD

SINCE DECEMBER 1912 PETIT ECHO Society of the Missionaries of Africa The Editorial Board has chosen to make a special issue to offer you all the obituary 2020 / 1001 ISSUES n° YEARLY Special PUBLISHED BY THE GENERAL COUNCIL OF THE SOCIETY notices that we were unable to publish last Editorial Board year. It is always with a sense of gratitude Francis Barnes, Asst. Gen. that we read the rich life of the confreres André Simonart, Sec. Gen. Patient Bahati who have spent their life announcing the Freddy Kyombo Good News of salvation and doing good Editor in the footsteps of their Master and Lord. Freddy Kyombo [email protected] I am especially grateful to all the Translations Jean-Paul Guibila confreres who take the trouble to write these Steve Ofonikot profiles to share with us the witness of the Jean-Pierre Sauge lives of our confreres with whom we have Administrative Secretary Addresses and Dispatch sometimes lived together without really Odon Kipili knowing them. [email protected] Editorial Services Going through these obituaries, one can Guy Theunis Dominique Arnauld see how God’s work unfolds in the various Correspondents lives of the confreres and often in a sur - Provincial/Sector Secretaries Msola, Rome prising way, through events of all kinds. Internet At certain moments in the lives of the Philippe Docq confreres, it was believed that the “flame” [email protected] was dying out, but no! it was beginning Archives Photographs provided by the anew and shone again for a long time to M.Afr Archives are subject to come. It is the work of God! Thank you, permission for any public use Postal Address Lord, for the lives of all our confreres! Padri Bianchi, Via Aurelia 269, 00165 Roma, Italia Freddy Kyombo Phone **39 06 3936 34211 Stampa Istituto Salesiano Pio XI Tel. 06.78.27.819 E-mail: [email protected] Finito di stampare gennaio 2020

Proverb: “Just as a busy day gives us a good night’s sleep, a well-lived life leads to a peaceful death.” Leonardo Da Vinci

2 FOREWORD

“The white sheet”

Why do funeral eulogies and obituaries often seem the opposite of the usual tendency of negative criticism and the search for the “ shortcomings ” in others? One has the impression that, once dead, they have only qualities; a life embellished by good attitudes, good deeds. It sounds like a plea... I remember two recent experiences. One day I submitted to a person a text to be read and asked him to give me his opinion after reading it; when he returned the text to me, he only criticized the spelling mistakes that had scandalized him... I had to wait until he finished being scandalized, to point out to him that in fact I was waiting for a comment on the content of the text, and I took the opportunity to tell him that the author had nevertheless made the effort to express his ideas in a language that is not his mother tongue. It was then that the person began to reread the text and was struck by the beauty of the ideas expressed. The second experience was a “blank sheet” exercise (photo). A friend, who had himself just failed this exercise, showed me a blank sheet of paper and asked me “what do you see?” I suspected a tricky question, so I intensely examined the paper and answered in a confident tone: “there is a small black dot in the right-hand corner of

o the paper! ”... he said to me:

b “look carefully, it’s so ob-

m vious”... and he said to me

r y

o laughing: “you won’t tell me

i K

that you haven’t seen a white

y E

d sheet of paper! »... Indeed,

d thinking about it, it was so e

r obvious! F Yes, I like the idea of a plea. What do we see in the

3 FOREWORD

lives of our brothers and sisters who pass through our lives and with whom we share our humanity? Do we only notice the “black dots” that we go to so much trouble to find out where they are discreetly hidden? Or, do we manage to notice all that large white surface so bright before our eyes? The confreres, who write the obituaries of those who have gone before us, do a real work of pleading, saying to the Lord: “Good Master, our brother gave a glass of water to one who was thirsty; he put a smile on the face of one who was desperate; he reconciled such and such with you and with his human family; he visited and helped a sick person, etc. For this reason, welcome him in your goodness”. It is surprising for an editor, who takes the trouble to look for articles of interest to his readers, to learn that most of them prefer to read the obituaries first. One can imagine that these readers are interested in knowing how God walked with their confreres, whom they had been close to without perhaps knowing them well. And I can assure you that it gives

4 FOREWORD hope to those who are still alive; they realize that the Lord is marvelously unfolding himself in our humble lives. When we give our last breath and people can sit around what remains of us, they have time to take a serene look at what our life has been like and in this atmosphere they can notice this wonderful “white sheet” despite the little black dots scattered here and there. No, it is not the fear of the dead or of their ghosts that makes us speak well of those who have gone before us, but rather an attitude of hope that leads us to pay homage to them through the evocation of all the good that we remember of their passage among us. It is a good way to praise God; to recognize in the other that “image” and “likeness” of the Creator who is “Love and goodness”. I am pretty sure that if a confrere had the opportunity to read his own obituary through which we evoke his memory, he would be astonished at all the good that confreres have been able to retain from his life. It is a little like those of whom Saint Matthew speaks (Mt 25:37) “Lord, when did we see you...? you were hungry, and we fed you ? ... ». In fact, in the lives of many of our confreres, the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing; and wherever they have gone, following their Master and Lord, they have done good, they have relieved souls... and that precisely is why they went out. We do well by paying homage to them with these good memories when they leave us. I encourage the confreres who write profiles to keep on nourishing us with these beautiful testimonies of God’s work in our humble lives. And all this for his great glory! Freddy Kyombo

5 PROFILES

Angus Shelton 1922 - 2017

youth. He is a daily communicant and my best altar server and in my opinion will give every satisfaction and good example as a clerical student – he is always ready and anxious to help in every way anything for the good of the Catholic Church”. He arrived at “The Priory” at Bishops Waltham in September 1939 and began his philosophy studies, continuing them at St. Columba’s College, Newtown St. Boswells from 1940 until 1944. A report by the staff at the end of his philosophy gives the following ap- ngus James Patrick Shel- preciation, “A very good all round ton (known as Gus) was subject. Two years working in an th born on 29 July 1922 office has given him more ‘aplomb’ in A Lozells, Birmingham and at- than is usual with students in tended St. Philips Grammar school, Philosophy”. founded by priests of the Birming- ham Oratory, where he obtained Following philosophy, Gus then the London Matriculation. On leav- went to Rossington Hall, Doncaster, ing school, he worked for two years from 1944 to 1946 to begin Theol- in a solicitor’s office as a trainee. ogy studies. In October 1946, he In 1939 Gus applied and was ac- entered the novitiate in Dorking. cepted to begin his studies with the The novice master wrote, “A good White Fathers. His parish priest community man. Will be an excel- wrote of him, “I gladly testify to his lent missionary and possibly of character as an exemplary Catholic outstanding worth.”

6 PROFILES

On completion of his novitiate, Appeals for the British Province Gus continued Theology studies at and helping out in parishes in Wor- Rossington Hall before moving to thing, Newport and Shanklin. complete them in s’ Heerenberg in the Netherlands. He took his Mis- On returning to Uganda in Oc- sionary Oath there on the 29th Oc- tober 1959, Gus worked in Kisubi tober 1948 followed by ordination and later in Mubende. However, to the priesthood also in s’Heeren- this was for a very short period be- berg on the 11th June 1949. After cause his office and administrative ordination he had to spend some skills were clearly recognised and months at Claughton Hall while needed and so in April 1960 he waiting to travel to Uganda to begin was appointed Secretary and Vice his ministry. Chancellor to Archbishop Joseph Kiwanuka, M.Afr (+1966), the first His first appointment in Uganda African bishop of Uganda, in the was to Bujuni parish in Rubaga then Rubaga Archdiocese (becom- Diocese in January 1950 where he ing part of the Archdiocese of Kam- began learning the language. In pala in 1966). April he moved to Mubende parish and in December to Entebbe. In April 1964 Gus was in Naka- songola and then appointed Superior In August 1952 Gus was sec- of the community the following onded to Masaka Diocese and was year. He went on home leave in appointed as teacher at Bikira October 1966 and afterwards was (Kiteredde) Teacher Training Col- appointed to Bukalagi in April lege. He moved to Nkozi in Sep- 1967. By the following December tember 1954 and from there was he had taken up an appointment in sent to teach at Nandere Junior Sec- Entebbe at the Procure. He then ondary School in August 1955. He moved to the Nsambya Procure as returned to Nkozi in September Procurator in 1968. 1956. Pope Paul VI made the first visit After 10 years of ordination Gus of a Pope to Africa in modern went on home leave in February times. This was his one and only 1959 and during this time made visit to Africa and it was to Uganda, his 30 day retreat at Mours, France. arriving on July 31st and leaving During the rest of his home leave, on August 2nd 1969. Gus frequently he was very active making Church mentioned his organisational in-

7 PROFILES volvement regarding the finances after the finances of the Archdiocese and planning of the papal visit to a local diocesan priest and it is when I lived with him in community reported that he achieved this be- nearly 30 years later. Definitely, tween 1972 and 1976 “and suc- he must have played an important ceeded very well,” according to role in this regard in his own skilled Bob Gay who was then the Regional and quiet way behind the scenes. I in Uganda. Gus also decided to could see when he was narrating not only hand over his work to the these events that he was pleased to local Church but also to leave have been able to contribute in his Uganda permanently after 26 years own way to this historical visit. of service there. In the early morning hours of He wrote the following in his the 25th January, 1971, mechanised letter of resignation to Cardinal units loyal to Idi Amin attacked Emmanuel Nsubuga on 1st May strategic targets in Kampala and 1976: “Since I have been engaged the airport at Entebbe where the in administration duties for eleven first shell fired by a pro-Amin tank years and three years in teaching, commander killed two Roman and with only two years in pastoral Catholic priests in the airport waiting work during the past fifteen years, room. One of those killed was Jean- I am neither mentally nor physically Paul Demers, White Father and equipped for parish work in the Treasurer of the Archdiocese of prevailing circumstances. I would Kampala. Gus duly stepped in as find the present economic situation Acting-Treasurer to replace Jean- and the prevailing shortages im- Paul until September 1972 when possible to contend with in parish he went on home leave. On return- work. Furthermore, I am well aware ing to Uganda, Gus continued as of the fact that I would be much Acting-Treasurer for the Archdio- inclined, and would tend, to impose cese of Kampala and also worked my point of view, not necessarily at the Nsambya Procure until June African, on people. This would not 1976. be acceptable, would lead to frus- tration and to possible serious reper- Given the economic and political cussions for the Church locally.” situation in Uganda at that time, Gus realised the need to hand over Back in Britain in June 1976, the functions he had in looking Gus spent some months on leave

8 PROFILES and helped with Church Appeals land and Wales. In 1987 he was and offered his services in parishes relieved of his work with Projects in Perranporth and Truro. This was which he handed back to the Treas- a time of reflection for Gus about urer in London. He replaced Fr. his move from Uganda. He did in Patrick Walsh on his death in 1989 fact correspond with Cardinal Nsub- as chaplain to the Sisters at St. uga about the possibility of returning Paul’s convent on Lichfield Road to Uganda in September 1977 and and very faithfully celebrated daily received a very positive reply. In Mass each morning until the Sisters the meantime, Gus had been ap- closed the convent in 1997. In 1992 pointed to the British Province by Gus decided that he was too old the General Council in Rome and and too out of touch with current the British Provincial Council had events in Africa to continue doing appointed him Provincial Secretary Church Appeals. At the age of 82 and Administrator of the Projects in 2004, Gus asked to be relieved Office. Alan Thompson, the Provin- of his work on the accounts for the cial in Britain, on hearing of the Promotion Office at Sutton Cold- possible return of Gus to Uganda field and organised a smooth han- wrote to the Regional in Uganda, dover of his work to one of the “I figure on Gus being Provincial long serving secretaries. Gus then Secretary as long as I am in this continued his retirement at Sutton job!” Coldfield. Gus was Provincial Secretary I lived in community with Gus in Britain from August 1977 to at Sutton Coldfield for 11 years. August 1978 but then took on the He was the senior of our community work of Assistant Provincial Treas- and we all admired his tremendous urer from 1978 until 1986 at Stor- dedication to his work, most of it mont Road in London. behind the scenes, in the office for the missionary work of the Society. In September 1986 Gus moved When he was 75 years of age he to the Promotion house at Sutton spent many hours setting up the Coldfield to continue looking after Promotion Office accounts on a the Projects of the Province and new computer accounting system also to take charge of the Promotion since he realised that manual ac- accounts and give help in making counting was a thing of the past. Church Appeals in parishes in Eng- When anyone was ill or under the

9 PROFILES weather he showed tremendous perfection does not exist in this concern and was noted for visiting life, I ask your indulgence for any sick confreres in hospital. He kept worry I may have given, or sorrow close contact with members of his I may have caused during the time family. He was an avid reader and I have served the Church in Kam- had a large collection of books. He pala Archdiocese, and I ask for a loved listening to music and fre- moment in your prayers and for quently updated his equipment to your Blessing”. achieve the best from his collections. Photography was another of his Towards the end of 2015, Gus hobbies. was becoming more frail and needed care and assistance that could not Gus had high standards for him- be provided by the community at self and expected high standards Sutton Coldfield. He had always from others. This could sometimes expressed the wish that when this be a source of conflict but he was time came he would like to be very aware of this. However, what looked after by the Little Sisters of I always admired about Gus was the Poor at Harbourne, Birmingham. that he would always apologise if His wish was granted and he entered there had been any disagreement the care home of the Sisters on with anyone not long afterwards. 13th November 2015. The Sisters This is typified in the letter of res- and staff at the Home looked after ignation he wrote to Cardinal Nsub- Gus devotedly until his death on uga in 1976: “Finally, Your Emi- 13th April 2017. nence, since I am well aware that Chris Wallbank

10 PROFILES

José Antonio Olano Zapiain 1932 - 2018

childhood, occasionally obscured by family tragedy as when a much- beloved older brother died suddenly of pulmonary pneumonia while doing his military service in Teruel. The unfortunate event left a deep impression on Antonio, as yet a mere child. Until his own death, the scene of the return of the lifeless body of his young brother to the family home for the wake and burial remained fresh in his memory, made all the more indelible by the fact that the day happened to be Good Friday. Another event from his childhood – a happier one — which, osé Antonio – or simply curiously, lodged in his memory Antonio, as he was known until the end of his life, was that of to his confreres – was born his first deliberate lie. One day, as at home, in the caserío Lizardi, in he was sitting alone before the en- J trance to the caserío, he heard Astigarraga, a small rural town some 7 kms. outside San Sebastian, gunshots nearby. Suddenly, bound- in the beautiful Basque country of ing from the same direction and Northern Spain. The sixth of seven into the open door of the house children born to Francisco Olano came a much-frightened and des- and Luisa Zapiain, Antonio grew perate hare, closely followed a mo- up in a modest agricultural family ment later by two hunters in hot known and appreciated in the area pursuit, to all of which the child for its industry, simplicity and nat- Antonio had sat in silent and solemn ural piety. Most of his early mem- witness. When the hunters paused ories were of a happily bucolic to ask him if he’d seen the animal

11 PROFILES by any chance, Antonio didn’t blink. the scene, the couple, as well as “That way!,” he assured them, many other non-Cubans, were ex- pointing them away from the pelled from the island country with caserío. Even 75 years later, Antonio nothing but the clothes on their could still take a kind of childish backs. This injustice left a deep pleasure in recalling how he had impression on Antonio. successfully misled two grownups In 1952, Antonio decided to ap- and protected the life of an innocent ply for admission to the minor sem- creature of God. As he told it, it inary of the diocese of San Sebas- was difficult to discern which of tian, in Saturrarán. He was 19 years the two results delighted him more. old, a venerable age to be entering Fortunately, compassion rather than a minor seminary, and his fellow deceitfulness would become the classmates – some of whom were hallmark of his life. barely 11 years old – soon took to The young Antonio grew phys- addressing him as abuelo (grand- ically strong and healthy, and by father). Antonio endured patiently the time he reached adolescence and serenely, and with characteristic he was able to be of much assistance good humor, this good-natured teas- on the family farm. However, to ing. Given his age and insufficient earn extra money, he spent time academic preparation, studies in working in the carpentry shop of the seminary, especially that of one of his brothers-in-law, a few Latin, proved to be an uphill struggle kilometres from Astigarraga. He for the abuelo. Not only did he loved manual work, and although have to learn Latin, but with Vas- his efforts at it were not often even cuence (Basque) being his mother remotely artistic, they were at least tongue, his knowledge of Spanish solid and durable. was little more than rudimentary. Another of his brothers, Ramón, By sheer determination, perspiring emigrated to Cuba before the rev- profusely all the way, Antonio man- olution. There he found work managed to pull himself up the hill aging a sugar cane plantation and without having to repeat any cours- later met and married a Cuban es. His goal, clear and firm: the teacher. Antonio had the occasion priesthood. to visit them there shortly before As time went on, his goal began deciding to enter the seminary. to refine itself, due in great part to With the arrival of Fidel Castro on the missionary climate then pre-

12 PROFILES vailing in the Saturrarán seminary, course leading to ordination in the as well as to his discovery of the historic landmark before closing White Fathers and theirs of him. its doors and turning it over to the Africa seemed to beckon, just as Tunisian government. the mysterious Macedonian some Following his ordination at the 20 centuries earlier had called to hands of Archbishop Makarakiza Paul in a dream : “Come across on June 29th, 1964, in the chapel of and help us!” Only this time the the White Fathers’ seminary in voice was that of Pius XII calling Logroño, Spain, Antonio received from the pages of his most famous his first assignment to the Congo- encyclical, Fidei Donum. The call Kinshasa. The volatile political sit- did not fall on deaf ears. In 1959, uation there at the time delayed Antonio, together with three of his his departure for Baudoinville (now classmates, applied for admission Moba) by several months, finally to the noviciate of the White Fathers arriving there on July 23th, 1965. in Gap (France). In the space of his first ten-and-a- Yet another new language, and half months in the country, he was this one not much easier to learn moved five times, until, on June than the previous one! However, 10th, 1966, he found stability at the help of fellow novices as tutors, last as chaplain at Sola (Kongolo the advantage of being in the milieu, diocese) where he remained, for and the self-discipline he had honed the most part happily, for the next in the minor seminary wrestling twenty-four years. with Latin, soon combined to make From the beginning, one of An- the language much less of an ob- tonio’s priorities as a missionary stacle. His determination to become was to develop a close relationship a priest and, now, a missionary with the people he was sent to grew firmer, while the seriousness serve, especially those in need. with which he strove to live the This led him naturally into sus- life of the novitiate to the full be- tainable development work. His came an example for many. were not spectacular works, just In the summer of 1960, Antonio important ones of enablement: from arrived at the scholasticate in agricultural advice based on his Carthage, Tunisia, to begin his the- personal experience on the family ological studies. His would be the farm in Spain to facilitating the last class to complete the four-year acquisition of adequate materials

13 PROFILES to do a specific job. Early on in his a life of joy sustained by prayer, career in Sola, Antonio created a manual work, and embraced pover- small agricultural sensation in the ty. Antonio’s role in the fledgling area by procuring, free of charge, congregation was to guide the man- from an entrepreneur in Spain a ual work of the Sisters and to over- large quantity of hoes — the sim- see the marketing of their produce plest of instruments but an essential in Sola and in Kongolo, regional one for the African small farmer capital some 30 kms. away. In the — for distribution among them. afternoons, he devoted himself body On another occasion, he managed and soul to the Biblical formation to approach near-legendary status of the Sisters. Jean-Pierre Bossuyt, among the people when, in an effort superior of the Sola community at to teach the farmers the use of ani- the time, praised his intelligence mals to facilitate their work, he as well as his choice of reading imported six mules – an animal material: “good solid theology”. unknown until then in the area — Antonio’s involvement with the from Tanzania. He himself met new congregation extended to the them in Kalemie, loaded them onto practical as well. With all he had a train and accompanied them, see- to do, both as an active member of ing to their needs on the journey his own WF community and that of several days to Sola. as co-founder of the FSS, he still It was toward the middle of his found time to build the Sisters a period in Sola that Antonio collab- large chapel and several classrooms. orated as co-founder, together with “For Antonio,” says a former Sister Elizabeth , a Belgian-Polish Regional Superior of the Congo, member of the Franciscan com- “the foundation work of the FSS munity in Manage (Belgium), of a was the work of his life. He identi- new African religious congregation: fied totally with it. It fit his tem- the Franciscan Sisters of Sola. The perament and his spirituality per- desire of the co-founders was that fectly: a life of manual work, evan- the life-style of the members of gelical exigency, poverty, reverence the new congregation should re- for truth, honesty, personal integrity. semble as much as possible that of It became an integral part of him. the ordinary women of the town Indeed, it was wonderful to see who daily cultivate the land and the joy of those young Sisters, live off its produce. To this would whether at work in the fields, ad- be added the Franciscan charism: ministering to the needs of the poor

14 PROFILES or in their manner of celebrating not overly burdensome, proved ther- the Eucharist.” When the time came apeutic, and his affable personality for Antonio to move on, it would and welcoming ways, as well as his come at great cost to him emotion- down-to-earth and — perhaps es- ally and psychologically. But that pecially — brief homilies made is another story.... Suffice it to say him, almost instantly, a favorite with that Antonio’s part in what had parishioners. been for him a beautiful reality On October 28th, 1993, Antonio suddenly came to an abrupt end was back in the RDC, this time as one day, against his will and, cer- assistant parish priest at St Barthéle- tainly from his point of view, un- my Parish in Likasi (Lubumbashi justly. diocese). Two years later, he was On October 1th, 1990, Antonio put in charge of the parish and re- arrived at Mingana (Kasongo dio- mained so until January 1th, 1998, cese), unable to concentrate on his when he moved to Bukavu (Maison mission there because of the recent St. Charles Lwanga) and then, a events in Sola which had left him year later, to Spain for service in in a “state of rebellion”. The fol- the Province. lowing Easter, he returned to Spain Antonio’s final phase in the RDC for treatment and a period of recy- began with his appointment to Wa- cling. maza (Kasongo diocese) on July On native soil once again and 1th, 2003. The following year found assisted professionally, Antonio slow- him, in November, assigned to Kipa- ly recovered his internal peace and ka, where he would remain until stability. It was not easy, but he July of 2009. In that year, he began was, of course, not a stranger to to experience serious health prob- challenges in his life. In Madrid, lems: swollen limbs and extremities where most of his treatment took as well as increasing pain in the place, he soon asked to be given lower- and mid-back areas. It was work in a parish. Arrangements were thought best to send him home for made and, within a few months, he treatment. Upon arrival in Madrid, was happily engaged in a small he was diagnosed to be suffering parish relatively close to the White from rheumatic polimialgia, a treat- Fathers’ residence then on Menorca able but, as yet, incurable condition. Street. Soon he was helping out at a Treatment was initiated immediately second parish as well. The work, and within two months all symptoms

15 PROFILES had disappeared, not to return in physiotherapy, remained with him his remaining years. Symptoms of until, on January 12th of the new more serious maladies soon came year, he received his final and de- to replace them, however, not the finitive Call from the Lord. least of these being short-term mem- The following day, the mortal ory loss. remains of our confrere were cre- On February 16th, 2017, Antonio mated and a funeral Mass, presided made his last journey from Madrid by the Assistant Provincial for the to our community in Pamplona to Spanish Sector and concelebrated await admission, twelve days later, by a dozen priests, eight of them to a retirement home there run by White Fathers, took place in the the Little Sisters of the Poor. He spacious chapel of the rest home was a bit confused at first but soon in the presence of his only remaining settled in and became a model res- sibling, Ramón, numerous close ident: “So obedient,” was the usual relatives, family members and comment of staff members when friends of other White Fathers and referring to him, while fellow pa- White Sisters in the area, the entire tients found him “pleasant, positive community of Little Sisters of the and always in good humour”. Poor and some fellow-residents of It was not to be a long sojourn. the rest home. A second funeral Seven months later, on September Mass was held for him in his native 19th, 2018, Antonio suffered a cere- Astigarraga a few days later. There, bral hemorrhage that left him par- in the parish church, before a size- alyzed on his right side and unable able congregation made up of family to speak, although he remained members, friends and neighbours, quite lucid most of the time. The where, 86 years earlier, Antonio speech loss would be temporary. A had begun his life of faith in its confrere who visited him frequently baptismal waters, his long journey during the last four months of his came full circle, marked, as are all life recounts how, at each visit, he our lives, as much by its apparent and Antonio would sing together failures as by its indisputable the Gure Aita (Our Father in Vas- achievements. May he rest in peace. cuence), and how much Antonio Various confreres who knew looked forward to that moment and Antonio at different stages of his sang the prayer with all his heart. life contrtibuted to this remem- The paralysis, despite sessions of brance of him.

