The Provincial Delegate of Belgium published some testimonies received at the announcement of the death of Father Herman Bastijns. We thought we should share them with you.
It is with emotion that we receive here the news of Herman’s unexpected death. The news reached us just at the time of the Eucharistic celebration of the community at 6:15 pm. We thanked the Lord for his presence among us and for his contribution to the Society and beyond. During the meal that followed, with Stan, we talked about Herman, his family bond, the ways he marked us, his place in the history of the Society. His contributions in the fields of initial and ongoing formation have enriched many. And later his retreats, and also his recollections published on the web. His life and legacy are an encouragement to us all. In communion of prayer, while we also think of his own.
Fraternally,
André-Léon SIMONART, General House – Rome
Bethlehem, 09/08/2018
Thank you for informing me of Herman’s death. He was one of the formators when I came into contact with the White Fathers in Leuven. Since then, he has always inspired me with his deep prayer life and dedication. My deepest condolences.
+Jan De Groef, M.Afr.
I am very touched by the return to the Father of Herman Bastijns with whom I had started the Ruzizi seminary and whom I had even had for a time as a formator at the Vital Decoster in the past. He also prepared me to succeed him for the Roman sessions 8 years ago. He had become for me a brother, a friend and a spiritual advisor. I can’t measure everything I owe him. May the Lord welcome him in his tenderness.
Fraternally,
Bernard Ugeux (Bukavu)
Thank you! I immediately transmitted the announcement to all our sisters. This is a death that will surprise many, for Herman was well known to many! We pray with you and with the confreres of Varsenare. Two deaths in a few days is hard to live with. Courage to manage all this…
Friendly regards, Suzy Haderman (MSOLA)
Receive my condolences for the death of Herman Bastijns, the great philosopher. I spent a good year with him in Kahangala in 1989 and learned a lot. I appreciated his intellectual, material, liturgical and spiritual talents. I will be in union of prayers with you at his funeral.
Fraternally,
Patrick Bataille, Provincial delegate for France