16 PROFILES

André Monnier 1922-2018

Seminary of Faverny. In July 1943, he was requisitioned to do forced labour in Austria. He escaped in 1945 and joined a medical unit attached to the 1st Armoured Division. In 1946, he came knocking at the door of the White Fathers. There were so many novices that year that the novitiate had to be divided in two, one group going to Maison Carée near Algiers and the other to Carthage in Tunisia. André was sent to Carthage and he continued his theological studies in Carthage and Thibar. He took his Missionary Oath in Carthage on the 30th January 1950 followed by ordination to the th ndré was born on the priesthood on the 28 July 1950 at 17th July 1922 at Belfort Thibar. in the Diocese of Be- André was appointed to the cu- sançon,A France. His mother was rateiate of Bobo-Dioulasso where from Alsace and his father was he began by learning Bambara at from Switzerland and a protestant. Niangoloko. He was then appointed André grew up in a working class to the Diocesan Junior Seminary environment and he liked to boast of Nasso where his dedication was that he had worked in a factory. appreciated very much. He got on All his life, he would remain close well with the junior classes even if to the working class world as well he suffered somewhat at not achiev- as being involved in the Ecumenical ing perfection. In fact his tempera- movement. His early training took ment (typical of those of the Franc- place in the Junior Seminary of Comtois?) was inclined to be un- Luxeuil-les-Bains and in the Senior compromising and strict with him-

17 PROFILES self and he suffered from not finding there for six years. He threw himself that same kind of discipline in oth- into the pastoral work at all levels ers! In 1956, he was finally allowed and was at the service of teachers, to leave the seminary, where he students, school children, Brothers was beginning to feel cramped, and Sisters without forgetting all and joined the Karangasso mission the activities associated with parish in the Apostolic Prefecture of Sikas- work. He taught catechesis as well so. He got enthusiastically involved as assuring a presence with the in parish work. His confreres saw military at Camp Leclerc. His apos- that they could rely on him and in tolic enthusiasm did not flag and January 1960 he was given the re- he found many occasion to present sponsibility of founding the post the Good News. at Koutiala. He also helped local After a sabbatical time out in civil servants prepare the different 1975 to 1976 at the Institut de Sci- exams. In fact he did this so well ence et Théologie des Religions that he was given charge of the all (I.S.T.R.) of Paris, He returned to the schools in the Prefecture. The Africa, this time to Bamako in teachers trusted and respected him. Mali. He worked as diocesan chap- Nevertheless, the Regional pointed lain for teachers. He also liked to out he found it difficult to accept act as an intermediary between the being contradicted and that he was missions and the cultural services a workaholic who needed to slow of embassies, which gave him con- down. In 1963, he was assigned a tacts with the expatriate world. In teaching post in a Teachers Training 1980, he joined the Cathedral Parish College. It was a work he liked in Bamako. He was now approach- and in which he flourished. ing sixty and had calmed down a In 1964, he was appointed to lot and he found new jobs such as rue Friant in Paris to work in the looking after the flowerbeds and office of the Pontifical Association directing the choir. In 1982, he did of the Holy Childhood. Those in the Session/Retreat in Jerusalem. charge of the office appreciated his In 1991, he asked to return to experience and his dedication. At France to be close to his old father the same time, he gave catechism who was 93 years old and who classes in state schools in Paris. was in a retirement home in Dole. In 1969, he was appointed to In fact, André was appointed as Niamey in Niger. He would stay Assistant Bursar to our community

18 PROFILES in Bry-sur-Marne. His job was to 1,200 tulip and narcissus bulbs look after the purchase of medicines every year. Any thing of beauty and pay the bills. However, he did interested him. He bought art mag- not find this job fulfilling and he azines and put together albums on was anxious to get back into parish churches, cathedrals and striking work. The Bishop of Créteil gave monuments. He was very interested him part time work in the pastoral in astronomy, regularly buying a sector of Villiers-sur-Marne. In magazine specialising in studies of 1995, the Bishop offered him a the cosmos which he cut up and full time post in Champigny where made into albums that were his he resided while being attached to pride and joy. He had unlimited the community at Vanves. It was interests and confreres were sur- around this time that he took the prised to find a number of books opportunity to do the Seniors Ses- on exegesis, theology, spirituality, sion in Rome (1997). history and art in his room after he In 1998, at the age of 76 years, died. He was happy, and liked to he joined the Mours community share his interests with his confreres. where he was to pass the last twenty In community, he was renowned years of his life. Although he suf- for his many stories. In other words, fered from Arthritis, (joint pain), André lived his last years to the André was not the person to mope full, leaving us the memory of a about. The Bishop of Pontoise ap- happy colleague who was always ready to cheer up his confreres. pointed him Diocesan Delegate for th Missionary Cooperation. He also He died peacefully on the 11 Feb- took on pastoral commitments with ruary 2018 at the respectable age the Equipe Notre Dame and with of 95 years. He left us with a mem- an Ecumenical group. He was an ory of a person in love with life, active member of the Conti choir beauty, creation, community life and was always ready to help out and above all his Lord who will in the neighbouring parishes. He more than satisfy all his desires. joined a local club for retirees and Having donated his body to science, liked to play card games such as there was no burial. But he was belotte and tarot. He was also an owed and given a beautiful and enthusiastic gardener and enjoyed joyful funeral ceremony in the planting and maintaining some chapel of Mours. Un confrère

19 PROFILES

Jean Lépers 1926 - 2019

swered: “I have already offered him to God”. Two of his sisters became religious. Jean began his studies in Solesmes, but had to interrupt them to take care of the family farm when his father became ill because he was the eldest child. Later on he was exempted from military service as a breadwinner. John was not an intellectual, but he had solid common sense; he had no degree. He returned to Solesmes, then did a year in Bonnelles, two years in Kerlois from 1947 to 1949. His curriculum was quite unique. After the Novitiate at Maison-Carrée, he ean Lepers was born on went to Eastview, Canada to do th April 8 , 1926 in Bondues, his theology. He was ordained a in the north of France. He priest at Eastview on January 30th, wasJ born on a Holy Thursday and 1954. was baptized on Easter Day. His parents were farmers in Bettignies, He received his appointment his father’s name was Germain with mixed feelings; he had to go Lepers, his mother Marguerite De- to Nigeria. At that time the Fathers lobel. They had 11 children. Jean who were in Nigeria were all Eng- was the eldest. Their grandfather’s lish, Irish or Canadian. Jean Lepers brother was a White Father mis- was one of the very first French sionary, he was the one who bap- people to arrive there. He was fol- tized John. After the baptism he lowed by Fathers Irénée Edmond said to Marguerite Delabel: “This and Jean Sibiodon. We knew that one will be a missionary” she an- John was not an intellectual, but

20 PROFILES what bothered him a little was that One day I went to see him in he had to do two things at the same Ipetu Ijesha, that was the day Nigeria time: perfect his English and learn decided to drive no longer to the the local language, Yoruba. He left, but to the right, that day people landed in Osogbo on February 10th, were afraid to leave. I took my 1955. little motorcycle to visit him. Before leaving him in the afternoon, I At that time, in the diocese of asked him: “How many times have Oyo, the bishop was English: Bish- you taken patients to the hospital? op Owen Mc Coy. There were no “he replied, “I didn’t count,... at indigenous priests yet. The White least once a week. Do the calcula- Fathers moved from one city to tion; once a week... for 6 years...” another as parish priests or curates. In 1970 John was appointed parish Then I asked him another ques- priest of Ipetu Ijesha, or rather he tion: “financially, how you were named himself parish priest of this doing”, and he didn’t want to an- isolated place. He was happy in swer, sometimes when he came to community, but he wanted to reach the hospital with an anemic child, the most isolated, the poorest, at the nurses asked him to give blood. the risk, of course, of living alone. And he, before returning home, Ipetu Ijesha was a small town far gave a little of his blood, which he from everything; no post office, never told anyone. no shops, taxis did not reach there, In 1978 the Provincial of France no dispensary. He arrived with the asked him to join a community; he car his father had bought him. The announced to his parishioners his Protestant pastor’s car didn’t work, next departure. They realized that the only one that worked was his. Jean had rendered them incalculable There was no dispensary. When a services, they wanted to thank him person became ill and had to be before he left. But what to offer taken to hospital, only his car was him when you’re poor? They de- in working order, so very often he cided, with the Protestant commu- was used to transport the sick to nity, to offer him an unusual dis- the nearest hospital; and he did not tinction; the title of “atobatele”, i. dare to refuse. This is how he trans- e. the one that had always been ported the sick by day and by night destined to be the king of the city. for more than 6 years. They offered him a beautiful outfit,

21 PROFILES which only the king can wear, a language. The success was com- hat typical of the local princes, and plete. This group gave performances a pearl necklace. You may have in all parishes and Protestants, An- seen pictures of him in his typical glicans and other groups asked hat. them to come and sing in their churches. They named this mini Jean Lepers had to learn the opera “iku olododo” (the death of Yoruba language like everyone else. the righteous). Every year during Since it is a language with tonalities, Holy Week, the state television some who have a musical ear find broadcast the video cassette. it easier to sing it than to speak it. Many young people were able to The last time Jean returned to sing the Sunday Psalm without any Nigeria he told me: “This is my last stay in Nigeria, I won’t come score, only by following the back... My religious sister and I text. The tones were written in their have agreed that when I return to heads. You couldn’t say that Jean France definitively, I will go as was a good singer, I doubt he had chaplain to the retirement home, a musical ear; but he certainly had she is in charge of this retirement a facility to discover everyone’s home for the Sisters of Charity.” talents. In one of his branches, he had discovered young people who For more than 10 years, he stayed sang well and could only make a in this retirement home where he melody by following the text. He grew old, not far from his younger himself had been impressed, when brother’s home. His religious sister he was young, by the representation died, she preceded him to heaven. of Christ’s Passion by a group of As for him, his health began to de- young people in Bavaria. He talked teriorate rapidly, it was the same about it to young people who sang sisters who took care of him. In well. He gave each one the text or 2016, he was to be taken to hospital texts they were to sing and asked for dialysis sessions. I called him them to prepare beautiful melodies. from time to time; then he had to The result was above their expec- go to the dialysis session twice a tations. After a number of rehearsals, week. His voice became weaker the day of the performance arrived: and weaker. In the end he didn’t the result was remarkable: they had recognize me anymore. He died made a mini-opera in the Yoruba like that, slowly.

22 PROFILES

He died on March 25th, 2019 A Nigerian sister who lives in Father Bernard Lefebvre and I went France and whom Jean had oriented to celebrate the funeral on Thursday, towards religious life told me on April 28th. the phone: “If Jean Lepers doesn’t go to heaven, who will? » Joannès Liogier

23 PROFILES

Paolo Costantini 1941 - 2019

On the way Paolo was born on October the 18th 1941 in Castellarano, in the province of Reggio Emilia. Father Mario and mother Carmen Medici lived a serene and solid faith and tried to pass it on to their many children. The village quickly recovered after the war, developing the ceramic industry. The father went with the flow. A good car- penter, he started a company where about twenty workers were em- ployed. In this environment, the adolescent Paolo learned carpentry, took up mechanics, electricity and photography, and developed a spirit Missionary and journalist, of initiative. Very soon he was lover of Africa.” This is sought after for all sorts of small how Father Paolo Costan- jobs. tini“ was defined by his colleagues His vocation was born very early who worked with him for many on. At the age of 11 he entered the years in the magazine “Africa”, a minor seminary of the diocese until bimonthly that has now come to he passed his baccalaureate. The the attention of the public, despite meeting with a White Father awak- the invasion of the computer press. ened in him the desire for the mis- There is no doubt that they targeted sion. The educators were against his true personality. This profile it, but he resisted. After a year at will try to draw inspiration from it the Major Seminary in Reggio, he and explain it, after a glance at his obtained the Rector’s placet to join background. the White Fathers.

24 PROFILES

He left for the novitiate at Gap the White Fathers. Algeria was in- in 1962. The Novice Master, im- dependent, but for a time it still pressed by his taste for practical left the training institutions in the work and his passion for technique hands of the Church. Paolo was and science, judged him severely. appointed by Fr. Deville, the di- He noted that the “spiritual work rector, as supervisor and boarding in the Seminary (of Reggio) had school teacher. He was deeply com- not been very deep and formed in mitted to his work. It is enough to him the technician more than the read Fr. Deville’s testimony: “His priest and the apostle” and he added services were appreciated by all, “It is necessary to bring him back fathers, teachers, students. All no- again and again to the need for a ticed his selfless generosity in a life of prayer”. difficult and thankless task among all. It is also necessary to note the At the scholasticate in Vals, seriousness which characterized his where he arrived in 1963, in a more work and his conduct, even in the fulfilling environment, the judgment most difficult and painful mo- changed. There too the formators ments...”. recognised that he had to make a great effort to interiorise his voca- This challenging experience gave tional choice, but they noted that him a new boost when he returned he had become aware of this and to Vals in 1965. He became deeply was working on it. Paolo revealed committed to his studies and worked himself to be gifted with an above- on his inner life with constancy. average intelligence, but he did not The final report of Father Ramart, fully value it in his studies, he Superior of the scholasticate, two showed an upright judgment, a years later, is laudatory. He concluded strong will. He was cheerful, he it with these words: “Paolo can be teased willingly, a little too much called to the oath, the sub-diaconate on occasion. He was frank and and the diaconate” (May 8th, 1967). true, but a little vain and very per- The oath was taken at the seminary sonal. on the 27th June 1966 and two days later it was the diaconate. In 1964 he left for his stage in Algeria, where he spent a year in He was ordained priest in his Aïn Sefra, in the middle of the Sa- native village of Castellarano on hara, in a technical college run by July the 28th 1967. He was ordained

25 PROFILES by the Bishop of his diocese of the teachers in our schools. I haven’t Reggio. had a moment of free time... Work is piling up: the catechism to the Missionary catechumens to be prepared, the At the time, the Italian Province safari to be organized... Believe asked young priests to spend a few me, the work here is beyond human years in Italy before leaving for strength. Our mission is one for at the missions. Paolo was no excep- least five fathers, there are three of tion to the rule: he worked two us. We were promised another father, but when?” (Letter of Sep- years in the minor seminary of Tre- th viglio (Bergamo) as a teacher and tember the 19 1973). two others in the seminary of Gar- Given his health, courage and gagnago (Verona) as bursar. abilities, the Bishop of Kasongo In 1971 he was appointed to the appointed Paolo as diocesan co- diocese of Kasongo. Paolo left full ordinator of education in 1976. of enthusiasm, followed the lan- This appointment did not meet guage course in Bukavu and was with the approval of his superiors, destined for the parish of Shabunda. but Paolo thought of accepting it In a letter of January 1973, he de- all the same, since the Bishop had scribed his beginnings in the mis- no choice. He thus became the sion: “I am doing quite well in first non-Belgian director of edu- Kiswahili and I can finally speak cation. “It’s a job of animating with the people... I spent my first the teachers,” he said, “but also Christmas in the mission, in a small with a lot of administration and village in the forest, with 800 Chris- time at the office and it takes me tians. Some of them had walked away from community life (he thirty, fifty kilometres to be present now lives in the parish of Kalima) at the Nativity Mass. I was deeply ... I found the schools in a pitiful moved when at the Gloria the drums state, both materially and spiritu- announced the Birth of the Saviour”. ally. I immediately got down to work, trying above all to eliminate Shabunda covered a huge terri- corruption and insisting that the tory, many outstations, bad roads teachers become aware of their and a small staff. “I am alone for a responsibility. Then I also com- whole month,” he writes, “with the mitted myself to putting the ma- payment of pensions to be made to terial situation back on track, but

26 PROFILES where to find the means? A good But it’s too much for one person. part of the books have disappeared, Three years later, he has a heart at- many benches have ended up as tack which forces him to stop his firewood, there is no more chalk... work. To have a break, he goes to But I am not discouraged, what I Ireland where he takes a year’s cannot do, another one, I hope, sabbatical. The three years’ expe- will continue”. (16th April 1978) rience at the magazine still left him with the desire to continue in jour- At that time, the Italian province nalism in the service of the mission began to ask for the return of Paolo and Africa. for missionary animation. A struggle then ensued between the Regional The sabbatical year having re- of Congo and the Provincial of stored him to health, the Generalate Italy. It lasted for years, also because entrusted him with the realization Paolo wanted to stay in Africa or of a project that had been on its at least not leave before he had mind for a long time: to set up an been able to put the situation of information service on Africa, es- the schools back on its feet. pecially for the European press, which was very poorly informed It was in 1982 that he left the about the situation and the future Congo. He left with the intention of the Continent. It was Paolo him- of returning after a few years in self who suggested that this initiative Italy. In fact he will never see should be opened in Brussels, rather Shabunda and Kalima again. than in Rome, as the White Fathers Journalist wanted. This is the birth of ANB- BIA (African News Bulletin) a The return home was motivated news agency that every week pres- above all by vocational promotion, ents the main news concerning and Paolo worked there for two Africa. Paolo is assisted by an Eng- years. In 1986 the council of the lish confrere, Dick Calcutt, respon- province appointed him director of sible for the English edition. The the magazine Africa in Treviglio. initiative was a success. Paolo al- At first he had no collaborators, ways aimed at providing informa- the editorial staff had only one tion that was as objective as possi- computer... He quickly put into ac- ble, and at the same time respectful tion his know-how, his sense of of Africans. The missionaries in initiative, his photographic abilities. Africa regularly received this bul-

27 PROFILES letin and kept up to date with the Time went by and he realized news of the Continent. that at the point where we were, Africa could no longer be managed This second journalistic experi- by the Italian White Fathers. They ence of Paolo, ends in 2004, when were few in number and advanced the Generalate ends ANB-BIA. Two in age. It was time to hand over to of the main reasons for this were the laity. This happened in 2017- the financial weight and the dispro- 2018 portionate distribution of “social” information when compared to print- There were numerous criticisms ed paper. For Paolo, as one can from the confreres of the Sector imagine, this was a hard blow, but and from many readers. It is true he accepted it and returned to Italy. that it was a necessary step, but Paolo did not prepare the commu- For two years he worked for nity for this change and did not in- Justice and Peace and collaborated volve it sufficiently. He would have with the magazine Africa. In 2006 benefited from the advice of the he was appointed provincial bursar confreres, who did not contest the and in 2009 when Fr. Claudio Zuc- fact of putting Africa back into the cala left for the mission, he took hands of the laity, but wanted to over the direction of the magazine. ensure a choice of journalists closer This was his third and final expe- to our perspectives and to confer rience as a journalist. Two important more authority to the Father Coun- facts to be noted during this period sellor of the magazine. Paolo de- which lasted until 2019: the ex- fended himself by affirming that pansion of the lay collaborators of today a missionary magazine must Africa and finally the handing over have a more lay style if it wants to of the magazine to them. penetrate today’s culture. Perhaps During this long period, Paolo more time and experience would used all his experience and know- have helped Paolo to find a suitable how to make Africa known through balance, but time was lacking. It is the magazine. He organized meet- true that for some months he had ings in Treviglio and Milan to been feeling a serious fatigue, but which specialists of the African no one could have thought that his Continent were invited. These were departure for his eternal Easter was in-depth seminars, which the mag- so close. He had been hospitalized. azine echoed. The doctors after a careful check-

28 PROFILES up didn’t consider his condition funeral. There were many moving dangerous and let him go home. testimonies. But they all came down During the night a confrere knocked to what the colleagues had written on his door , no answer. He entered about him in the magazine: Mis- and found Paolo collapsed on his sionary, Journalist, Lover of Africa! armchair, lifeless. Aldo Giannasi The parish church was full of friends and acquaintances for the

29 PROFILES

Jean FISSET 1923 – 2019

His deeply religious family background oriented him towards missionary life from an early age but the German occupation prevented him from leaving immediately. Charles de Foucauld with his vocation for the Muslim world attracted him at the age of 13. A meeting with some White Fathers from the area (Jean-Marie Hébert, Louis Roujon) and a retreat with the Jesuits led him to a meeting with the French provincial. He expressed his wish to live his faith outside the Christian milieu in which he had grown up. He went to the Seminary of St Sulpice (the Diocesan Seminary for Paris) to t was at Lyons-la-Forêt, be- finish his Philosophy and begin his tween Rouen and Beauvais, Theology. He also began to learn in the Diocese of Evreux Arabic with some Lebanese co- (France) that Jean Fisset was born disciples. In September 1943, he I th on the 26 October 1923. He was entered the novitiate then located the third child in a household of in Tournus, after which he began seven children. At Baptism, he his second year of Theology at Les also received the names of Marie Andelys in Normandy. In March and Albert. His father was a so- 1945 after the liberation of France, licitor. He studied at the De La he was called up for military service. Salle Brothers secondary school in Rouen and passed his Baccalau- However he contracted a serious reate in Philosophy/Literature in bout of meningococcal meningitis 1941. in Nevers. He survived thanks to

30 PROFILES the care he received not far from a veritable who’s who of White the shrine of St. Bernadette. How- Fathers passed through its doors in ever the illness left its mark on him 1936 including Fathers Lanfry, and he would suffer from pain in Mercier, Becquart, Dallet, De- his joints (especially the knees) and meerseman, Letellier, and Renon. recurrent bouts of tiredness through- From 1951 to 1953, Jean Fisser out his life. This meant frequent was there both as a student and as holidays in France especially during a tutor. He was appointed superior the summer months. However he of Laghouat in September 1953. was well enough to join the scholas- After spending 10 years of studies ticate in Thibar (Tunisia) and he and working on the ground, he completed his theological studies was, according to Bishop Teissier, there. He took his Missionary Oath th the best Arabist and connoisseur on the 28 June 1947 followed by of life in the Sahara. ordination to the priesthood on the 2nd February 1948 also in Thibar. Jean returned to Algiers in 1957 Those in charge of his training to take up the post of Regional Su- noted his lethargic nature and a perior. He would remain in that of- certain shyness, understandable giv- fice until 1972. Along the way, he en his fragile health. However, they became curate General of the Dio- appreciated his tact, good manners, cese, and took out Algerian citi- sound judgment, kindness, helpful- zenship like Cardinal Duval. He ness, and his deep piety. would be a big support to the Car- His first assignment was an an- dinal through extremely difficult swer to his prayers: Algeria offered times especially during the fight him its vast Saharan spaces from for independence (1954-1962) and 1948 to 1951: Ghardaia, Djelfa, again in the period after 1976 when Touggourt, and Biskra. His good fundamentalist Islamic currents knowledge of Arabic oriented him were sweeping across the country towards our Institute of La Manouba and would lead to the deaths of a near Tunis in 1951. This establish- number of confreres, a White sister ment founded in 1926 by Fr. Mar- and two French lay associates. Car- chal was the centre where newly dinal Duval died on the 30th May arrived confreres could learn the 1996 just a week after the kidnap- language and Arabic culture. With ping and assassination of the Thib- its library and the IBLA magazine, herine monks.

31 PROFILES

Jean Fisset welcomed a large quoted, in Arabic, texts from Islamic number of young fathers to Algeria. or biblical culture such as those in He guided them with a great deal the 2nd letter of John (God is love.4, of kindness. He was the Regional 16) or Ibn Tufayl (12th century): of Maghreb and Secretary of the What is important is not what man Regional Episcopal Conference of says about his faith, but what his North Africa. He resided on rue faith says about him! des Fusillés in the Ruisseau quarter of Algiers. He did the long Retreat An unexplained arrhythmia in Villa Cavalletti near Rome in (heart rhythm disorder) in August January 1964 and in 1972, he spent 1983 and a benign operation in a year in Damascus studying Byzan- November 1986 were followed by tine liturgy. He was an ex-officio cardiovascular complications and member of the General Chapter anticoagulant treatment. Regular held in Rome in 1967. trips home for leave or medical treatment meant that Jean himself When he returned from Dam- began hinting of a definitive return ascus in 1972, he moved out and to the Province. He wanted to be up to Les Glycines – Centre d’É- cared for at home and, as far as tudes Diocesain of Algiers with its possible, and after a sabbatical rest, library, magazine and language to continue his relations with the courses. He was its superior from world of the Maghreb: media, ac- 1975 to 78, and then from 1979 to ademics, students, oriental church- 1985, he was in charge of the White es... He thought of going to Vanves, Father researchers such as Frs. Maisons-Alfort or rue Friant. In Deville, Desjeux, Georgin, Reesing fact, he returned to France in No- and G. Demeerseman. It was during vember 2001 and was appointed that period that in order to be to Maisons-Alfort. He moved to faithful to his mission as a Formator, rue Friant in July 2006. He was he accepted, in addition to his able to read, write, go out a bit, re- Arabic courses, the post of Lecturer ceive many visitors, much appre- (in Arabic) on Latin Epigraphy in ciated by his family and later on the Archaeology department of the came visits from his past pupils or University of Algiers. It was an confreres, friends and correspon- opportunity for him to dialogue dents. In May 2007, on the occasion with his students and to share his of his 60th anniversary of his oath, faith on a daily basis. He happily he came back to his approach to

32 PROFILES the Muslim world and the many the gaze of one who was not ashamed transformations taking place, writing to be identified as their brother.” on the subject in Voix d’Afrique, n° 62 and 86: Chemins de vie au He had chosen himself, from as Maghreb : Vivre avec eux m’a early as 1992, it seems, the texts évangélisé ! for his funeral which took place in Bry-sur-Marne on 3rd May 2019. Jean’s chronic tiredness and the The chapel of the house was quickly care he required meant a move to filled with his two families: that of Bry-sur-Marne in November 2006. his relatives who provided the read- His long journey ended there on ings (Ephesians 1:3-13 and the Em- Holy Thursday 2019 (18th April maus story from Luke 24:13-36) 2019). During his stay in Bry, he and the songs (prayers of Fr. de had been appointed Assistant Su- Foucauld and Little Theresa); and perior in 2010 and remained so until that of his fellow missionaries from 2015. Right to the end, he kept his the White Fathers and White Sisters. fraternal concern for the most dis- Bishop Claude Rault, Bishop Emer- tressed, handicapped or visually im- itus of Laghouat presided over the paired. In June 2017 for the 70th an- celebration and G. Demeerseman niversary of his Missionary Oath, gave the homily, introducing several he detailed the reasons he had for testimonies from his friends and giving thanks, inspired by the life family. Bishop Tessier, former Bish- and person of Fr. de Foucauld. “Like op of Oran and Archbishop Emeritus him, I felt in spiritual communion of Algiers, could repeat: “I give with these believers turned together thanks to God who has placed me towards the Most High, recognizing at the service of a Church whose the discreet action of the Holy Spirit members meet the other, across in upright and sincere hearts... How borders, as the heart of their fidelity many times have I discovered myself to Jesus and his Gospel. Is this not in the Maghreb in the very situation a very up-to-date aspect of the uni- of Jesus in Palestine, striving to versal mission?” look on those whose lives I shared, Philippe Thiriez

33 PROFILES

Joris Vankrunkelsven 1927 - 2019

chout, a term late due to pneumonia. His brothers Louis and Jan (+1992) soon followed him there. Given his rather fragile health, the superiors first sent him to the scholasticate in Heverlee. He did his novitiate in Varsenare in 49-50 before returning to Heverlee, where he took his missionary oath on the 29th September 1951 and was ordained priest on the 12th April 1952. In 1954 he obtained an application “in Pedagogical Sciences” at the University of Leuven, “with dis- tinction”. His formators appreciated his good and happy character and underlined his spirit of service. They saw him as an intelligent oris - officially registered man, but not always realistic: he under the name of Georges was a man of duty, rather reserved - was born in Antwerp on th and shy, rather nervous and impul- JuneJ the 19 , 1927. His father was sive. He was very attentive to others. a doctor working for the Fomulac He had a very nourished spiritual (Medical Foundation of the Uni- life. versity of Louvain in Congo) in Katana, Congo, but the family ac- On March the 30th, 1955 Joris tually lived in Kayanza, Burundi. flew with Sobelair via Bujumbura After a year in Modern Humanities to Bukavu. In Mwanda-Katana he at Saint-Jean Berchmans College learned Mashi and became treasurer in Antwerp, Joris moved on to the in July 1955, first in Burhale and Greek-Latin Humanities. In 1946 two years later in Kabare. In July he joined the White Fathers in Boe- 1959 he was appointed headmaster

34 PROFILES of the Kabare Teacher Training Mulindwa and his Regional Father College. At the beginning of 1961 Leen first, proof that his heart was he became a professor at the minor still very attached to the Congo. In seminary of Mugeri until his de- November 1971, his state of health parture on leave in August. It was forced him to go to rest, first in high time for him to leave, because our community of Berchem and he had almost had a nervous break- then in that of Heusy. The number down several times. His doctor of hospital stays increased, first in prescribed a calmer lifestyle and Verviers - where he was in a coma enough rest. After the great retreat for 36 hours - then in Sint-Pieter in Via Cavaletti he was sent in Hospital in Leuven, Saint-Michel July 1962 as curate to Ciherano, and Sainte-Elisabeth in Brussels. where he became parish priest in In 1973 he slowly recovered in June 1963. A year later he became Heusy. He gave retreats and recol- superior and chaplain of the Fo- lections and was Sunday curate, mulac and professor in Katana. first from the community on Lincoln During his leave in 1967 Schramme Street in Brussels, then from our and his mercenaries occupied the community at the Jesuits of Hev- area. The missionaries had to flee erlee. In 1975 he went to live alone for their safety and Joris had to - on the explicit order of the provin- postpone his return to Congo. He cial, and became involved in the moved to Heverlee and took courses Dutch-speaking pastoral care of at the university as a “free student”. three parishes in the municipality As he had to postpone few more of Etterbeek, Saint-Antoine, Sainte- times... finally he never returned Gertrude and Notre-Dame du Sacré- to Africa. Coeur. In 1982 he worked for the Committee of Missionary Institutes When Father Jacques Van (CIM), where he was in charge of Nieuwenhove, who was part of the accountancy and “Progressio”, the team of our first cycle in Leuven, project department. He complained was unexpectedly appointed pro- that he was obliged to occupy a fessor at Lumen Vitae, Joris was lousy apartment. After the asked to replace him. He also session/retreat in Jerusalem at the worked in the chaplaincy of St. end of 1986, he was appointed for Peter’s Hospital. Before accepting pilgrimage reception and account- this appointment, Joris insisted on ing. He liked Jerusalem very much. the need to contact his bishop Mgr At the end of December 1991 -

35 PROFILES

Joris was in Belgium for health critical for Christians and priests, reasons - a replacement was ap- a little rebellious and bitter at times. pointed without his knowledge. It In January 2009 he finally agreed was a blow to him. to join the rest home of the Little Sisters of the Poor in ‘t Kiel, where Joris took a time of rest in some confreres were already pres- Stabroek, where a confrere, Jan ent. He continued to write, among Blockx, was parish priest. In De- other things, a whole retreat, in- cember 1992 he moved to a place cluding daily homilies... During all unknown to the provincial for a his life, his deep faith allowed him long time, first in Kalmthout, then to hold on. in Hoevenen. From time to time he spent a few days in the commu- On May the 8th, 2019, Joris was nity of Varsenare or Antwerp. He rushed to St. Augustine’s Hospital himself admitted that at that time in Antwerp, where he died that he was “rambling”. It was a difficult very evening. A confrere who knew time for him. Fortunately, he kept him well wrote: “Now he finally his trust in a few confreres. He finds the peace he could never continued to write about catechesis enjoy during his life...” and the proclamation of the Word... The funeral took place on Mon- A large part of his day was devoted th to meditating and explaining the day, May the 13 in the Sainte- Word of God, each page beginning Anne chapel of Keizerstraat in with a small cross in the left corner. Antwerp. He had identified the He prepared all his homilies in people to invite, selected the read- writing: hundreds of homilies, hand- ings and indicated the people who written or typed, in French or Dutch, should read them. He had also pre- kept in a series of binders. He lived pared the homily. Faithful to himself by the Word of God. He was very to the end..., happy at last. Jef Vleugels

36 PROFILES

José Tomás Gomez (1948-2019)

two years. After that, he took a step back and prepared a master’s degree in Spanish at the University of Toulouse, while continuing to be part of a vocational research group. Having taken root in France, he asked to have both Spanish and French nationalities. In 1975 he was admitted to the formation house of the Missionaries of Africa in Strasbourg where he spent two years before making his Spiritual Year in Ottawa. He did his missionary formation internship in Algeria, in Ouargla. Then he returned to Strasbourg to finish his theology. He is a good student and ose was born on November an active member of the community, 12th, 1948 in Fuenta la although quite personal. He was Higuera, in the Province of part of the group that moved from Valencia, in southeast Spain. He Strasbourg to Toulouse, where he J took his missionary oath on Sep- was the last of a family of 4 children. th His parents were not believers. It tember 25 , 1981, before returning to Spain to receive priestly ordina- was there that he spent his first th years, but in 1964, at the age of tion on December 6 , 1981. He 16, he left for France to meet one asked for the double incardination, of his brothers who lived in within the Society and in the diocese Toulouse. He finished his secondary of Toulouse. He was then a member studies at the Ozanam Institute, of the Province of Spain, but in before following the formation of 1984 he asked to be part of the the Diocesan Major Seminary for Province of France, which he knew

37 PROFILES better and where he felt more com- p 140-142). José loves the comfortable. munity of Menorca where he lives, and he appreciates Darek Nyumba’s After spending a few months in project, but he has difficulty col- a parish in the south of England to laborating with the director and learn English, he began his mis- asks to be appointed in France, his sionary life in June 1982 in Malawi, province. in the parish of Mua. His experience as an intern in the Sahara did not At this time the Province of prepare him for this kind of life. France has just opened a parish in He had a little trouble adapting, St Gratien, north of Paris, in the but he gave it with all his heart diocese of Pontoise. The bishop and found happiness. He was ap- asked to appoint a confrere who pointed professor at the minor sem- could devote himself to meeting inary of Mtendere. As the Province with the migrants and Muslims who of Malawi needed a confrere trained are numerous in this sector. José for the meeting with Muslims, given accepted this proposal and the bishop his Saharan experience, he was appointed him curate of the parish asked to attend the PISAI courses and in the service of the pastoral from 1986 to 1988. He then returned care of migrants and the encounter to Mua, on the shore of Lake with Islam. It was moving in both Malawi, but a year later, his be- directions, but José was quite per- haviour forced him to leave the sonal and had difficulty collaborating country and he had to return to with diocesan structures. He was Europe. It was the end of his mis- more comfortable with initiatives sionary life in Africa. He was 40 that he controlled himself in several years old, and put his talents at the cities in the area. Similarly, his par- service of the Society in Europe, ticipation in the parish team left especially in the field of Islamic- something to be desired. In com- Christian encounter. munity, he had his own schedule and ways of living. He spent time His first engagement in Europe reading and training for the was in Madrid, where he was asked marathon. It must be said that the to assist Father Emilio Galindo, disease he contracted in Malawi director of the Darek Nyumba Cen- required a rather important follow- tre, which was set up to help Arab up which tormented him and took students in Spain (Petit Echo 1988, him time. His stay in St Gratien

38 PROFILES was interrupted by the Roman ses- orate. His hospital stays were in- sion “Au mi-temps de la vie” in creasing and his chemotherapy ses- which he participated in 1997-1998. sions were exhausting. He needed rest and agreed to join the house Jose said he really enjoyed this on rue Verlomme. He was a helpful session to review his life and was and pleasant colleague. He liked ready for a new beginning. Having to tell stories and often made the completed its contract with the community laugh. He continued to Diocese of Pontoise, the Province read and his general culture dazzled thought it was time to offer him a the confreres. Still as sporty as new challenge. In 1999 Jose was ever, He kept fit by walking or appointed to the Vanves community, running. Despite this, his health which brought together confreres continued to deteriorate and hos- from various ministries in Paris. pitalizations were increasing. He was able to help Father J-M Gaudeul with the administration Getting on in years, the time of the magazine “Se Comprendre”. for retirement had come. He felt He also got involved in the diocese that he was weakening and he re- of Nanterre, always in the field of alized that it was time to join a Islamic-Christian encounter. His community where he could rest at health had its ups and downs, but his ease. In 2014 he asked to go he assumed, and adapted to his to Spain and was appointed to the new community. Unfortunately, in community of elders of Benicas- 2001 the community was called to sim. But the place wass very iso- disappear. Jose took the opportunity lated, and, not being happy in the to do the retreat session from community, he withdrew to his Jerusalem. native region, Sagunto, where he owned a home. This was not Upon his return, he joined an- enough to restore his morale. To other community in the Paris sub- the surprise of the confreres, he urbs, which had taken over respon- asked to leave the Society and to sibility for the parish of Montreuil. be secularized. This was a long It was a recent foundation of the and painful process, and Jose did Province, which was open to Mus- not see the outcome. He lived lims, especially Malians. He was alone, had little contact, even with happy there and made many friends, his family, and died alone. It was but his health continued to deteri- only on July 6, several weeks after

39 PROFILES his death, that he was found lying bers and friends. A sad end of life. in his house. The doctor declared Let us hope that Jose was able to him “dead of natural causes” on live his last moments in trust, and June 1st. The funeral was celebrated that the eternal Father received by confreres from Benicassim in him warmly into his Kingdom. the presence of some family mem- François Richard

40 PROFILES

Patrick Fitzgerald 1925 - 2019

by the impressive library of war books that he collected. His characteristic fearless proclamation of strongly held views was modelled on the Churchillian power of per- suasion. Discipline, defiance, determination! The loss, in action, of his older brother at the outbreak of the war, caused Fitz to ponder and ask, ‘why him and not me’? What is the role of Providence in our lives? Things do not happen by accident but “there’s a divinity that shapes our ends, rough them how we will”. It is in the light of this Providence that Fitz pursued his vocation. When Fitz joined the ather Patrick Fitzgerald or White Fathers he followed the well- “Fitz”, as he was univer- trodden path of studies starting sally and affectionately with philosophy at St Columba’s known, was born on the 22nd July college and Rossington Hall from F 1944-1946. For his novitiate he 1925 in the naval town of Portsmouth. His father died when went to Broome Hall 1946-1947. Fitz was still a boy but his mother From there he continued with his remained alive and well for many studies in the scholasticate in years. His early formal education Carthage and Thibar 1947-1950 took place at St. John’s, Southsea before returning to Monteviot, Jed- and St Joseph’s, Beulah Hill, both burgh, for his final year, 1950- well-known Catholic schools. In- 1951, before ordination. Fitz was formally, the military and naval at- ordained priest, as were so many mosphere in Portsmouth were in- other White Fathers, in the beautiful fluences on Fitz’s life as evidenced Scottish border town of Galashiels.

41 PROFILES

His first appointment saw him go care, Fitz brought inspiration to to King’s College, London, to obtain the lives of many. The presence of a degree in Latin in order to teach many of St. Margaret’s parishioners in our junior seminaries. Firstly, at his memorial Mass was a tribute he spent a little time at St. Colum- to this. And Fitz was equally grateful ba’s before going to the Priory for the support and encouragement where he eventually took over the that the parish gave to him both responsibility of being headmaster here in the U.K. and in Africa. from the late Fr. Frank Moody. Fitz earned the respect of the stu- In the early sixties Fitz was dents as being firm and fair. His asked to prepare himself to become passion for sport, especially his rector of St. Edwards, our recently beloved ‘Pompey’ football team, opened scholasticate in Totteridge, helped him relate easily to students London. He was sent, firstly, to who shared the same passion. His the Gregorian, in Rome, to obtain attempts to introduce the students his licentiate in theology. After to a little musical culture were also graduating, he went to teach for appreciated. He was also a very one year in the scholasticate of good teacher of Latin. One quota- Kipalapala, Tanzania. He loved tion, from the many letters of con- the experience! Nevertheless he dolences, illustrates the point after was called back to St. Edwards to nearly sixty years, “ He taught be rector in September 1964. For Latin to the half dozen A-level stu- the next twelve years he was very dents so effectively that I find I much involved in the affairs of can I can still proclaim the opening the scholasticate and helping with words of Cicero’s “Pro Archia”: the running of the Province. The “Si quid est in me ingeni, judices… setting up of the Missionary Insti- !” It was during his time at the Pri- tute in London took place during ory that Fitz started helping out at Fitz’s watch. Those tumultuous weekends at St. Margaret’s Parish, and contentious days of post-Vat- Twickenham. This relationship with ican 11 were exciting times for St. Margaret’s continued like a theological institutions but there golden thread throughout the tap- was tragedy, too. One of Fitz’s estry of Fitz’s life. Through his good friends and theological men- preaching, robust and challenging; tors, Charles Davis, chose to leave through his commitment to Justice the Church, to mention but one and Peace; through his pastoral example. Fitz kept a firm hand on

42 PROFILES the helm during these exciting and Over many years Fitz had always challenging times. shown hospitality to an American- based priest/scholar from the Philip- And then, from 1976 until 1991, pines, Fr. Constantino, who was Fitz was asked to go to Zambia. doing his doctorate on ‘The Cloud He prepared for this by taking of Unknowing’. Fr. Constantino fi- courses in Community Develop- ment and Personal Human Relations nally prevailed on Fitz to accept (PHR). He held a variety of offices his invitation to come and visit during this period but was able to him in the USA. And so Fitz found devote a lot of his time and effort himself in the parish of Bellport, to giving courses on PHR. Many New York. A new world! He felt communities of Religious (male compelled to share, with this great and female), many parishes and and generous Church, his knowl- groups of lay people benefitted edge and experience of the Church from Fitz’s knowledge, experience in Africa. He wanted them to be and inspiration. more aware of the opportunities and challenges facing the develop- Then, in 1991, he was asked to ing world and social justice. He return to the U.K. as Provincial Sec- preached and practiced ‘A Call to retary. He performed that task with Solidarity with Africa’. And so it his customary energy and diligence was, that together with his parochial while getting more involved in issues and pastoral responsibilities, he of Social Justice which so touched helped set up a Fair Trade campaign his heart. Fitz, now 70 years old, moved to Oak Lodge in 1994.. Dur- and store in 2001. Eventually, in ing that time Fitz was very much 2004, Fitz was appointed to ANA involved in Pastoral and Social min- (PE 10/04). However concerns be- istries. He was a great campaigner gan to emerge concerning jurisdic- for Amnesty International; he was tion, insurances, both health and active in the World Development; travel, and community living. Fitz together with his friends from St. was appointed back to PEP in Margaret’s, he lent vigour and de- 2007(PE 7/07), to Corfton Rd. in termination to the Jubilee Year,’ order to promote issues of J&P in Drop the Debt Campaign’, demon- so far as his health allowed him. In strating in Birmingham and Cologne 2010 he was appointed to the com- at the G7’s meetings. munity of Little Ealing Lane.

43 PROFILES

Fitz had built up a wide circle and the Province judged it just and of devoted friends during his visits prudent for Fitz to remain in the to the USA. They were attached to U.K. Sector. In spite of heartfelt him and were grateful for his min- appeals from his friends in the istry in preaching, visiting, consoling USA, the authorities here in the those in need and his prayerful European Province insisted that the support. He was also deeply at- responsibility of care and commu- tached to them. His help at the nity remained in the hands of the parish of the Immaculate Concep- U.K. Sector. Without the permission tion in Westhampton Beach was of his Superiors, Fitz returned to much appreciated. Nancy and Bob the USA where he finally died on Giglio, parishioners in the parish, the 26th June 2019. On Friday the had become very close friends of 30th August a memorial Mass for Fitz. They welcomed him into their the repose of the soul of Patrick home with generosity and support Fitzgerald was celebrated in Little of every kind. Fitz’s visits to the Ealing Lane. The Mass was well USA became prolonged because attended by many friends from St. of medical operations and travel Margaret’s, Twickenham, and sev- insurances. The Missionaries of eral of his former students, not for- Africa had approved Fitz’s visits getting the different communities at first but, as he approached his of the White Fathers and White 90s, the Superiors of the Sector Sisters. Un confrère

44 PROFILES

Guy Martin 1926 - 2019

activities offered were of interest to him. This participation led him to chair several circles and movements of the college. Among other things, he was diocesan leader of the Catholic Student Youth. And as the years went by, he thought more and more about the priesthood. He was particularly attracted to missionary life. His contacts with White Fathers put the final stop to his search. He was admitted to the novitiate of the Missionaries of Africa on August 2nd, 1948 in Saint-Martin de Laval, north of Montreal. It was at the scholasticate in Eastview, a suburb of Ottawa, now uy was born on Septem- th Ville Vanier, that he was assigned ber 22 , 1926 in Car- on August 13th, 1949 for his theo- leton-sur-Mer in the logical studies. Gaspé Peninsula. His parents, Eu- G During these four years, his keen gène Martin and Léonie Bernard, had eight children: three girls and and penetrating intelligence, ex- five boys. Guy was their first child. cellent doctrinal and practical judgment and strong and generous will He received his elementary ed- were highlighted. He became more ucation first in a private school and more open and jovial. He was and then at Carleton Convent. a good worker and had solid piety. Then, he began his classical However, his formators found he course at the Séminaire de Gaspé. had, for his colleagues, an authori- All the physical, literary and spiritual tarian and demanding tendency.

45 PROFILES

He took his missionary oath on Gradually, his theology and spir- June 26th, 1952 at Eastview and ituality took a conservative and even was ordained a priest at Carleton- traditionalist direction. But this de- sur-Mer on January 28th, 1953. velopment of his personality has In September of that same year, never called into question his deep, he left Canada to study Canon Law intangible attachment of faith to his in Rome where he obtained a doc- God, who was the heart of his life. torate. In 1963, the Archbishop of Ot- After his studies, he was ap- tawa entrusted him with the position pointed to the diocese of Tabora, of chaplain of Mont St-Joseph, a Tanzania, in 1956 to be parish college for girls, supervised by curate. He writes: “I really enjoyed about thirty nuns. this simple life, full of activities, In 1967 and 1968, he was called because we had many outstations to Rome as an expert to the Chapter. to visit. These new converts lived Then, in September 1968, he re- their faith with the fervour of the turned to Eastview. In 1969, he first Christians. “In September 1958, was appointed to the Ottawa Church he was appointed professor at the Court in the Matrimonial Court as Major Seminary of Kipalapala. a judge. And he is also asked to be There he taught moral theology and a judge of the Court of Appeal in canon law. But this did not last. Montreal. He must therefore travel The following year, in 1959, to Montreal every 15 days. Guy was recalled to Canada at our In 1970, it was decided that the- theological house in Eastview. He ology courses for scholastics would stayed there for ten years. Having now be given at the University of arrived fresh from Africa, his teach- Ottawa. And so his academic career ing had a very pastoral touch illus- ended. trated by many examples of life. In 1972, the General Council His provincial wrote about him asked him to become Attorney Gen- in 1965: “He is very appreciated eral of the Society. After six months by scholastics as a professor of of work, following his own rec- Canon Law: he is very clear and at ommendations, the position was the same time very concrete. The abolished. He was also a member examples he provides are typically of the Committee for the review of from Africa. » our Constitution.

46 PROFILES

At that time, the Canadian epis- lyzed his left side. A little later, se- copate thought of him to send him rious diabetes broke out. His sisters, to work as an auditor at the Rote. who lived quite close to our home But after prayer and reflection, he in Quebec City, assisted him ad- asked to forget his name. mirably during this long period of Guy returned to Canada in 1973 illness. where he was appointed Official But despite the fact that he was at the Matrimonial Ecclesiastical getting weaker, his spirit of service Court for the Archdiocese of Ot- remained intact. Who could count tawa. In 1981, the Archbishop of the hours spent in the reception Ottawa wrote to the Provincial : service at the White Fathers’ House “He gave our court a reputation in Quebec City? And the confreres that extends to Rome. He thus ren- were happy to come and see him. ders an incomparable service to In 2016, he was admitted to the the Church » and proposed a third Fathers of the Blessed Sacrament five-year term. infirmary in Ste-Foy, not far from During this period, he also led our Quebec City residence. Fol- several retreats for religious com- lowing the closure of this infirmary munities. He continued his ministry on June 17th, Guy came to the care at Mont Saint-Joseph, but only with unit of the Cardinal Vachon Resi- the nuns, who now numbered seventy. dence in Beauport, a suburb of In 1976, he began to experience Quebec City, a residence that had health problems. His blood pressure welcomed his brothers earlier. was far too high. He was treated It was there that, on July 2th, and continues his work while re- 2019, Guy entered the eternal ducing some activities. dwelling promised by God Our Fa- ther. The funeral was held on In May 1982, illness forced him th to abandon all his activities at the Wednesday, July 10 , 2019 at Notre- ecclesiastical court and he came to Dame-de-l’Espérance Church in reside in Quebec City. He experi- Quebec City. He was buried in enced ischemia that slightly para- Notre-Dame-de-Belmont Cemetery. Jacques Charron

47 PROFILES

Pierre Gouin 1932 - 2019

sionary departure to Africa. He had kept his word. Pierre did his primary studies at the school of the Holy Martyrs run by the Marist Brothers. At the age of 11, his parents en- rolled him in the scouts of his parish. Pierre will one day say that the experience of Scouting was by far the most significant of his life. He went through all the steps and stages until he became commissioner for cubs, for scouts, then in charge of training chiefs, passing by the Road... to finally earn the 4 log wooden badge. It was a second and wonderful family for him. ierre was born on October 5th, 1932 in Batiscan in After his classical studies at the the diocese of Trois-Riv- Jesuit College Saint-Charles-Garnier ières. He is the only son of Georges- in Quebec City, he entered the P novitiate of the White Fathers in Henri Gouin and Laurette Théoret. Saint-Martin on August 4th, 1952. The day after his consecration as bishop in Uganda, Bishop La- The following year, he began coursière, visiting his parents in his theological studies in Eastview, Batiscan, said to Peter: “When you Ottawa. It was very well appreci- grow up, I will come and get you. ated. He was intellectually gifted “Peter was then four years old. and had a good organizational skills. Twenty-one years later, in 1957, He possessed good moral qualities the bishop attended his first mis- and was loved by his confreres.

48 PROFILES

He took his missionary oath on As he was very professional in June 16th, 1956 and was ordained his work, he was assigned to the a priest on February 1st, 1957, al- direction of the country’s Catholic ways in the same place. schools in the capital, Lusaka. He was barely 39 years old. He re- As Pierre felt comfortable in mained in this position for six years. school, in the fall of the same year, Among other things, he did a great he was sent to London to study ed- deal of work to ensure that the Na- ucational sciences for two years. tional Bishops’ Secretariat had Then, after a short vacation in sources of income so that it could Canada, he left for Northern Rhode- become financially self-sufficient. sia, now Zambia. He worked as a He succeeded in this seemingly curate in a parish in the diocese of impossible task. Mansa for two years to get in touch with the culture of the country. In 1978, a letter from the Provin- cial of Canada would give a whole Then, in 1962, he was appointed new direction to his life. Indeed, to the administration of the diocesan his skills as a director were required schools: this included the appointment in Canada. Pierre managed to ne- of teachers, the construction and gotiate a two-year stay, which he maintenance of schools, the distri- spent founding a new parish in the bution of salaries, the purchase of suburbs of Ndola, where he said equipment and furniture, the trans- he had lived the most beautiful portation of teachers with their fam- years of his missionary life. “Thank ilies and property, etc. Pierre summed you Lord for this time of grace. I up this nine-year stage in the fol- felt so close to people. Finally, the lowing words: “Active life, very ac- administration is over! » tive. So fruitful and happy too!.... and a team life as we dream of in At the end of August 1979, it our Constitutions. We got along per- was with great difficulty that he fectly. ». Peter gave himself entirely faithfully accepted to leave Zambia, to his task on weekdays and on Sun- which he loved, to come and work days he would celebrate the Eucharist at the provincial bursar’s office in in hospital or prison, an apostolate Montreal. After a few months of he loved very much. He has also initiation, he became provincial served as a Scout troop leader and treasurer for six years, a mission Scout Commissioner for the Province. he accomplished with tact and ded-

49 PROFILES ication. He also became a member Pierre remained a resource man of the provincial council and re- in the house, especially for the con- mained there for several years, hap- freres who came from Africa on py to help the province with his leave. Always helpful, affordable, kindness and expertise. “I was very friendly and efficient, everyone felt happy during these years even if comfortable with him. the kind of work was not very exciting. I believe that the most beau- He also kept good contacts with tiful aspect of a function such as his cousins and dear friends. He that of provincial treasurer is that was serene, loved to be of service of service. Every moment of every and loved life. Pierre was a happy day, regular hours as well as over- man. time, is spent in the service of In early 2019, Pierre began to others, the Society and the dioceses have serious health problems. He of Africa. » had difficulty swallowing and could In 1987, Pierre went to Jerusalem not keep the food that made it to for the session and the great retreat, his stomach. Finally, at the hospital, an experience that enriched him a a cancerous tumour was diagnosed lot on the spiritual level. He came in the esophagus. Impossible to back to us to perform different operate on. It was a shock for him functions in the province, especially but he accepted his condition with in relation to administration, where serenity and prepared for the great he excelled. meeting that took place on July 6 in Sainte-Dorothée after three days Also at that time in 1989, he of intense pain. Pierre was buried was chosen to work in mission at St-Martin Cemetery in Laval, promotion. But the following year, near Montreal. he had to make a serious stay in hospital and needed a year to regain Pierre, a very big thank you for his health. In 1992, he returned to your great quality of presence and missionary and vocational anima- service among us. tion. Jacques Charron

50 PROFILES

Johannes (Hans) Gülle 1934 - 2019

School in Grosskrotzenburg and then returned to the Theodorianum in Paderborn, where he took the state examination in 1955. From 1955 to 1957 he studied philosophy with the White Fathers in Trier followed by the novitiate in Heeren-berg in the Netherlands and then went to Totteridge near London in England for the study of theology where he took the perpetual missionary oath on February 2th, 1961. On July 8th, 1961 he was ordained a priest in his original parish in Salzkotten. From August 1961 until January 1962 he followed the pastoral course in London and ather Hans Gülle was born th then left for Tanzania where he on April 15 , 1934 in was curate successively in the Ka- Paderborn. His parents banga, Mulera, Nya-ronga, Mabam- gaveF him a good Christian education ba and Kakonko parishes in the with his brother and two sisters as diocese of Kigoma. was customary in Paderborn. During the Second World War he attended All this time he had kept in school in Paderborn. After six years touch with his family, acquaintances of primary school he attended and benefactors through reports Theodorianum High School in and circulars. He received many Paderborn in 1946. In November encouraging reactions from them of the same year he changed schools and many ideas for his projects, again and went to the White Fathers’ above all for “Justice and Peace” school in Riet-berg. In 1949 he in his actions. And he kept in touch went to the White Father’s High with them until his last days. He

51 PROFILES considered Tanzania his second turned to Mabamba again. On 1st homeland. During the 130th Jubilee January 2010 he received the Pon- of the Diocese of Kigoma he co- tifical Order “Pro Ecclesia et Pon- operated especially. According to tifice” awarded by the Apostolic him, this jubilee should not only Nuncio and on 24th January 2010 be a reminder of memory, but a re- the medal “Bene meranti” together newal of faith and an encourage- with conferences and catechists. P. ment to spread this faith. Gülle was also gifted in music. He played the organ in Trier until his In July 1978 the territory around last days. In Africa hunting was Kigoma was closed due to cholera, his passionate hobby in his spare which had caused the death of hun- time. dreds of people. P. Gülle had to leave this territory and returned to On 29th March 2012 he fell ill Germany for health reasons. On again and returned permanently to April 1st, 1979, he was engaged by Germany. He lived in the commu- the Diocese of Münster for mis- nity of Hörstel. He still helped in sionary animation in that diocese. the pastoral care of the surrounding On 4th March1980 he was also ap- parishes, but his strength was di- pointed superior of the White Fa- minishing. In 2017 he changed his thers’ community in Münster. residence and went to the community of elders in Trier where he Since his health was then stabi- found peace in the Father’s house lized, he returned to Mabamba, on 8th July 2019. Tanzania on 1st July1983. On 4th March1980 he participated in the P. Hans Gülle was a convinced course for ongoing formation and missionary. Indeed, he has influenced the great retreat in Jerusalem, and the Mabamba parish and the entire on 11th October 1986 he was again diocese of Kigoma through his faith, in Mabamba. On 4th August 1989 his simple lifestyle and his com- he fell ill with typhoid and had to mitment to the education and training be treated in Germany. From 1st of people, including the construction September 1994 he started a sab- of a school for girls and development batical year and on 1st May 1995 projects, not to mention the con- he was still in Mabamba. On 6th struction of many churches. He was September 2006 he attended the committed to human values with 70+ course in Rome and then re- all his strength and courage. A very

52 PROFILES difficult time for him was the conflict During his Golden Jubilee, the with an Arab trader providing him Archbishop of Paderborn, Hans- with construction material in the Josef Becker congratulated Fr. Gülle parish of Mabamba. The Justice and on his merits for the Church: for Peace Working Group and Caritas all his prayers, sacrifices and work had taken action against the interests for the Kingdom of God. of this trader. There was a legal procedure that the Missionaries lost. At the request of his family, Fr. The Episcopal Conference considered Hans Gülle found his final resting this trial as an example for justice place in the priests’ tomb in the cemetery of his original parish in and peace. The police identified this th trader as a criminal who was in Salzkotten on 16 July 2019 at prison for murder, but later he was 14.00 hours. charged only for abuse of power. Aloïs Schmid

53 PROFILES

Pierre Humblet 1932 - 2019

in natural and medical sciences, the first in Namur and the second in Leuven. In October 1951 he entered the White Fathers’ home in Thy-le-Château. He then made the novitiate at Varsenare. For theology he went to Thibar and made the last year in Carthage. He took his missionary oath in Thibar on June 26th, 1957 and was ordained a priest in Carthage on February 3rd, 1958. His trainers emphasize his balanced and methodical mind, his gentle and delicate, simple and open character. In community he was charm- ing, very helpful, dynamic and dedicated. He adapts himself easily. ierre Humblet died unex- “He’s not the man to put himself pectedly on the morning forward.” As for his appointment, of Wednesday, July 10th Pierre wrote: “I want the Muslim in hisP apartment in Ohain. mission in North Africa” and added: “More specifically the education Pierre was born in Ixelles on of young Muslims”. May 24th, 1932 and baptized in the church of Notre-Dame de la Cam- First appointment: Professor in bre. His father, who was a doctor, Rayak, Lebanon. In September settled in Froyennes (Hainaut), near 1961 he studied Arabic at La Tournai. Peter had one sister and Manouba. In July 1961 he was ap- two brothers. He followed the pointed professor at the El Menzah Greek-Latin humanities at Notre- secondary school in Tunis. In 1963 Dame College in Tournai; he was he spent another year in La Manou- a Scout. He then spent two years ba and then returned to El Menzah.

54 PROFILES

In October 1968 he became deputy appointed to Jerusalem, in charge director of the Centre de Formation of the bursar’s office. This work, Professionnelle de Thibar and fin- he did it well but out of duty. After ished his first term in 1970 as a having computerized the manage- censor at the agricultural high school ment of the bursary, he should have in Thibar. On medical prescription tackled the computerization of the Pierre had to return to Europe every Proche Orient Chrétien magazine year. The regional of the time notes and the library. But the situation in that Pierre “has always been ap- the country, the tension between preciated in the various teams of Palestinians and Israelis, made him trainers and teachers with whom sick. His nervousness eventually he has worked and was loved by caused also tensions in the com- the students”. In September 1971 munity. In October 1992, he went he retrained in Islamology at the on leave for health reasons and Pontifical Institute of Arab Studies stayed with his brother in Pro- in Rome. He then spent a year at fondeville. Having sufficiently re- the Italian First Cycle in Treviglio. covered from stress, he requested At the beginning of September the intervention of the Generalate 1973 Pierre became superior of our for an appointment adapted to his estate in Thibar. In January 1975 strengths. He was 60 years old: “I he was appointed regional and think I can still be useful to those resided in Thibar until the estate who want me as I am”. th was closed on September 15 , 1975. th He then moved to La Marsa, from On April 20 , 1993, Pierre was where he also served his second appointed administrative secretary term as a regional superior until at the Generalate. This work was July 1982. entirely within his grasp and Pierre accepted with joy. He was able to In September 1982 Pierre was live years of discreet and hidden happy to be able to go to Marmarita service to the Society and to the in Syria, where he said he could confreres, by sending Petit Echo “finally make Arabic without any and other publications, by keeping other concerns”. In September 1983 up to date all the movements of he returned to Tunisia as a lecturer confreres and statistics, by preparing at the Centre de formation profes- the files that had to go to the sionnelle in La Marsa. A new change archives, etc. After about eight of scenery in July 1989: Pierre was years in Rome, Peter returned to

55 PROFILES

Tunisia. This last return to the fully forwarded to the secretariate Maghreb was not a success. He re- or archives the questions submitted fused to start the procedure - tedious, by readers. Since two months he it was true - to obtain a residence had started to initiate his successor permit, because he planned to return at the head of the site, our new to Belgium every quarter to see secretary, Mr. Jacques Hermans... his doctor and rest. Pierre was in charge of the library in Sidi Saber While visiting us every week, (Tunis), the computers for com- Pierre remained the smiling, pleas- puterization were on the way... Fi- ant and interesting confrere, always nally, in May 2002, Pierre was ap- ready to be of service, also interested pointed in Belgium, in principle to in the current questions raised by faith. We were expecting him that the provincialate of rue Charles th Degroux, to launch the website of Wednesday, July 10 , when death the province of Belgium. He ac- unexpectedly took this discreet and complished this task, but he only faithful servant away. May he now made short weekly visits to the rest in peace. house in rue Charles Degroux. He The celebration of the resurrection brilliantly carried out his job as a of our confrere Pierre Humblet took webmaster and he took particular place on Monday 15th July at 10:30 care of everything concerning re- am in the Saint-Michel chapel (Boule- lations with Islam. He kept the site vard Clovis 80, 1000 Brussels). scrupulously up to date. He faith- Jef Vleugels

56 PROFILES

Vincent Doutreuwe 1927 – 2019

and Thérèse, had four children: 1 boy, 2 girls and the last one, Vincent. His father René had many setbacks. After the 1914 war, he founded a small business with a partner, a real crook, so that at the time of bankruptcy, he was the one who had to repay the debt until the beginning of the Second World War. In the meantime, they went to live in Les Aubrais, near Orléans, and it was there that Vincent attended Saint Euverte College, which was not only focused on literature, but very open-minded with Jews and Protestants. After the first baccalaureate, which Vincent did not get, the whole class was dismissed: it o be a priest for Jesus was in 1945. There was no question and for people! This is of continuing studies. But what di- the meaning he wanted rection should he take then? “the to giveT to his whole life by choosing Forestry” sector? The priesthood? to join the missionaries of Africa, Monastic life? In order to discern, the White Fathers. And one of his he went to Fontgombault, to the confreres, who knew him well in seminary of late vocations. It is Mali, testified in his homily on the there that he heard the Lord’s call day of his funeral: “I can say that that was the foundation of his life: he really lived this ideal throughout “To be a priest for Jesus and for his missionary life”. people”, which he achieved in the Society of the missionaries of Africa. Vincent was born in Ermont, Seine et Oise (now Val d’Oise) on He then entered Kerlois in Oc- April 25th, 1927. His parents, René tober 1947 for philosophy, then

57 PROFILES

Maison-Carrée for the novitiate in He was also gifted in care and had 1949. He continued his theology a lot of patience, people liked him. in Thibar, with his military service As he had a lot of heart and was in the artillery in Tunisia. He re- very sensitive, he felt very strongly turned to Thibar where he took his the suffering of the sick, and he oath on June 27th, 1954 and finished was very attentive to the care of in Carthage with priestly ordination lepers whom he regularly visited, on April 10th, 1955. Throughout even when he went on tour. The all these years, his intellectual weak- formation of catechumens was very ness made him doubt of himself, important to him. If he was ap- but his energetic will and total and pointed in Sudan, today Mali, it generous dedication, considered as was indeed to preach Christ and his personal characteristic, out- take care of new Christians, but weighed these shortcomings. very quickly he realized that this was perhaps not what God was He received his appointment for asking him. Rereading this period Guéné-Goré, in the diocese of of his life, he wrote: “I discover Kayes, where he arrived in No- that there are good, devout Muslims vember 1955. After his leave in who are submissive to God. Why 1960, he was sent to Kakulu where do we Christians have such pejo- he had trouble getting used to. He rative clichés about Islam? (...) Yes, was then appointed to Kassama in there is a beautiful approach to the 1963, where he finally found a ful- greatness of God that has made fillment that he had not had before. me change my personal prayer and Also, in 1969, he was appointed have the same approach for all Superior of Kassama, a responsi- men, Christians, Muslims and fol- bility that he had difficulty accepting lowers of traditional religions. To because he said “I am gifted to be be faithful to the foundation of his second, to support and sustain the life “to be a priest for Jesus Christ leader, but not to be the first”. In and for people”, he often knew fact, his fine experience and good how to change his gaze and see judgment allowed him to meet his everything that was happening obligations as parish priest and su- around him with God’s gaze. perior. In the eyes of his confreres, he In Kassama, he was very in- had a strong temperament that he volved in his work at the clinic. sometimes had difficulty mastering.

58 PROFILES

Moreover, his shyness did not fa- After that, he turned more towards cilitate communication in the com- taking charge of the parish’s equip- munity. But, for those who lived ment and often went to Kita to with him, he remained a “nice guy”, help them, especially during the supernatural, and a very hard work- national pilgrimage to Notre-Dame er, and even a “tough guy”: he du Mali, where he had the chance could go on tour, in the middle of to find Brother Victor Dery who the afternoon, after working in the introduced him to the many elec- clinic, without taking the time to tricity problems. He summarizes eat, at the risk of damaging his this period as follows: “One foot health... Finally, what services did in Kita, one foot in Sagabari, a he not provide in the different com- few tours in the bush”. munities where he lived, thanks to In 1988, he attended the Retreat his great practical know-how! Session in Jerusalem. Upon his re- In 1974, knowing nothing about turn, he was reappointed to Kas- the rest of Mali, and with the agree- sama. In 1990, he followed Pope ment of his confreres, he set off on John Paul II’s trip to Mali with a moped tour of Mali (Peugeot, 3 great attention. When he returned speeds). He visited all the mission to Kassama, he had a big argument posts in Mali (except 5, including with a catechist, after which the GAO, which he was advised against bishop let him know that he no because of the road conditions and longer wanted to see him in his also the distance: 580 Kms). He diocese! It was very hard for him. covered 3500 km in 45 days! It Reflecting on this argument, he was then that he went on leave saw two causes: “It has been more where he attended a session at the than a year since I quit smoking, Arbresles. as a heavy smoker, and smoking helped me to soften my reactions In 1975, after 20 years in the to the conflicts that arose, and now Kassama - Guéné-Goré area, the there are no more cigarettes. But Bishop of Kayes, Mgr Etienne more deeply, I was unhappy because Courtois, appointed him to the I was alone: we didn’t work in parish of Sagabari, which is in the community, but each one in his area with Kita. For three years, he own way did his work in his own worked at the dispensary until the corner. In fact, his confreres knew arrival of the Religious Sisters. that smoking was his cure for nerv-

59 PROFILES ousness. Did they not see him light- the beautiful qualities of Malian ing and that sometimes a new cig- wisdom. He practiced patience, arette with the one he had just fin- tried to see the good side of things, ished?... When he came back from despite his visual disability and re- a holiday, he impressed everyone mained fully available for the serv- because he had stopped smoking: ices he was asked to provide. In another stroke of will! “... Perhaps Billère, he often repeated: “Life is it was a decision taken following beautiful! “ Yes, he was happy be- his retreat in Jerusalem? cause he had the joy of living in a community of White Fathers. The consequence of all this was a new leave in France with appoint- Some time before his death, the ment in Lille for 2 years after which, confreres saw Vincent becoming pacified, he was able to return to weaker, but with his usual will, he Mali, but this time in the diocese of held on. The night before his death, Bamako, at the CEL of Faladyè. he was in the dining room. The There, he took care of the material next morning, he was neither present for the Language Centre and the at Lauds nor at breakfast. The nurse, parish, which required him to go who went to check in his room, regularly to Bamako. He would found that he was dead: it was on have liked more pastoral work, but the 23rd July 2019. Discreetly, as he was not comfortable in Bambara usual, he had left in the night. and adapting to a new language when you are 70 years of age, was At the funeral mass celebrated not easy! He remained there until in the chapel of Billère, the gospel 2004. During his leave, he learned chosen was that of Matthew (10:7- that he had to stay permanently in 13) where Jesus gave his instruc- France. However, he was able to tions to the 12 apostles. Vincent leave for Mali at the end of June heard these words and put them until September to say goodbye. into practice. And surely, Jesus told him what the Gospel tells us in Mt In France, he was appointed 7:24: “Man of foresight, you who treasurer in Toulouse, rue Ringaud, built your house on the rock, enter and in 2007, he joined the Residence into the joy of your master!” of Billère where he tried to live Pierre Landreau

60 PROFILES

Augustin de Clebsattel 1922 - 2019

ily, they never missed Sunday high mass. The staff participated in the evening prayer. When Augustine was eleven years old, his parents, concerned about his good education, sent him to Avon (Fontainebleau), to the Little College “Ste. Thérèse de l’Enfant-Jésus”. His Director was a young Carmelite, Father Jacques de Jésus. He stayed there from 1934 to 1938. These four years had a strong impact on him. Father Jacques, a born educator, led them, in a family spirit, in a sense of duty and responsibility, to open themselves freely to all that ugustin was born in was spiritual and cultural. He invited Dunkirk on the North them to listen to the various voca- Sea,... so as to cross the tions: military, polytechnician, seas?..... Only God knew that! It artist... At the end of the study- A time, in the evening, they looked was in 1804 that his ancestors settled in Dunkirk, from Thann, forward to the “Spiritual Read- Alsace. But the history of the Cleb- ing”... sattel family began in Bavaria, in This was certainly a favourable Bamberg. Under Louis XIV, the ground for his vocation... younger branch emigrated to Al- But, at that time, he felt more sace.... attracted to the Army... After a year His father, a freight forwarder spent in Vannes, where his father and President of the Chamber of had found refuge in 1940, the whole Commerce, had a company with family returned to Paris; he opened about sixty employees. The family a Maritime Office there. Being of consisted of six children, three boys class 22 and called to the S.T.O. and three girls. As a Christian fam- (Service du Travail Obligatoire in

61 PROFILES

Germany), Augustin went to Vil- stressed that this beautiful country lars-de-Lans to continue his studies, resembled his own: a “little Switzer- to prepare for his Bac. Thanks to a land”. He learned the tonal language. fake ID card, he didn’t go to Ger- He toured through the great tropical many. After the Liberation of Paris forest on “goat paths” and wet (August 25th, 1944), he joined the roads, passing through sacred Leclerc Division. He was even forests, with its masks and initiation wounded by a shell at the end of camps. the Alsace Campaign. Then he start- Fallen ill in 1961, he was repa- ed his officer cadet training; very triated and held in Nancy for mis- quickly, he realized that it was not sionary animation. During his Great his vocation. Retreat at Villa Cavalletti and thanks In 1946, attracted to England, to Bishop Maillat, he was able to Augustine was able to live for eight attend one of the last sessions of months in the beautiful city of Oxford, the Second Vatican Council. Back with its renowned colleges and 83 in Guinea, he was expelled, with clubs... It was there that he felt the all the Missionaries, in June 1967. Call of the Lord... a wrench from a He was then appointed in Tunisia worldly life... There was tears, but “provisionally” for... 29 years! he felt a wonderful joy, when he en- There, unlike Guinea, there is no tered the White Fathers on November Catechumenate or Baptisms. It was 1st, 1947, at Kerlois’ Séminaire de simply to live in a Muslim country... Philosophie. After the Novitiate at However, it had to serve parishes Maison-Carrée, in 49-50, he set out around Tunis. But, since independ- for Canada for the Scholasticate; ence, since the churches had been that year, there were three French nationalized, Masses were cele- and one Belgian; it had taken them brated in houses... With a small five days to cross the Ocean. Au- amount of dialectal Arabic, he was gustine took his Oath in the Society able to meet families: listening and of the White Fathers on June 26th, respect facilitated relationships. 1953 and was ordained priest on These were really good with the January 30th, 1954, (Marian Year). old Italian and Sicilian communities. Without having requested it, in Following an issue of the mag- October 1954, he was appointed azine “Vivante Afrique”, reporting to Guinea-Conakry. Appointed to on a survey carried out by two the Toma Country (Macenta), in Belgian White Fathers on the Fo- the diocese of Nzérékoré, he was colare, he became interested in the welcomed by Bishop Maillat, who Movement.

62 PROFILES

Also, upon his return to France of Lourdes on KTO, exchange on in July 1996, with the benevolence different authors they like to read, of the Provincial, he was able to and it is quite naturally together spend eight months at the School that they will return to Bry on Jan- of Religious in Loppiano, Tuscany, uary 1st, 2017. Unfortunately, victim the pilot centre of the Movement, of a bad fall, his friend Jean-Pierre officially called “The Work of Mary”. quickly returned to the Lord, and There were about ten religious fam- it was a little distraught but in a ilies from the five continents. A true deep union with God that Augustine school to learn to live as brothers, lived the last days of his life. Very based on the Word of God and the handicapped by his deafness and charismatic and Marian witness of poor vision, which prevented him the Foundress Chiara Lubich. from participating in community From 1997 to 2001, Augustine life as he would have liked, his was appointed in Mours to host health continued to deteriorate slow- the weekend Scouts, Guides and ly, and he had to be permanently various chaplaincies. Then it was hospitalized at St Camille Hospital where he died peacefully on July four years in Ardèche, in Aubenas, st with his confrere Jean-Pierre Sibien, 24 , 2019. to ensure the chaplaincy of three He was a deeply spiritual con- Communities of Elderly Sisters. frere. His funeral was celebrated Four years of beautiful and rich in our chapel in the presence of encounters. some members of his family, friends After the closure of this post in and of course confreres who had the Ardèche, he retired to Bry sur wanted to say a last goodbye to Marne on 1st September 2005. Soon him. It should be noted that his after, major work began that would younger brother, a permanent dea- transform the retirement home into con, insisted on officiating at the an EHPAD. He then went for a altar, which gave the Eucharist a while to the Jesuits’ EHPAD in very family dimension. The “verre Vanves to escape the nuisances of d’amitié” that followed the return any construction site. He met his from the cemetery made it possible friend Jean-Pierre SIBIEN there, to recall many family or community and every day they would meet in memories in Africa, but everyone each other’s rooms to share their was unanimous in recognizing that spiritual experience, obviously it was a great White Father who drawn from their common spiritu- had left us. ality of the Focolare, pray the rosary Clément Forestier

63 PROFILES

Francois Nonnon 1924 - 2019

When his grandfather Dorival died, his father took over the family business. The family lived in comfort. Francis received a good religious education. He frequented the Do- minican convent a lot, served at Mass. On the day of his first communion, he told his mother that he wanted to be a priest, which made his mother very happy. It seems that François was his mother’s little darling... What is certain is that François always remained very attached to his mother. In 1937, with the family business in difficulty, the family had to sell rançois Nonnon was born the house and move to Marseille. in Le Havre on September François’ health was not good, and 25th, 1924. His father Al- he had to go to a preventorium in bert, a Belgian national, wounded Megève for six months. His studies F were disrupted and he had to repeat during the war, had been treated in Le Havre and had married Marie classes. Thérèse Dorival. They had 6 chil- Wanting to be a White Father, dren: 4 boys and 2 girls. François he entered the minor seminary of was the second to last. Saint Laurent d’Olt in October His father took French nation- 1941. Here is the assessment of ality, so François, born in Belgium, his superior: “His qualities are hid- became French, but he remained den under an appearance of coldness very attached to the Nonnon branch and reserve. » in Belgium.

64 PROFILES

In 1945, François entered Kerlois made his long retreat at Villa Cav- in philosophy. In 1948, he made his alletti. It was then that he was ap- novitiate at Maison-Carrée. “He is pointed to mission promotion in a little taciturn and closed... but he Marseille where he stayed for barely remains a good colleague and has a two years. very good heart.” At the end of the novitiate, he was appointed to Cana- In December 1963 he was back da to do his theology, but the visa in the diocese of Bunia in Kilo. He was refused by Canada because of experienced the difficult period of his visit to the preventorium. Then the rebellion in 1964. There were he spent the year in Tournus, where a few days in prison, a few rifle a confrere made him do a little the- butts... It was at that time that nine ology: it was counted as half a year. of our colleagues were murdered in Bunia and Aba. François with From 1950 to 1953, theology in th all the confreres, finally liberated Carthage and Thibar. On June 30 , by the mercenaries, was evacuated 1953 he was ordained a priest in to Kinshasa and France. For a few Thibar, and appointed to the Apos- months, he will do some missionary tolic curateiate of Lake Albert in animation in the Marseille area. Belgian Congo. In this curateiate there were only fathers or brothers Back in Congo in July 1965, he speaking Flemish, but the 1947 was appointed to Gety, then Badiya, General Chapter had decided to Kilo, and Nyakasanza. In this po- internationalize. Thus Father Autet sition, he was responsible for the and François were the first French- Kasenyi outstation and Lake Albert men appointed after the chapter. villages. Everywhere, François devoted himself. He paid special at- First appointed to Kilomines, tention to the training of Mass François learned Kiswahili. He was servers everywhere. He always happy. But in 1956 the regional re- liked to have a sector for which he ported “Poor health, eats almost ex- would be responsible: he was quite clusively bread, cheese and jam”,. personal. So he was allowed to do In 1959 he was appointed to Laybo so, and he showed himself every- much further north: he had to learn Lingala. where to be a good pastor: he was fundamentally good, and he was In 1961, he returned on leave very much loved by his parishioners. because of liver problems, and A sign of the esteem in which he

65 PROFILES was held by the population: many colleagues. In fact, at the beginning wanted their child baptized with he accompanied many confreres to the name of Nonnon... Many re- medical consultations, or to go for mained attached to him and kept a walk, or a pilgrimage to Lourdes... in touch. and even to St Bertrand de Com- minges... He loved driving very In 1994, with the agreement of much, and every year he did not the regional and provincial of hesitate to go to Belgium to see France, he returned on leave and his Belgian family and the confreres approached the diocese of Marseille in Ituri. He loved to be of service; to obtain a ministry. He was finally that is how every Sunday he led a appointed to La Treille, in the sub- confrere to the suburbs of Pau so urbs of Marseille. He was not the that he could do apostolate. He at- parish priest but depended on the tended the confrere’s Mass and parish priest of the area. And it brought him back. was difficult for him to accompany the Christian community of La He himself liked to minister, Treille under the responsibility of celebrate Mass with the sisters or the sector manager. in a convalescent home where he In fact, François stayed ten years was chaplain. at La Treille, doing an excellent job He had the joy of making the and very much loved by his parish- pilgrimage “in the footsteps of Saint ioners who remained very attached Paul” with a confrere, and also of to him. François liked to receive returning to Congo for the centenary the visit of his confreres, especially of evangelization in Bunia. those from Lake Albert. He was happy to show them around Mar- Then came the time of health seille, Notre Dame de la Garde, the problems: bladder cancer, bowel calanques. He loved Marseille and cancer, multiple operations. and a those ten years spent at La Treille, lot of suffering. but his heart was still in Congo. Father Gayet, who lived 73 years But the time had come to think with François since Kerlois, in about retirement, and finally Congo, and in Billère, said in his François agreed to go to Billère in homily at the funeral mass that it August 2005. He bought a new was the fox of Antoine de Saint- car, a Citroën Kango to help his Exupéry’s little prince who had the

66 PROFILES best understanding of how to ap- de la Garde. On his sick bed, it proach François: “you have to let was his only prayer: the rosary, the yourself be tamed or tame him... rosary. go slowly. Do not let yourself be put off by a first contact that may François was aware that his at- seem cold. You will discover in titude could hurt people, he suffered François’ heart a treasure of kind- from it himself. He would have ness, sensitivity and desire to liked to apologize to everyone. He please.” François had surrounded asked a colleague to prepare a pic- himself with a picture of all his ture of him, and to write on it: “I deceased confreres and prayed for thank all those who helped me” them. and “I apologize to all those whom I may have hurt by my attitude”. François had had a special rela- “You will display this photo after tionship with his mother: it was my death.” she who gave him all the affection his heart needed. Quite naturally After a long and painful illness, François had received from the and great suffering offered for the salvation of Africa, François died Lord Mary as his mother. He had a th great devotion to Mary both as Our quietly on July 25 , 2019. Lady of Africa and as Notre Dame Bertrand Gayet

67 PROFILES

Bernfried Müller 1938 - 2019

Bernfried throughout his life. In the autumn of 1944 he began his school education at the primary school in his home town of Brenken. The parish priest van den Hövel wrote about Bernfried who was serving mass at that time: “The boy always impressed with his attitude so much that I often had the idea or rather the wish to see him one day as a priest at the altar.” He frequented the family regularly and gave the young Bernfried the White Fathers’ magazine “Afrika-Bote” of that time to read, through which ather Bernfried Friedrich he got to know the Missionaries of Müller was born on the Africa and the work in the mis- 27th June 1938 in the sions. grounds of Erpenburg/Brenken Cas- F On the advice of the parish priest tle near Büren in Westfalia, where his father was administrator and he addressed the White Fathers secretary for 40 years. from their house in Rietberg on the 18th of April 1951 and entered His father came from Silesia. there after seven years of primary His mother Marie Elisabeth was school. He wrote: “Since I was al- from Brenken. Bernfried had one ready older, I was allowed to take sister and two brothers. The parish a crash course at the end of the priest of his home parish van den ‘Sexta’ which saved me a year of Hövel described the family as good school.” To continue his studies at and honest Catholics, reserved, the end of the “Untertertia” he conscientious and faithful people. changed to the Kreuzburg-Gym- These attitudes were apparent in nasium of the White Fathers in

68 PROFILES

Grosskrotzenburg on the 15th of pula, Twingi and Chibote. On the April 1954, where he passed the 1st March 1981 he took part in the state examination on the 25th of biblical course in Jerusalem, fol- February 1959. Afterwards he de- lowed by the great retreat and a cided to study philosophy at the home leave in Germany. Back in White Fathers Seminary in Trier Africa he was in Chibote, Kawamb- from April 1959 until August 1960. wa and again in Twingi and then From September 1960 until Sep- on leave in 1984, 1986 and 1990. tember 1961 he did the novitiate at His main preoccupation in pas- Hörstel in Westfalia and then went toral work was the formation of to Totteridge near London in Eng- lay people: catechists, members of land for the study of theology from the parish council, collaborators September 1961 until June 1965. whose numbers were multiplying. There he took his perpetual oath In the area of development he on the 14th December 1964. On worked in the diocesan agricultural the 3rd July 1965 he was ordained project with the introduction of priest in Bielefeld together with oxen for farming. This centre went some confreres. hand in hand with another diocesan After his ordination he returned initiative to set up 10 families in once again to London for the course this centre who were made up a of pastoral theology. After this support group in agriculture. These preparation he was appointed to groups were scattered throughout the diocese of Mansa in Zambia. the diocese and came regularly to On the 19th December 1965 he was Chibote to continue their formation. able to travel for the first time to The oxen were bought from a state Africa. From January to April 1966 farm and roamed freely with an- he was at Ilondola for language telopes. It was difficult to get them studies. used to working, feeling robbed of their freedom. They had to be Then his journey finally led him tamed. It was all the more admirable to pastoral work. His first station to see them after a few weeks was Puta, a new foundation in the pulling a plow or a small chariot. Diocese of Mansa where he arrived Groups of farmers came from all in May 1966. Thereafter there were over for their training at the end of constantly many changes from one which they could return home with parish to another: Nsakaluba, Ma- a pair of oxen to continue the work

69 PROFILES at home. In the evolution of these April 1994 he was in Berlin in the projects there were ups and downs. Africa-Center and bursar of the Difficulties, hard to predict, were community as well as for missionary always overcome. That is why animation. This double burden was Bernfried remained full of hope too heavy for his health weakened- for the future. with diabetes. A new task awaited him at the foundation of the Africa- In his spare time, Father Müller Library in Trier, where he started took care of the local plants that on the 1st of February 1997. he collected and specialized in this field, consulting also a lot of books, From that moment on his health written by biology specialists. In problems weighed heavily on him, all this he was very much supported although he was always ready to by his home diocese and his home take part in community service and parish, which continued to help pastoral work. His last change of these projects even after his depar- location was on the 15th July 2017 ture. in Trier when the White Fathers’ community moved from Dietrich- For health reasons he returned strasse in Nordallee to the Brothers to his homeland in November 1992. of Mercy where he died on the 5th He was appointed to the community August 2019. Father Bernfried was of Hörstel for missionary animation always a kind and faithful confrere and collaboration in pastoral work radiant with joy. in this region . From the 28th of Joe Eberle et Aloïs Schmid

70 PROFILES

Wendelin Hengartner 1922 - 2019

(Tunisia) where he took the missionary oath on June the 29th 1948 and was ordained priest on February the 1st 1949. “At that moment,” he wrote later, “like every young missionary leaving, I dreamed of ‘over there’ but my first flight ended in the middle of the mountains of the Valais.” He was first a teacher at the Lavigerie Institute in St. Maurice for three years, then for two years at Widnau. In 1955, he came to Fribourg as director of the Africanum before undertaking post- graduate studies in philosophy and pedagogy at the University, which he completed with a degree in 1963. endelin was born on “Having packed my suitcases 26th October 1922 in with philosophy and pedagogy, I Kobelwald (Canton finally embarked for Africa, more St. Gallen). After primary school precisely for the major seminary of W Koumi in Burkina Faso. Here I am he went to Widnau to attend the White Fathers’ College. He con- once again teaching future priests, tinued his secondary education at in an environment where I did not the college of the Abbey of St. even know the language ... Will Maurice. Then, for two years, he they forget me in this country and studied philosophy and theology this function that I quickly learned at the University of Fribourg, before to love? Wrong! In 1970, I was he joined the White Fathers by the appointed director of a new Institute clothing ceremony on December called CESAO (Centre de Formation the 2nd, 1945. He completed his pour les Etudes Economiques et theological formation at Thibar Sociales) in Bobo-Dioulasso, also

71 PROFILES in Burkina. A nice title that obliges then retired to Widnau where he me to be one page ahead of the stu- remained active in pastoral work dents in the knowledge I have to to the extent of his strength and impart to them. And here I’m in for health. In 1991 he came to Lucerne, 7 years (1963-1970). and after another stay in Widnau When everything seemed to be- he settled permanently in Lucerne come easier, I changed scenery and as superior and bursar of the White left for Switzerland where the White Fathers’ community. Fathers entrusted me with the re- When the house in Lucerne sponsibility of an office for ‘Mission closed in June 2010, he joined the and Development Aid’ (1970-1976). community in Veyras. In 2012 he While continuing to take care of had to undergo 12 weeks of hospi- CESAO, he was also secretary of talization due to a double fracture the “Third World Solidarity” move- of the pelvis. On the 24th of August ment. These activities brought him of the same year he was admitted into contact with a good number to the Foyer Saint-Joseph (for the of Swiss development organizations. elderly) in Sierre. He integrated He then went to England to improve easily into the life of the Home his English in order to work in where he was very much appreci- Aachen at the Missio Centre for ated. He liked to concelebrate with the preparation of projects con- the chaplain, to participate in ac- cerning North Africa and the Middle tivities and to sort out stamps with East. This task gave him the op- the help of some residents. He had portunity to visit Egypt, Sudan, all the leisure he needed to celebrate Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, Israel and his 90th birthday according to the other countries. local rite: a visit from 3 members In May 1982, he was appointed of the Communal Council and a Superior of the Swiss Province for festive meal with his guests in the cafeteria. Wendelin returned to the 6 years. “In this position, contact th with my confreres has always Father on August the 8 , 2019. seemed to me a personal enrichment “I remember him well. He was and an opportunity to express my provincial when I was doing my gratitude to God”. In 1985 he had novitiate in Fribourg. He had a to undergo knee surgery. He wished long life of fidelity. We give thanks that his mandate as provincial would to God” wrote a confrere when he not be extended beyond 1988. He learned of Wendelin’s death. J.-M.Gabioud

72 PROFILES

Jan LENSSEN 1941-2019

followed the Greek-Latin humanities at the Collège Saint-Michel in Bree, where he was active at the KSA (Action Estudiantine Catholique). In September 1959, he followed his brother Rik, his eldest by a year and a half, by joining the White Fathers in Boechout. Then followed the novitiate in Varsenare and the theological studies in Heverlee. His father died in February 1965, before Jan’s missionary oath on the 25th June 1965 and his ordination a year later, on the 25th June 1966. During his formative years, Jan is described as a talented, very balanced, exemplary and helpful young man. He

th knows what he wants and is able to an was born on July the 13 , take on a leadership role. He devotes 1941 in Kaulille in the himself intensely to apostolic ac- province of Limburg, but tivities. He has a lot of common veryJ soon the family moved to sense and approaches things in a Bree. The family consisted of five calm, delicate and discreet way. boys and three girls. His father was From 1966 to 1970, he studied in a teacher and co-founder of the Le- Rome, first theology at the Grego- gion of Mary in Bree. One of his rian, then morals at the Alphon- mother’s uncle, Father Laurens Con- sianum. He wrote his thesis on “The inx, had worked as a White Father Catechumenate after Vatican II”. in the Diocese of Mahagi (where he was to be murdered in Aba in In September 1970, Jan left for November 1964), and his mother’s Rwanda and learned Kinyarwanda brother, Laurens (junior), was work- at the Language Centre (CELA) ing in the Diocese of Bunia. Jan in Kigali. In February 1971, he

73 PROFILES was curate in Masaka, a peasant National Vocation Commission village not far from Kigali. From and the Committee of Missionary 1973 to 1975, he also became a Institutes. He founded the “Blauwe “guest professor” of ecclesiastical Torre” centre in Varsenare, set up law at the major seminary of Nyak- a community on Avenue Milcamp ibanda. He was also “vice-official” in Schaerbeek, but closed the Au- of the Episcopal Conference. In derghem community. In 1983, he 1974, he became parish priest and had to manage the forced return the following year he handed over of many colleagues from Burundi. to the Pallotin Fathers. In April At the 1986 Chapter, he was elected 1975, he went on leave and made first Assistant General. In the same a study trip to Malawi and Mali. year, he became representative of Despite Bishop Perraudin’s per- the Pontifical Council for Christian sonal intervention with the Superior Unity at the World Council of General, Father Vasseur, asking Churches in Geneva, a position not to remove “one of the best he will continue to hold until 2013. missionaries we absolutely need”, He was particularly responsible Jan succeeded his brother Rik in for the ecumenical dimension of September 1975 as missionary an- pastoral work, including solutions imator of the diocese of Hasselt of solidarity with the poorest. and became professor of moral theology at the major seminary of Jan’s first reaction to his ap- Sint Truiden. The Hasselt mis- pointment in Rome: “It is a grace sionary working group was very to be so closely involved in the active and Jan regularly wrote in joys and tasks of the whole family the “Schakel”, the diocesan journal of the White Fathers and the African for missionary work and deepening Church”. Within the General Coun- the faith. At the beginning of De- cil, he was particularly responsible cember, Jan became provincial as- for financial and legal matters, eld- sistant in Belgium. He was a del- erly confreres and the ecumenical egate to the 1980 Chapter and in movement. It was also the focal June 1981 he was appointed point of the year of commemoration Provincial. He will remain so for of the 100th anniversary of Cardinal two terms. During these years, he Lavigerie’s death. was also a member of the National Missionary Commission, the In- In July 1992, Jan took a well- terdiocesan Pastoral Council, the deserved sabbatical year, partly in

74 PROFILES

France and partly in Great Britain. reconciliation. In January 1997, In July 1993, he returned to Rwanda Jan wrote: “We are in the movement and joined the parish of Nyami- of a Church conscious of its inte- rambo, in a lively district of the gration into human history, even capital Kigali. And it was there into sin... We are aware of the im- that he experienced the beginning perfections and even the faults that of the genocide in April 1994: we have been able to commit during “That Friday, after Habyarimana’s this century of missionary com- death, a kalashnikof against my mitment... We hope one day to find stomach, guarded by interahamwe, the understanding, openness and and next to my confreres, death atmosphere to make the truth... In was doing its job: at my feet some this work of reconstruction we murdered and bloody children they would like to join the efforts of had ripped from my arms; a mother other Churches and their commu- bleeding to death held her child nities, our Sisters and Brothers. against her. Countless machetes “During these years, Jan was also and rifles fell and killed, and in the secretary of the Episcopal Com- church - “sanctuary” - grenades mission for Ecumenism. In 1998, exploded. Death has nestled in the he participated in the Chapter. At depths of my heart since that day the end of 1998, he had to take in April 1994. “With several Belgian sick leave for the first time. colleagues, Jan was evacuated to Belgium on April 14th; others will When his work in Rwanda end- follow later. In August 1994, Jan ed, he was appointed to Tanzania was asked to go to Rwanda on a in May 2001 and went to study “reconnaissance trip” to assess Kiswahili in Kipalapala. In October, whether the confreres could return, he settled in Nairobi (Kenya) in which was the case for some. Jan our community of Saint-Charles himself returned to Rwanda as a Lwanga on Ngong road. He was regional on December 7th, 1994. appointed National Secretary Gen- He served two terms, which were eral of the Commission for Ecu- extended until the end of 2000. In menism of the Kenya Bishops’ January 1995, he became President Conference and Professor at the of the Association of Religious Su- International Missionary Institute periors, men and women. The main “Tangaza” in Nairobi. He had a concern was then to face the tragic pastoral commitment in the parish, events and begin a long road to visited AIDS patients in the nearby

75 PROFILES hospital of the Coptic Church, and each time. Some 250 talks were cared for street children. He proudly broadcast from March 2010 to July testified: “The Ecumenical Working 2014. In the meantime, it was dis- Group of the Kenya Bishops’ Con- covered that Jan had Parkinson’s ference is coming to life”. It deals disease. Proper medication will with ecumenical themes in Catholic keep the disease under control for radio broadcasting. Jan was still years to come. He took several ini- an active member of the Commis- tiatives to finance AMANI’s proj- sion on World Mission and Evan- ects. Each year, he produced a gelism of the World Council of booklet and leaflet, in French and Churches, which is a rarity for Dutch, for Unity Week. Jan an- Catholics. This led him to San An- swered many calls from the Rwan- tonio in the United States in 1989, dan community (baptisms, mar- Salvador in Brazil in 1996, Athens riages, deaths...). He followed their in 2005 and Edinburgh in 2010. charismatic group “Divine Mercy”. During his farewell to Kenya at After 25 years, he resigned from the end of 2008, the Secretary Gen- his position as representative of eral of the Bishops’ Conference the Pontifical Council for Christian said: “Fr. Lenssen leaves behind Unity. In May 2014, the evolution him a Commission that is growing of his illness no longer allowed and having a greater impact than him to carry out his many tasks ever before. » and he asked to be relieved of his responsibilities. In November 2015, In early 2009, Jan was appointed he left for Genk “at rest”. In May in Belgium, officially for African 2016, the International Ecumenical pastoral care in two deaneries in Movement of Kenya awarded him Brussels, and for the White Fathers the decoration of the “Ecumenical in particular in our AMANI Centre Hero”. In October 2016, he attended project. He soon became a member the session for the over 70s in of the Ecumenical Committee of Rome. However, sitting idly was the Churches in Brussels. In March not for Jan: “I still want to do 2010, as part of the French-speaking today what I won’t be able to do Catholic Radio (RCF Brussels), he tomorrow”. He still had so many launched a weekly programme plans. His body abandoned him “Rencontrer l’Afrique” (broadcast more and more, but his will power several times). It was a tour de pushed him forward and his agenda force to find interesting speakers was still full... A sacred fire had

76 PROFILES propelled him all his life and made where, after a few unsuccessful at- his life so fertile for many. tempts, he was transferred to palliative care. Jan died peacefully In early September 2018, Jan there on the 10th August 2019. On came to Evere for more medical Saturday the 17th the funeral took follow-up. A walker allowed him place in the church of Saint-Vincent to continue what he could still plan. d’Evere, packed full. He was buried At the end of July 2019, he was among his confreres in Varsenare. transferred to the St. Michel clinic Jef Vleugels.

77 PROFILES

Germain Lussier 1925 - 2019

His missionary vocation began when his father read and commented on the review of the White Fathers of Africa. The latter liked to talk about what they were doing, without failing to express his admiration for them. This is how Germain’s desire to become a Missionary of Africa grew gradually. In 1951, at the age of twenty- six, he entered the Postulancy of St. Vincent de Paul in Laval and, six months later, he found himself at the Novitiate of St. Martin. His trainers write of him that he is robust in health and is not slow to undertake hard and difficult work. ermain was born in St- Germain had qualities that made Gérard-Majella, in the him a good and energetic leader Eastern Townships, mu- and he maintained good relations nicipality of Weedon, in the diocese with his colleagues. He had a strong G th of Sherbrooke, on March 23 , 1925. personal piety and was very attached His parents, Hyppolite Lussier and to his missionary vocation. Eva Fontaine, had six children, two girls and four boys. Germain was After his first missionary oath the eldest of the boys. From an on July 31th, 1953, he took welding, early age, after completing kinder- carpentry and masonry courses at garten, he did various jobs on his a technical school in Montreal. And parents’ farm. Later, he became a in 1956, he left for Ghana. He was lumberjack in the forest in the win- appointed to the Diocese of Tamale. ter. When the snow began to melt, Germain had first to go to Jirapa he would become a driver. to learn the local language, Dagari.

78 PROFILES

He had just begun to unpack his forgettable spiritual experience for bags when the bishop of the diocese, him. Mgr Bertrand, came to him and said: “You know, Germain, you A little later, in the 1980s, he don’t need to stay here to study was called upon to give carpentry the language. Languages are not and masonry courses to apprentices that difficult. You can learn them at the Nandom Technical School. while building! » These young people came in groups of 8 or 10 to a construction site to And for Germain, it was the be- learn their trade. ginning of 30 years of construction. During these years of mission in Without knowing it, this service Africa, the brothers did not stop prepared him for a rather radical working small miracles, that is to change. Indeed, in 1985, the Re- say, they succeeded with very small gional Superior asked him to par- budgets in building schools, convents, ticipate in the formation of candi- seminaries, dispensaries... All this dates who wanted to become Mis- forced Brother Germain to change sionary Brothers of Africa. This is mission posts very often. He has how he found himself at the White moved 54 times from parishes. Fathers’ Training Center in Tamale. Its main task was to provide them It was in Tamale, on August with the widest possible technical 14th, 1959, at the Seminary St- training in areas such as electricity, Charles, that Germain took his per- plumbing, welding and construction. petual oath. In March 1967, he re- His influence on these young can- ceived an appointment in the neigh- didates was invaluable. Germain bouring diocese of Wa for three knew how to accompany them with months, an appointment, supposedly great respect, kindness and patience. temporary, which, in fact, lasted In Brother Lussier they found a more than seven years! He was witness and a true apostle of Jesus now building schools and chapels Christ. in this diocese. In August 1988, Germain was, In September 1979, during his this time, in Ouagadougou in Burk- silver jubilee, Germain went to ina Faso. The Society of Mission- Jerusalem for the Bible session and aries of Africa decided to open a the 30-day retreat. This three-month bilingual training centre for candi- stay in the Holy Land was an un- dates from West Africa. After 32

79 PROFILES years in Ghana, an English-speaking parish. Two years later, he was re- country, he generously agreed to called to Quebec. He was then ap- participate in this new experience. pointed to our community in Sher- brooke. He finally found the rest In this first stage training house he deserved and, at the same time, in Ouagadougou, Germain was in he provided some services to elderly charge of the treasury, technical or sick confreres. education for students and a thou- sand and one other services. In a In the years that followed, Ger- short time, he felt comfortable in main experienced an ever-increasing this new environment. The four deafness that would make him to- years he spent there seemed very tally deaf. In addition, hip surgery short and were a time of happiness had left a legacy that required for him. him to move around with a cane.

th Gradually his health deteriorated: On October 12 , 1992, Germain, he could no longer move by himself. in agreement with his superiors, In May 2017, it was discovered returned permanently to Canada. that Brother Germain suffered from The many years of intense work a severe infection. He was hospi- were felt and caused him nervous talized and had then to be taken to fatigue. His health was shaken. the St-Joseph Residential Centre On January 5th, 1993, Germain to receive care adapted to his in- was appointed to our White Father creasingly fragile health condition. community in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It is there that Brother Germain He was responsible for welcoming Lussier died on August 12th, 2019. and visiting the relatives, friends His funeral was held in Lennoxville and benefactors of the Society. He on August 17th. And his body is also volunteered in a Winnipeg buried in the parish cemetery. Jacques Charron

80 PROFILES

JEAN-GUY RICHARD 1932 – 2019

In August 1954, he entered the White Fathers novitiate in Chomedey, but a month and a half later, he was asked to leave for health reasons. Far from getting discouraged, he then joined the Major Seminary of Quebec City to pursue his theological studies. And he was ordained a priest on May 31st, 1958. The same year, on August 6, he was admitted again to the novitiate of the White Fathers. A year later, in September 1959, he left for Zam- bia. He first went to Fort Jameson to study the language. It was in Kachebere that he took his perpetual ean-Guy was born in Ange- th Gardien near Quebec City missionary oath on August 15 , on December 31st, 1932. He 1961. is J the son of the late Maurice Thus, from 1960 to 1971, he Richard and Cécile Jobidon. He was in a parish in Zambia and then had three brothers and one sister. in Malawi from 1971 to 72. His A harmonious home. Regional of the time summed up He did his elementary studies his first twelve years in Africa well in Château-Richer and then at Sault- with these words: “Very zealous, au-Récollet in Montreal. He con- ardent missionary, very loved by tinued his high school studies first the people and very esteemed by at Collège André Grasset in Mon- his confreres... a man of the future treal and then at the minor Seminary to whom we can entrust important of Québec. tasks with confidence. »

81 PROFILES

Unfortunately his health did not granted to him. He remained there hold up and he had to leave Africa until early 2002. in 1972. He was then appointed to In 1990, he made an attempt to Canada. But the following year, it return to Africa in Lilongwe. He was demanded again in Malawi. had weighed the pros and cons His Regional wrote to him: “Even carefully and wanted to make a se- if your health is not better, you are rious test drive back. He thought still welcome. We’d be very happy his health would allow him to do to have you here in town. It seems so. His Provincial then wrote to to me that you could do a lot while him: “I am delighted with your in- adapting the necessary rhythm...”. tention to try out a new mission in But his health, far from improving, Malawi. There are risks as in any continues to deteriorate. He had project. But everyone has to deal given too much of himself to mis- with strengths and weaknesses.” sionary animation work with young Unfortunately, he definitely returned people. home after 2 months for health reasons. The diet was inadequate. He In 1975, he was chosen as Cana- then understood that the Lord’s will da’s first Provincial Assistant. It was for him to remain in Canada. would be until 1984. Very quickly he expressed to Then that same year, he went to his superior his desire to return to Baie-Comeau as chaplain of the Myriam Bethlehem. “Having al- Myriam Bethlehem community. It ready lived in this community for was a very young community found- nearly six years, I can say that I ed in 1978. Already the following find the fulfillment and happiness year, he felt called to dedicate himself that I seek as a priest. I do not be- to this community. But in 1986, he lieve that I can exercise another returned to the White Fathers com- apostolic ministry elsewhere with munity to better discern the Lord’s such satisfaction and effectiveness. desires about him. He had difficulty Moreover, the climate of faith, being away from his White Father charity and trust that prevails there missionary family. In 1987, he asked corresponds very well to my per- the Provincial to share the life of sonal aspirations...” this missionary community of Myr- When Myriam’s Foundress, Sis- iam Bethlehem while remaining at- ter Jeanne Bizier, learned that he tached to the Society. This was then wished to return to Myriam, she

82 PROFILES wrote to the Provincial: “I appreciate resident confreres and participate so much the presence, the spiritual in the spiritual animation of the support and the quality of help of community. Father Jean-Guy in his spiritual and doctrinal support for the mem- In 2012, he stopped all activity; bers of the community... He gives his health gradually deteriorated. the best of himself. He is the spiri- In August 2019, he was hospi- tual animator of the community. talized. He was diagnosed with He also leads groups that come for cancer and transferred to palliative retreats and spends a lot of time in care. He remains conscious almost spiritual direction. His health is to the end. still as fragile as ever. He is a man rd of prayer. » He died on September 3 , 2019 at the Hôtel Dieu in Sherbrooke at In 1996, he was appointed su- the age of 86, including 58 years perior of the community in Chicouti- of missionary life in Zambia, mi. It is with great regret that Myr- Malawi and Canada. iam Bethleem lets him go. But at the end of that same year, he was In a note he left concerning his released from this responsibility funeral, he asks that the emphasis and in early 1997, he returned to be placed on giving thanks for all Baie Comeau to the Myriam-Beth- the goodness of the Lord for him léem community. and for the many people he met in his ministry. In 2002, after a long discernment, he left Myriam Bethlehem. He was Father Jean-Guy’s funeral was then appointed to Lennoxville as a held in Quebec City on Saturday, th senior assistant. And it will be until September 7 , 2019, at Notre-Dame November 2011. de l’Espérance Parish. The remains were then cremated and the ashes His ministry will then be pri- were placed in the Missionaries of marily with elderly and sick confr- Africa lot at Belmont Cemetery in eres who had to go to the hospital Quebec City. or to a doctor, visit hospitalized or Jacques Charron

83 PROFILES

André LEBROU 1927 - 2019

Scouting marked him forever: being ready, pleasing someone, openness, dedication, purity, Good Action, service. So, in this context of joy and freedom, he was led to consider as an extension of Scouting, on the one hand the priestly vocation, “higher service”, and on the other the missionary commitment, “throwing nets out at sea”. In September 1948, at the age of 21, he returned to Kerlois for two years. He devoted himself with enthusiasm to his studies, took a liking to them, especially that the setting, the atmosphere and the teachers were inviting him to do he grace of God made so. Then followed the novitiate in me live in a Christian Algeria and theology in Tunisia. environment in the clan He was ordained priest on 10th of theT 5 Lebrou children: Genevieve, April 1955 in the Basilica of André, Anne-Marie, Paul and Si- Carthage. mone.” This is how André presents himself in the little story of his life In August 1955, departure for that he left us. He was born on Mali by boat from Marseille, by 22nd September 1927 in the village train from Dakar to Bamako. He of Roquefort in Aveyron. The war still continued by boat on the Niger period was difficult and austere. River to finally reach Mopti on But he found his development in 27th September where he spent 18 Scouting, which made him “leave years. Then began his missionary traditional institutions and discover life: study of the language, Bam- the star at sea”. The principles of bara, visits on foot or at the very

84 PROFILES most by bicycle. For years, he met In 1985, he felt tired. He then people, in the manner of Jesus, left for France: spiritual and sab- seeking to adapt, to be accepted. batical year at the abbey of En He told us that we must “attenuate Calcat. Then a few months at the astonishment, create sympathies, Catholic Institute in Toulouse. bonds that allow us to enter every We meet him again in August nook and cranny of the city and 1987 in the diocese of San. He remain under the action of the worked there in parish ministry Holy Spirit”. André was happy in with Malian brothers and priests. this work which he did with great Always with a focus on non-Chris- discretion, too much even accord- tian or Muslim ethnic groups. It ing to some. But he continued, was at this time that he updated a taking care to keep time for med- small catechism for those who were itation and prayer. beginning to attend the mission. It From 1962, he went with a 2 was not to everyone’s taste and c.v. to a very remote area, in the André suffered from criticism from village of Minta. He built schools, various quarters. André remained dispensaries, while regularly visiting calm, despite some sparks; always the surrounding villages, small smiling, rightly convinced that the Christian communities and fetishist Spirit was working in the depths circles that had difficulty resisting of his heart. to Islam. In 1994, he was invited to return In October 1975, he took once permanently to France. This was more the boat on the Niger River difficult for him to accept. He was and settled in Gao. He dedicated helped during this difficult time by the Regional and by members of himself to the people of the river, his family who came to see him in the “Isaboro”, whose language he San. Finally he went to Billère had difficulty learning. He also had where, in the first years, his apostolic to visit some desert communities: concern led him to accept some his letters mention the names of ministry and to give an hand to the Kidal, Tessalit, Timbuktu, Goundam Secours Catholique de Pau. Diré where he met the small Chris- tian communities. It was in Gao The disease gradually spread that he lived his most beautiful and led him to a life of prayer, missionary years. abandonment and silence. He smiled

85 PROFILES more than he talked during the eries”, and, in some ways, as a visits he received. He died on Oc- vanguard. With a deep love of Jesus tober 1st, 2019. Christ. Thank you, André, “Dédé” for the missionary witness that was We remember André as an apos- your whole life. tle, concerned about the “periph- A confrere from Mali

86 PROFILES

Pierre MAURIAUCOURT 1926 - 2019

1944 to 1946, novitiate at Maison- Carrée in Algeria, then theology studies at Thibar where he took his missionary oath on 29th June 1953. His novice master summed up his personality as follows: “He is a very good and safe subject from a moral and religious point of view. He has always been very regular and always docile, concerned about doing his duty well and devoting himself to others. “It was in Carthage, Tunisia, that he was ordained a priest on June 29th, 1954. Appointed - “to his surprise” he later wrote - to North Africa, he ierre was born on Decem- first studied classical Arabic at ber 15th, 1926 in Gouy- Manouba in Tunisia and was ap- en-Artois, in the Pas-de- pointed in 1955 to Djemaa-Saharidj Calais region. The fourth child of in Algeria. The following year he P was found in Cherchell, in 1958 in a sibling of 6, all his youth was immersed in nature, since his parents Aït Larba, in 59 in Larba Nath were farmers. This simplicity of Iraten before returning to France life will never leave him. He went for treatment in Thorenc and Tassy to secondary school at the minor in Provence. He returned to Algeria seminary of Arras, and after grad- in 1962 to the Centre de Formation uating from high school, he entered Professionnelle in Djemaa-Saharidj, the White Fathers and followed the where he became the superior in traditional formation course at the 1965. In 1968 he was appointed in time: Philosophy at Kerlois from Constantine as general supervisor

87 PROFILES at the El-Menzah secondary school had then reached the age of his re- before returning to France for a tirement, first at the rectory of year of retraining in Lille. He re- Longpré then in Amiens itself in turned to Algeria for another year various parishes. The Bishop of in Laghouat at the Centre de For- Amiens intervened with the Provin- mation Professionnelle before re- cial of France to keep him with turning permanently to France in these words: “Since his return to 1975. Everywhere he goes, he the diocese, he has rendered us showed great apostolic zeal, perhaps many services with great availabil- thanks to his ability to contact the ity. I am very grateful to him for people with whom he had to exer- that. He always keeps the concern cise his responsibilities. Very re- for Islamic-Christian dialogue; in spectful of others in their differences this field, he has work to do. You of culture and religion, his Regional know how delicate this is. I asked wrote: “An intelligent, active, zeal- him not to take any initiative that ous colleague, he has a practical was too personal. He had his full mind. He organized his Centre, put place in diocesan bodies in this his house in order and achieved field. In any case, it is with great good results. He is active, generous pleasure that I ask you to keep and supernatural, he don’t spare Pierre with us.” He said goodbye any effort. » to the diocese in 2014 for reasons Back in France, for personal of age and health. reasons, he distanced himself from The White Fathers and himself the White Fathers, while maintain- had been in contact for some time ing very good relations with the (in fact the contacts had never Muslim world. Initially, he delt really been broken, but perhaps with the reintegration of prisoners Pierre felt a little out of place), and in Amiens prison, before returning towards his end of life, by mutual to BIAC where he would be in agreement, Pierre took his place charge of the files of repatriated within the Society itself. After a French Muslims, alternately in short stay in Mours, he joined the Amiens, Rouen, Marseille and Flers community of Bry sur Marne on until 1985. Then he will put himself July 1st, 2014. at the service of the Bishop of Amiens, Bishop Jacques Noyer, to During 5 years therefore he lived ensure replacements, because he the last years of his life in great

88 PROFILES serenity, accepting the ravages of Peter had left lasting memories in years as of illness with a rare trust the diocese. in God. He was very happy to This excerpt from the farewell return to community life, and his speech of the Mayor of Picquigny presence at all religious services addressed to Pierre during the cel- and community meetings made the ebration organized on the occasion confreres admire him, while bring- of his definitive departure from ing him great peace; he read little Beauvais to join the White Fathers but spent a lot of time watching sums up Pierre’s life quite well: KTO, keeping in touch by telephone with many contacts. Victim of an “Having myself spoken a few unfortunate fall in his room, he times with Father Pierre Mauriau- was condemned to a wheelchair, court, I can tell you that beyond and lived his situation with great his ability to share his religious humility and abandonment. He left convictions, he is one of those who us a little bit without warning during probably thought that this was not the night of October 11st, 2019. enough: for him it was necessary His funeral in Bry’s chapel gathered to go much further in the process: around his coffin, in addition of to assist people in difficulty, help course to confreres from his com- the sick, sometimes even accom- munity and some from elsewhere, pany them until their last breath, nephews and nieces with whom he know how to discuss with everyone, had always maintained excellent listen to this or that position without relations, but also former parish- denigrating them. Father Mauriau- ioners with whom he had shared court knew how to do all this per- his pastoral concerns, and even a fectly, whether here in France or priest from Beauvais who had during his stays abroad. He was known him well and who, through above all a missionary, a true mis- his testimony, underlined how much sionary. » Clément Forestier

89 PROFILES

ROGER MERCERON 1930 - 2019

A deeply Christian family, Roger had a uncle priest and a aunt religious. It was at around the age of 11 that he thought of becoming a priest. One day, at the end of the catechism, the priest asked him: “Roger, wouldn’t you like to become a priest?” His answer was clear and brief: Yes. He never ques- tioned that answer. He therefore followed the path of diocesan seminaries where he made very good friends. One day, he learned that the brother of one of his good friends had been killed in Monte Cassino; he was in philosophy with the White Fathers; oger was born on Feb- th Roger thought: that, someone must ruary 13 , 1930 in replace him! Why not me? Why Vendée, in St Pierre-le not me? The decision was made: Chemin.R He was the eldest of 11 he will be White Father. Before children. His parents, farmers, ran being authorized by the diocese to a modest farm where there was no leave the seminary, he had to do shortage of work, but, writes Roger, one year of service as a supervisor joy was the rule in this numerous and teacher at the college. siblings. Roger had always remained very attached to his family. He was This is how he arrived at the himself loved by all, and the many novitiate of Maison-Carrée in 1952. brothers and sisters, nephews and There, he enjoyed community life little nephews who came to his fu- and was very happy. He wrote: neral, prove the place he held in “However, the little I remember of the family. it, is the day the Novice Master

90 PROFILES told me in front of the whole com- our undergraduate candidates. It munity that I was like a duck under was the end of forty years of teach- whose feathers water did not pen- ing and accompanying students. etrate”. “One regret, he said, was that I After one year in Carthage and hadn’t gotten into an African lan- one year in Thibar, he was ordained guage; I was always told: “You a priest in Carthage on April 10th, don’t have time now, you’ll do that 1955 by Bishop Montaigne, former later...”. Apostolic curate of Beijing. Then In 1998, saw the beginning of there were years of study in Rome: a new phase in his life. He was ap- one year at the Gregorian University pointed to Jerusalem to take care for the degree in dogmatic theology of the magazine “Proche Orient and two magnificent years, he says, chrétien”. He became its secretary, at the Jesuit Fathers’ Biblical In- which involved the administration stitute for the degree in biblical of subscriptions and everything sciences. around them, the formatting of the In 1958, he was appointed to proposed texts in French, and also the novitiate in Gap: he taught the reviews of some books on the re- Gospels. alities of the Eastern Churches. At the same time, he was rector of St. 1964: Major seminary of Murhe- Anne’s Basilica. For three years sa in Congo. He was alone to teach he was also deputy head of the dogmatics and the Bible in all years. Ethiopia Near East (EPO) section. He was also in charge of the li- “It taught me to listen and observe, brary. and to admire the work done in From 1974 to 1987: major semi- Ethiopia by our first confreres there. nary in Bujumbura, Burundi. These The Holy Father, at the invitation were his best years, he said. But in of the Bishop of Adigrat, had asked 1987 he was like most fathers “allowed the Missionaries of Africa to help to leave Burundi permanently”. the local Ethiopian rite Church to develop itself, in particular by taking After a year of study at the In- charge of the major seminary, draw- stitut Catholique de Lyon, he was ing inspiration from what we were appointed to Lille and then to Fri- doing in Jerusalem when the Greek bourg in Switzerland to support Melkite seminary was there. »

91 PROFILES

On August 10th, 2009, Roger was appointed to the retirement made a terrible fall down the stairs home in Billère at the end of 2009: of the basilica. Here is what he he has difficulty walking and his says: “Four months in various hos- thoughts are a little confused. How- pitals in Jerusalem and Paris. With ever, one of his friends from fracture of the left brow bone, im- Jerusalem was kind enough to pick pressive hematoma behind and him up, accompany him to above the right eye, blindness in Jerusalem for eight days and bring the left eye. As an unexpected but him back to Billère: it was a great impressive consequence for me, I joy for Roger. His condition only regained consciousness after several deteriorated rapidly. He could no months in a coma, in an Israeli longer move, then talk, communi- hospital, among a group of nurses cate... and finally it was several and caregivers.” years in a semi coma. Not a word of complaint from him. The staff “They were there, a group of of the house cared for him with sick people, including me, Israelis, great kindness and delicacy. Muslims, and Christians, including some sisters, revealing to me, daz- He died on the 11th October zled by what can be the love of a 2019. The funeral was held in our man penetrated by the love of God. chapel. Twenty members of his I was filled with God’s love and family joined the community, which gratitude for leading me to this ex- proves Roger’s place among his perience. This continued some time family. One of his nephews, a priest later during another visit when one in Malestroit in Morbihan, presided of them began to call out to me by at Mass. singing my name: “Roger Corazon” which I interpreted as meaning “Even if in us the outer man “Roger of my heart”; it was then goes towards his ruin, the inner renewed each time this group ar- man renews himself day by day” 2 rived in the room; from the door Cor 4:16 we heard this same loving, free, Roger leaves us with the memory and respectful exclamation, always of a confrere with whom it is good as expressive of the Presence of to live, and a model of a White Fa- Our Father.” ther missionary. Bishop Claude The after-effects of this fall and Rault gave his testimony: “I had long coma were profound. Roger the joy of forming a community

92 PROFILES with Roger in 1995-1997 in Fri- Thank you Roger for everything bourg, where he taught the Bible you’ve done, always discreetly. during the spiritual year. I appreci- Thank you for being this colleague ated him for his love of Africa, of whom we will keep an excellent and his humour also in community. memory. Roger also had good judgment and his good humour did a lot of good Bertrand Gayet around him.

93 PROFILES

Jos Leys 1934 - 2019

where he took his missionary oath on July the 5th, 1958 and was ordained priest on February the 2nd, 1959. In the meantime his parents had left Belgium and moved to Montmorency in France. His spiritual directors appreciate his open and cordial character. Jos has a lot of common sense, he is well-balanced, devoted and charitable, rather calm, even phlegmatic. He is slow to act, but persevering once he is committed. He doesn’t take much interest in studying. He always fin- ishes written exams in record time, but his answers are usually ad rem. He is rather shy, yet at ease in a community. He has difficulty ex- os Leys - officially registered pressing himself; he is a bit rough as Joseph - was born in at times. Ghent in East Flanders on the 11th of July 1934, the eldest of He asked for and received his J appointment for what was still a family of six children. After primary school in Ghent and Uccle, called Baudouinville, now Kirungu. he attended the classical humanities On October 12th 1959 he flew to at the Collège Saint-Jean Berchmans Congo and became a teacher at the in Brussels. In September 1952 he minor seminary of Lusaka, where started studying philosophy with he also had to learn the language. the White Fathers in Boechout. His Barely a year later he was appointed brother Edouard would later follow curate in Mukatano. At the begin- him there. Jos did the novitiate in ning of 1962 he worked for a few Varsenare and theology in Heverlee, months in Lumono, then he was

94 PROFILES put in charge of the bursar’s office he underwent a renewal course at in Lyapenda. In December 1962 Thy-le-Château and make the long he returned as a teacher at the retreat in Rome. On his return Jos minor seminary, which in the mean- is sent to Lubumbashi, to the Charles time had been transferred to Bau- Lwanga parish. Not for long, how- douinville (Kapulo). In September ever, because in November 1979 1963 he was sent as curate and the diocese of his first love, Bau- bursar to Mateo (Albertville), where douinville, asked for him as curate he stayed until his first leave in in Kala. September 1964. In March 1965 he was appointed bursar in Lusaka Freddy Heinz, regional, describes and director of the boarding school. him as an excellent confrere, a little It was there that he learned that his nonchalant no doubt, but “below a brother Edouard had returned to certain roundness a magnificent secular life. In July 1968 Jos was and generous heart”. He is close to again sent to the regional minor the people, whose sorrows and seminary in Baudouinville. The worries he shares, like the Good school year ended with a revolt of Shepherd of the Gospel. In Sep- the minor seminarians, to which tember 1982 Jos was appointed to the bishop, Mgr Mulolwa, puts an Lyapenda in Marungu. There he end by expelling the upper classes. teams up with Swaenepoel (+), When he returned from his leave Hensberghe (+) and lay helper René at the end of August 1969 Jos found Suys. Some outstations of the parish the seminary transformed into the are located 130 km away, on the “Kaoze College”, restarted with border with Zambia. In November only the lower classes of the hu- 1983 he had his left kidney removed manities. He taught there and was in Herent and returned to Lyapenda. the accountant. His community is In May 1991 he was appointed then composed of Jan(neke) Peeters parish priest of Kala. The following (+), Jean Boulanger (+), Henri year, after the Session/Retreat in Derue, André Thijs, some Belgian Jerusalem, he was sent as curate to lay teachers and a Congolese. Father Kirungu. His father died in De- Michielsen, regional, writes: “Gives cember 1991 and his mother a few the impression of being rather su- months later. In 1993 Jos was put perficial. Without being brilliant, in charge of the chaplaincy of the is a good teacher”. Jos will stay Legion of Mary in the deanery of there until 1975. During his leave Moba-Sud. On New Year’s Day

95 PROFILES

1994 his sister Detty died, she who At the beginning of November welcomed him so well during his 2008 he joined our community of home leave. At the beginning of Varsenare-Kasteel. In July 2009 January 1999 Jos became parish his condition required a transfer to priest in Kapulo. In September Avondrust. Little by little psycho- 2001 he was called to become the logical problems disturbed his nor- provincial bursar of South-East mal functioning and he had to be Zaire, a position which the confreres placed in a psychiatric institution. appreciated very much. He took After a short stay in Beernem, the the opportunity of his leave in 2002 Brothers of Charity welcomed him to attend the DMA (Missionary in May 2012 in their St. John’s Discipleship Today) session in Home in Zelzate, where he is sur- Jerusalem. In July 2003 he received rounded by competence and affec- what was to be his last appointment tion. On 15th October 2019 he in the Congo: chaplain at Fomulac passed away peacefully. in Katana. The Daughters of Mary Queen of the Apostles rejoiced to The confreres appreciated Jos. have him there and appreciated his They gladly entrusted him our sta- talks to the novices. Already at that giaires. The superiors could count time Jos was suffering from serious on him for all kinds of appointments. respiratory problems. He was too “Go!” and Jos went. The last years fat, spontaneously hated any phys- of his life were difficult, it is true, ical effort and felt comfortable only but now he has found peace near in his armchair in front of the tele- his Lord. vision. His doctor brother had pre- The funeral took place on Sat- scribed him medication for diabetes, urday 19th October 2019 in the but Jos didn’t care. His younger chapel of the Saint John Home in brother Edouard suspected early Zelzate, in the presence of his Alzheimer’s... family who had come in large num- At the end of his regular leave bers from France and of many of in 2007, he was retained in Belgium. his confreres. Jef Vleugels

96 PROFILES

PAUL GILARDEAU 1935 - 2019

was thinking of doing later. And he answered that he wanted to become a “White Father”. And this memory of his childhood accompanied him throughout his youth. It was like a call that he had received and to which he answered “yes”. He did his primary studies at the Deaf-Mute Institution in Mon- treal. He continued his secondary studies at St-Ignace College in Rose- mont and at the Externat Classique Saint-Viateur in Montreal. During his youth, he was an impassioned cyclist. At the age of 19, he toured aul was born in Montreal Quebec by bicycle. at St. John the Baptist Parish on the 22nd of Feb- He entered the novitiate of the ruary 1937. He was the son of the White Fathers in St-Martin de Laval P on August 7th, 1956. He greatly late Horace Gilardeau and Gilberte Dumoulin. He had one sister, appreciated this spiritual year. The Monique and two brothers, Claude following year, he entered the East- and Jean. view Scholasticate in the suburbs of Ottawa for theological studies. His vocation began when he He pronounced his missionary oath was five years old. One Sunday, at on June 18th, 1960. During this pe- Mass, a missionary bishop, a White riod of formation, he enjoyed study- Father from Africa, came to give ing Islam and he even gave lectures the homily. After Mass, this bishop on this subject. At the end of his met him and asked him what he theological studies, he asked to be

97 PROFILES sent anywhere in Africa but he closed. Paul was then invited to wanted to be in contact with Mus- return to pastoral work in a Christian lims. One of his professors wrote environment. He returned to Canada about him on the eve of his oath: to rest a little. “Excellent confrere, very well bal- And a few days before returning anced. I think it’s a vocation of to Burundi, the General Council choice.” He was ordained to the th asked him to go instead to Lubum- priesthood on January 28 , 1961, bashi in Congo. He wrote: “I had still in Eastview. been in Burundi for eleven years. I On August 25th, 1961, he left knew the language and the mentality for Europe. After a pastoral course well. I felt at home there. They at Mours, he was sent to Burundi had assimilated me, transformed to work among the Muslims of the me. Coming out of Burundi was capital. But first he was asked to like pulling a fish out of the water. learn Kirundi and for six years he In Lubumbashi, I had to learn how devoted himself to pastoral work to live again.” with the Christian Barundis. Then So from 1973, we find him in he was appointed to Buyenzi, a Congo, in Lubumbashi, as parish suburb of Bujumbura, where there priest until 1992. In 1989, there are mostly Muslims, mostly from was a question of an appointment Congo. He learned Kiswahili. It is in Canada for missionary animation. around the creation of a sports But because of his strong reluctance, centre he built that contacts with they preferred to appoint him to this population were created. A Kalémie, in another diocese. His beautiful fraternity was born where Regional Superior wrote about him Christians and Muslims were happy in 1989: “Paul is serious. He is a to meet and fraternize. man of God. He prays. He abhors everything that is false. He is zeal- Then came the violent events ous, close to the people. He is be- of 1972 during which thousands ginning to have health problems, of people died, including some back pain. He’s always been riding priests whom Paul knew. Mission- a motorcycle. He’ll be 52 years aries were suspected and some were old soon.” expelled. The confrere with whom he worked at Buyenzi was thrown That same year, he had a heart out. The sports centre has to be attack in Kalemia during a liturgical

98 PROFILES celebration and was evacuated to Two months later he was as- Brussels where he underwent four signed to the Afrika Centre. He bypasses. His rehabilitation was was very much appreciated by all done in Belgium with physiotherapy those who came to the Centre. His treatments. He then went to Rome welcome was warm and his atten- for a year of study at the pastoral tion to each person was unique. section of PISAI. On the morning of October 17th, The following year, he was he was found dead in his room, backin Burundi. He was parish probably the victim of a cardiac priest in Bujumbura from 1993 to arrest. He was 82 years old, 59 2012. On July 1st, 2012, Paul re- years of missionary life in Burundi, turned to Canada for health reasons. Congo and Canada. He wrote this in April: “I would like to leave with only two suitcases Upon learning of his death, Bishop for the trip and leave nothing behind. Placide Lubamba of Kasongo, Congo, They say that to leave is to die a wrote to the Provincial: “It is with little, for me it will be to die a little great sadness that I hear the news of much.” He had heart surgery the Baba Paulo’s death...His generosity following year. in favour of the diocese of Kasongo will remain engraved in our Fr. Gilardeau was appointed to hearts...May his soul rest in peace...”. the Provincial House where his His funeral took place on Octo- confreres kept the most beautiful th memories of him. He liked to ber 24 , 2019, in Notre Dame de put his skills at the service of Lourdes Chapel in Montreal. After those who had problems with their Mass, the remains were cremated computers. and the urn was laid to rest in the St-Martin Parish Cemetery in Laval. Jacques Charron.

99 PROFILES

Maurits Van Genechten 1938 - 2019

Varsenare and took his missionary oath on June the 28th 1963 in Hev- erlee, where he was ordained priest on June the 29th 1964. Maurits had a joyful, optimistic, cheerful and lively character. He was pleasant in his interactions, a good element in the community. He was sometimes a bit rough, a bit of a bushman. He was never in a hurry, always arrived too late. He was intelligent, but got carried away too quickly and was too influenced by his sensitivity. Maurits has a strong pastoral sense and he preached very well. He was a gifted musician and he accompanied Gregorian chant on the organ. He had a great hold on aurits - officially reg- young people and did good work istered as Maurice - with the scouts of Heverlee. Ac- nd was born on the 2 of cording to his leaders, he would AugustM 1938 in Hove in the be an excellent ‘propagandist’... province of Antwerp. His father was a teacher. Maurits was the And that’s what happened... After youngest of six children. After pri- his ordination Maurits was appoint- mary school in Hove and the sixth ed propagandist in Antwerp in Sep- Latin class at the St. John Berch- tember 1964. Maurits confessed mans College in Antwerp, Maurits that he was too inexperienced to continued his secondary school at talk about the missions he had the minor seminary in Hoogstraten. never set foot in and too immature In 1957 he joined the White Fathers to preach retreats. In January 1966 in Boechout, did the novitiate in he was, despite his explicit request

100 PROFILES for the AOF (French West Africa), of touring that very few will be appointed to the Congo, at Aru, in able to keep up with. In October the diocese of Mahagi. The fol- 1978, he took classes in more, the lowing year he was curate at Essebi, language of the Mossi people, who then at Ariwara. In 1969 he returned came to Bama in large numbers in to Essebi as parish priest. His im- search of less arid lands. In 1978, pulsive reactions ended in conflicts during his leave, he attended the with the teachers, with the Con- retreat session in Jerusalem. In De- golese sisters and finally also with cember 1982, he became the parish the bishop who sent him on “ex- priest of Bama. His parish had 58 tended leave”. He took the oppor- villages. He writes: “Those who tunity to study missiology and an- are somewhat aware of the distances thropology at the University of to be covered here, of the “Tower Louvain. Maurits then offered to of Babel” of languages in our coun- go and work among the Logbara try, of the masses of illiterates, can immigrants in Uganda, but this get an idea of the slowness with project was considered unrealistic. which we are advancing. But more Maurits then opted for Upper Volta and more young people are getting (Burkina Faso). involved...” Maurits planned many constructions and knew how to At that time the White Fathers find the money to carry them out. had two regions there; for Maurits Thanks to the Pontifical Missionary it became West Volta. At the be- Societies he received a vehicle. ginning of September 1974 he But the Belgian Province called learned Bambara, the most wide- him back for missionary animation. spread language, in Falaje, Mali, As a preparation, at the end of Au- elsewhere called Dioula. He then gust 1984, he returned to his country went to Bama in the diocese of by car, crossing Niger, the Sahara Bobo-Dioulasso; in this parish four and North Africa . languages were spoken. His community had three White Fathers At the beginning of January and two diocesan priests. Father 1985 he moved to the “Blauwe Puiroux, the Regional Superior, Torre” in Varsenare. Our animators notes that Maurits “has adapted were working in schools and mis- well from all points of view, that sionary circles, giving lectures, he has a facility for the language preaching recollections, organizing and that he has taken on a rhythm youth camps and putting the Centre

101 PROFILES at the disposal of schools and youth Kalmthout. After a few years he movements. In May 1985 Maurits needed a change and went back to became a member of the National Burkina in July 2000 for the parish Vocational Centre. Hubert Huy- of Dori in the diocese of Fada N’- brechts, provincial, testified: “Mau- Gourmi. Maurits was diabetic and rits succeeds very well with young had to undergo several bypasses. people and he gives himself body He continued, however, unable to and soul to this work of animation. refuse service. He regularly fell He is full of enthusiasm and is asleep at the wheel. In September very enthusiastic about young peo- 2003, he returned to Konadougou, ple.” Maurits also organized ex- where the climate is milder. After perimental trips with young people having built four multi-purpose to Mali and Burkina Faso. He ac- halls, he returned to Belgium in tively participated in the organiza- June 2005 and became a parish tion of the RMI (International Mis- priest in Merksem. He follows the sionary Route). In 1988 Maurits 60+ session in Rome. Several times joined our community in Leuven, the new bishop of Banfora visited from where he continued the ani- Maurits in Merksem and invited mation in the Antwerp region. him to come and found a new parish in Subaga. In 2010 Maurits In November 1991 he returned accepted and put his superiors in to Africa. The bishop of Bobo- front of the “fait accompli”. He Dioulasso appointed him curate in found the necessary funds and built Konadougou. Maurits accepted on the new parish. In June 2011 he condition that he learned Senoufo. had to be urgently repatriated, but The parish was 50% Muslim, 40% he completed his work, including animist and only 1% Christian. a secondary school for girls. Maurits was especially in charge of catechesis. He built rooms where In June 2015 Maurits returns the pupils can come to study and for good. He accepted the chap- find reading material. Readjusting laincy of the Little Sisters of the to Burkina was not easy. He had Poor in ‘t Kiel (Antwerp). The in- trouble with any form of authori- habitants of the home appreciated tarianism. In 1996 he returned to this jovial, cheerful and deeply be- Belgium for a sabbatical year (Lu- lieving chaplain. At the end of 2018 men Vitae). In October 1996 he Maurits had a heart attack. He was appointed parish priest in proved to be a difficult patient. In

102 PROFILES

June 2019 he joined Avondrust in Africa or in Flanders. Maurits (Varsenare). His dementia pro- replied: “Happiness is in the heart. gressed. He died on the 17th of Oc- The figure of Jesus is the red thread tober. We buried him on the 24th. of my life and you can be attached to Jesus everywhere. » In 2013 the weekly Tertio asked him where he had been happiest, Jef Vleugels

103 PROFILES

Henk van Kessel 1926 – 2019

Henk was of a calm disposition, an introvert, steady and zealous. The Rector of the minor seminary wrote 26th April 1945: “A rather thick bark has to be removed, then a ‘fresh’ core will appear”. He had to conquer a certain shyness to show his qualities. He had a sound judgment, was a thorough careful worker, and a good listener. He was warmhearted, ever ready to render service. On 30th September 1952 he left for Zambia, Chikowa parish, where he studied Nyanja, language and culture. It was a real first evange- lisation: the whole parish had hardly enk (his relatives called 200 catholics, most outstations not him Hendrik) was born more than 10 or even less. The th 7 Septembre 1926 at area was remote, with difficult th Dinther,H the 9 of 13 children. communications. During the rainy- Of the 11 boys 5 became a priest, season, end November until May, 2 White Canon (Norbertine), 2 roads were impassable for motor- diocesan, and Henk M.Afr. To be- cycles or cars. Once he had to leave come a missionary he followed our his motorcycle behind and walk formation in St.Charles near Boxtel, home. Even a bicycle on the way ‘s-Heerenberg, and Monteviot, Scot- to a outstation had to be regularly land, where he took the missionary carried. oath 19th November 1951, and was ordained in Galashiels 31st May In 1955 he moved to Minga 1952. parish, where he stayed 6 years. His regional superior wrote Febru-

104 PROFILES ary 1959: “The most remarkable is Katete again, and 28th Novembre his imperturbability: he speaks with 1978 Lumezi. There he became a soft voice, does not drive too the parish priest and stayed for fast, and does not take any risk. over 11 years. Being 52 he had to He is a friendly confrère, very reg- learn there a new language and ular, he considers and does things culture, Timbuka. With his steady in the spirit of the gospel”. The and systematic way of learning lan- next regional superior in 1961 did guages, and with his perseverance, knock something off it, but the ap- he succeeded quite well. Regarding preciation of Henk remained. all the parishes where he lived and worked, his regional superior wrote: In 1961 he was for 6 months in “No office is better kept, no fami- Kanyanga parish, but on his own ly-data and registers are better up- request he was moved to Chikungu to-date”. That could cause tension parish. After 3 months this was with community-members who discontinued due to the death of a were less precise. He was an adept confrère in Minga. February 1962 of the established order, while others he was asked to temporarily replace followed a more renewing approach. this confrère because he knew the The best intentions on both sides people and situation in Minga as could not prevent that some tensions he had been there for 6 years. He occurred among them. However, would be able to advise the parish- Henk was recognised as someone priest, which he did generously. In with common sense and a large 1963 he moved to Naviruli parish. experience. In that period the liturgical renewal had to be implemented. He suc- End 1989 he moved for the third time to Minga parish. Comment of ceeded in it quite well, but according th to some the celebrations could have Henk in a letter 18 August 1990: been somewhat livelier. “I had not suspected that it would take me so long to get used to Then there is a succession of Minga again. The reason of course several parishes; in all those he is that I stayed for 11 years in the dedicated himself whole-heartedly same place (Lumezi) and that there and with enthousiasm, taking in- I did what I wished or thought that terest in the people and the area : was good. Here in Minga of course 1966 Chadiza, 1967 Katete, 1970 other norms of ‘what is good’ are Chikungu, 1974 Msipazi, 1975 used”. His bishop praised him in a

105 PROFILES letter 30th October 1992: “I can say From 2011 onwards he came three things about Henk van Kessel: for home-leave every 2 years. So 1) Among his fellow-priests he is again in 2019; after 2 months quiet a model for keeping the parish- enjoyment, visiting relatives and registers up-to-date; 2) He managed friends, and cycle-trips in the coun- to learn two languages in the diocese try-side enjoying nature, he left almost perfectly such as few are again 20th August 2019, not sus- able to; 3) He is one of the very pecting that this time it would be few who accepted appointments in for a very short duration. On 23th the North and the South of the dio- October 2019 he returned to the cese without any problem”. Netherlands because of a serious illness. Examinations showed that In 1996 Henk had to go on sick- treatment was no longer possible. leave to the Netherlands. He died peacefully 31st December On 17th March 1997 the bishop 2019 in a home with palliative care appointed him in the diocesan town close to his relatives. At the time Chipata as his secretary and for of his dying his confreres were in the diocesan archives. Henk did a New Year’s Eve service, where that for 8 years to the satisfaction they prayed for him by name, while of both. On 30th August 2003 he 3 of his nephews and nieces were was appointed in addition the offi- affectionately around “uncle Hen- cialis for marriage-cases. On 12th drik”. May 2005 he handed over and left Together with relatives and for the Netherlands on sick-leave. friends we buried him in our After examination and treatment St.Charles Heythuysen cemetery he could return to Chipata, now 6th January 2020. for pastoral work. He would help- out in the diocesan secretariat, and The characteristic of Jesus which teach the Chewa-language to one Henk highlighted in his life was: or more missionaries when there “He will rise and give him whatever were candidates. he needs”. Luke 11, 8 In 2015 he received the Order Marien van den Eijnden of Orange-Nassau. and Jozef de Bekker

106 PROFILES

JEAN CORDESSE 1925 - 2019

One evening in 1938, when he was in eighth grade, his family received a visit from a White Father cousin who had just spent 10 years in the curateiate of Bangweolo, in Northern Rhodesia, now Zambia. It was then that he decided to join the White Fathers. Then came the war years. He was received at rue Friant to express his desire to become a White Father missionary, and it was decided to send him to the novitiate in Tournus to learn Latin, and then to do another year of Latin in Paris. And finally it was the start of his philosophy studies at Kerlois, from September ean was born on 2th Decem- 1945 to July 1947. Jean wrote a ber 1925, in Paris (IV), the long time afterwards: “Those were second son of small shop- the two best years of my life! » keepers,J also born in Paris, but of In 1947 he returned to Maison Lozerian origin on his father’s side, Carrée for his novitiate. He then and Auvergne on his mother’s side. did his scholasticate at s’Heerenberg In his childhood, they moved to in Holland, then finished his for- settle near the St-Michel fountain mation at Monteviot (Scotland), in the Latin Quarter. He did his sec- where he took his oath on the 29th ondary studies at the École des May 1952, received the diaconate Francs Bourgeois, with the Brothers two days later, and was ordained of the Christian Schools, and passed priest there on the 6th January 1953. his Math-elem baccalaureate. It was in this school that he very quickly During the years of his forma- thought of becoming a priest. tion, it was stressed that John was

107 PROFILES a good student, that he had a strong difficult, but he worked hard. He will and was energetic. He can be liked to teach catechism to cate- very cordial, and sometimes hy- chumens, to children of the 1st com- per-sensitive. Some find him a little munion, to the confirmandi. John stubborn, demanding... The remarks loved to teach; he had the heart of a of his formators are often very di- catechist. With his experience, he vergent about his character. But later wrote a simple and practical those who have lived with him on catechism (questions - answers) in mission would say that he was very two volumes. Unfortunately, this hard-working, generous, sometimes catechism did not become the official reserved and secretive, sometimes catechism of the Bemba speaking jovial and smiling. dioceses; another official catechism He left for Zambia at the end of appeared at the same time. In 1963, June 1953, where he began to learn he was appointed curate in Lubwe the Bemba language, in the Diocese for one year, then curate at Mansa of Mansa, in Lubwe. The population Cathedral where he spent three years. was strongly Catholic, the fathers In September 1967, he made having arrived there in 1905. Jean, the great retreat at Villa Cavalletti rather shy, found it difficult to mix in Italy. Jean had health problems with the inhabitants and learn the and had to stay in France for some language. But he succeeded little time. One year in the community by little and finally spoke and wrote of Chaumontel, then 6 months in it very well. the Community of Bordeaux. Jean spent most of his missionary He returned to Zambia in the life in this diocese of Mansa, near diocese of Mansa to be appointed lakes, swamps and large rivers. In curate at Twingi in September 1969, 1994, 41 years later, he left for the then parish priest of the same parish North-East in the diocese of Mbala. st from 1 January 1973 until the end In 1955 he was appointed curate of 1979. This immense parish was in Chibote. He was superior in situated in the heart of the swamps Nsakaluba from 1957 to 1963. There, of Lake Bangweolo. Jean enjoyed the Catholic population was much it immensely. He loved the water, smaller, there were many Protestants, boating, and sometimes fishing for Jehovah’s Witnesses, Seventh Day tiger fish and hunting ducks. Over Adventists... John found this change the 55 years of his life in Zambia,

108 PROFILES

Jean spent 34 years on the shores back to the north of the diocese of of Lake Bangweolo with its Mansa, on the shores of Lake swamps, and on the shores of Lake Mweru, parish priest of Kashikishi. Mweru. In these areas where many After many years in the diocese are fishermen, the population was of Mansa, a great turning point in sometimes harsh, because life is his life is about to take place. In hard: malaria, lack of food, famine fact, in 1994, rather disappointed in some years, drowning... He loved not to be invited to continue his the people of these places, and ministry there, he left for the Dio- often went on his dear boat to visit cese of Mbala, in the North-East the islands and spend several days of Zambia, south of Lake Tan- there. There he was fully happy: ganyika. But he became accustomed he taught, he celebrated the Eu- to his new environment and resumed charist, he confessed, he visited his tours tirelessly to teach and the sick. So that he could give the build churches. For Jean was also best of himself, it was preferable a builder; how many churches and that Jean be the parish priest, be- chapels did he not build in his life! cause he preferred to make the de- He was generous with his assets, cisions himself. especially for large projects. He On the 1st January 1979, he was loved life, a good little beer or a appointed curate of Mansa Cathe- glass of wine from time to time. dral. In November 1982, he left But his lifestyle was always very for the north of the Diocese, on the simple, he knew how to be content shores of Lake Mweru, to become with little. parish priest of the parishes of Jean also spent a great deal of Kashikishi and Rosario. In January his free time during the week, com- 1985, he went back south on the puterizing the parish registers of shores of Lake Bangweolo: curate the Archdiocese of Kasama, and in Samfya, then parish priest of he started those of the Diocese of the same parish. At the end of Mpika. All his life, his work in the 1986, he returned to his beloved parish registers was of great accu- parish of Twingi, in the swamps. racy. At the end of 1990, he attended In 1996, Jean attended the ses- the retreat session in Jerusalem. sion in Jerusalem, then the session On his return to Zambia, he went of the 70+ in Rome at the beginning

109 PROFILES of 1998. His mother, to whom he work in the parish and in the dioce- was very attached, died in April san registers. 1998. Jean had taken great care of her during her last years. Jean was Jean agreed to return to France able to go back to Zambia in May for good in 2008. After a brief stay 1998, to the north of the diocese of in rue Friant, then in Bry sur Marne, Mbala. At the end of 1999, he was he left for the south, to Billère- Pau. He returned to the Lord on hospitalized in Lusaka, suffering a st lot from his back, and had to be October 1 , 2019. sent back to France for treatment. All his life Jean has had the In 1999, several parishes in the soul of a child, a great simplicity. north of the diocese of Mbala were It is perhaps not by chance that he attached to the archdiocese of died on the feast day of Saint Kasama. At the end of 2001, Jean Therese of the Child Jesus, for his became curate in the parish of spirituality was that of the little Sainte-Anne in Kasama. He coura- way. In spite of his poor health, he geously continued touring, building, knew how to be a true missionary instruction... In July 2002 he cele- of Africa, totally given to the service brated his Golden Jubilee. In 2003, of the Zambians whom he loved he and three other confreres were deeply and to the Word of God savagely attacked at night by which he knew how to meditate thieves. But this did not discourage and explain in his teachings. Jean who continued his regular Jean-Louis Godinot

110 Politique de confidentialité pour la protection des données personnelles

Afin de vous envoyer ce magazine, nous tenons votre nom et votre adresse sur notre liste de diffusion. Nous utilisons ces données uniquement pour vous envoyer notre magazine et de temps en temps d’autres communications. Nous ne donnons, ne vendons ou ne partageons jamais vos données avec aucune autre organisation. Vous pouvez consulter notre politique de confidentialité complète sur www.mafrome.org Vous pouvez vous désabonner en tout temps, cesser de recevoir ce magazine et faire retirer votre nom et votre adresse de notre liste d’envoi dans un délai de 30 jours : - En nous écrivant par courrier à l’adresse suivante : Il Segretario Amministrativo, Via AURELIA, 269 I - 00165 Roma Italia -par e-mail à : [email protected] Les Missionnaires d’Afrique (Pères Blancs) enregistré : N°949100 (Attività Organizzazioni Religiose) CONTENTS FOREWORD 3 ROME “The white sheet” Freddy Kyombo PROFILES 6 Angus Shelton 11 Olano Z. José Antonio 17 Monnier André 20 Lepers Jean 24 Costantini Paolo 30 Fisset Jean 34 Vankrunkelsven Joris 37 Tomás Gómez José 41 Fitzgerald Patrick 45 Martin Guy 48 Gouin Pierre 51 Gülle Johannes 54 Humblet Pierre 57 Doutreuwe Vincent 61 de Clebsattel Augustin 64 Nonnon François 68 Müller Bernfried 71 Hengartner Wendelin 73 Lenssen Jan 78 Lussier Germain 81 Richard Jean-Guy 84 Lebrou André 87 Mauriaucourt Pierre 90 Merceron Roger 94 Leys Joseph 97 Gilardeau Paul 100 Van Genechten Maurice 104 Henk Van Kessel 107 Jean Cordesse

https://mafrome.org http://www.msolafrica.org