Jean naquit en France le 12 février 1918. Il était le quatorzième d’une famille de seize enfants. Parmi eux, Auguste sera aussi prêtre dans le diocèse du Puy. La famille est enracinée dans la paroisse de Montregard. C’est là, sur les hauts plateaux, entre Velay et Vivarais, que Jean passera les quarante dernières années de sa vie.

Après des études secondaires au Collège du Sacré-Cœur d’Yssingeaux, Jean a commencé sa formation à Kerlois, puis Année spirituelle à Thibar et début de la théologie. Mais le déclenchement de la deuxième guerre mondiale, en 1939, va bouleverser sa vie. Fait prisonnier à Markkleeberg près de Leipzig, il fut envoyé chez un horticulteur. Il aimait raconter cette période de sa vie où il avait passé la guerre à planter des fleurs ! L’aumônier du K. L. 43, l’abbé Guétré, a témoigné de l’influence bénéfique de Jean : “Le Komando 43 était fervent et très uni, du fait de la présence de Jean Fayard, homme de confiance qui avait l’estime générale de ses subordonnés.” Néanmoins, ces années de captivité ont aussi été un temps d’épreuves pour Jean. Lors de la célébration de son jubilé d’or d’ordination, il partagea toutes les difficultés qu’il avait dû vivre pendant cette période.

De retour en Tunisie, Jean termine ses études de théologie. Ses formateurs soulignent deux grandes qualités chez lui : bon sens et intelligence pratique. Il fera son serment missionnaire le 27 juin 1949 et sera ordonné prêtre le 1er février 1950 à Carthage. Il est nommé au diocèse de Karema - Sumbawanga au Tanganyika (Tanzanie aujourd’hui). Après un court séjour à Claughton Hall pour un stage d’anglais, il part pour l’Afrique de l’Est. C’est dans la paroisse de Mwazye, où il fera plusieurs séjours, qu’il s’est mis sérieusement à l’étude de la langue.

De Mwazye, il passera à Kate comme supérieur de la mission, puis retour à Mwazye. C’est de la paroisse d’Ulumi qu’il partira en France en 1959 pour son premier congé. Grande retraite à Mours et nouveau départ pour la Tanzanie. Après son second congé en France, en 1966, il est nommé supérieur à la paroisse de Laela. Comme la plupart des paroisses du diocèse à cette époque, Laela est une grande paroisse, avec de nombreux villages et des distances importantes. Tout le savoir-faire de Jean se montre très utile : il répare, construit, bricole et passe pas mal de temps à des tâches matérielles. Mais il visite aussi les jeunes communautés chrétiennes. Ses supérieurs notent qu’il est parfois trop indulgent en acceptant facilement des catéchumènes au baptême.

La Déclaration d’Arusha du Président Nyerere a lancé la politique d’Ujamaa avec le choix du kiswahili comme langue nationale. Les révoltes étudiantes en Europe, la contestation dans l’Église, tout cela va marquer fortement Jean. Dans une réponse à une enquête de la Province de France en 1969, il écrit : “Dans les conditions actuelles où nous travaillons ici et dans l’incertitude absolue du lendemain, je n’oserais jamais conseiller à un jeune homme de se faire missionnaire à titre définitif à moins d’être quelqu’un qui réellement cherche l’aventure.” Plus tard, Jean avouera que ses dernières années en Afrique auront été difficiles et qu’il n’a pas été heureux.

Fin 1971, il revient en France en congé mais ne repartira pas en Tanzanie. Il a pris contact avec l’évêque du Puy qui lui a proposé la paroisse du Mas de Tence. Il y passera quarante ans !
Un nouveau chapitre s’ouvre pour Jean. Le Mas de Tence est un village perché sur le plateau. L’hiver y est particulièrement rude et la neige abondante. Mais là, Jean est chez lui et heureux. En lien avec l’équipe sacerdotale du secteur, il va s’engager dans la pastorale, le mouvement des retraités, l’aumônerie d’hôpital et l’animation missionnaire. Il vit seul au presbytère mais fait communauté avec les villageois et avec sa famille : Montregard n’est qu’à une poignée de kilomètres.

En arrivant en France, Jean n’a pas laissé tomber le bricolage. Au Mas de Tence, il continue de réparer des montres et des radios pour les gens du village. Il reste en lien épistolaire avec la Province de France. Rattaché à la communauté de Ste-Foy-lès-Lyon, il y fera quelques visites. Les confrères de cette communauté et les confrères de sa région viendront régulièrement passer une journée avec lui. Jean est heureux d’accueillir ses confrères et d’échanger avec eux. Il prend alors des nouvelles de la Société et de l’Afrique.

Les années passent et Jean continue son ministère au Mas de Tence. Plusieurs Provinciaux essaieront de le ramener en communauté ou pour un service communautaire, mais rien n’y fera. Il explique ses raisons dans une lettre au Provincial, Adrien Laur, “Je suis heureux ici comme je ne l’ai jamais été de ma vie et comme je ne pourrais pas l’être non plus à Paris, parce que c’est Paris. J’aime la campagne et les montagnes. Avec les paysans du Mas, je me sens chez moi et pas un étranger comme à Sumbawanga et même à Paris.” Mais Jean ne s’est pas coupé de la Société. Il aime rencontrer des confrères et envoie régulièrement de l’argent pour aider la Province. Il participe aussi par écrit aux enquêtes avant les Chapitres.

Alors qu’il approche les quatre-vingts ans, il lui est proposé de rejoindre une maison de repos de la Province. Même réaction : je me débrouille, ne souffre aucunement de la solitude et je suis bien entouré par les gens du village et ma famille. Lorsque la pression sur lui sera plus forte, il mobilisera les gens du village, avec le maire en tête, pour une pétition demandant que Jean demeure au Mas de Tence : “Nous tenons à vous dire à quel point nous sommes attachés à sa présence. Outre son rôle pastoral, il est un peu l’âme du village et chacun est très attristé de penser à son départ.” La lettre est signée du Conseil municipal, du Mouvement des Chrétiens Retraités et de tous ses paroissiens.

C’est finalement la maladie qui le forcera à quitter son presbytère du Mas de Tence. Jean a alors 94 ans. Il va rejoindre une maison de repos à Riotord. C’est là qu’il est décédé le 18 janvier 2013. Dans l’homélie de ses funérailles, le P. Georges Volle dira : “Je crois que, tout au long de sa longue et riche existence, Jean a planté de nombreuses fleurs et en particulier celles de la simplicité, de la bonté et de la gentillesse ; celles de la patience, de l’hospitalité et de la foi”. Son corps repose dans le caveau familial.

Gérard Chabanon

Père Jean Pesser

1920 - - 2013

Jean est né le 17 juin 1920 à Clermont-sur-Berwinne, dans la province de Liège, Belgique. Il fit les six années des humanités classiques au Collège Marie-Thérèse à Herve, où il termina en 1938. Son père était ferronnier d’art et réalisa pour notre chapelle à Thy-le-Château la vigne, dessinée par l’architecte, M. Lacoste. Après une année à l’université de Liège, Jean a travaillé quelques années comme secrétaire comptable à Aubel, dans une entreprise qui fabriquait, à partir de pommes, le fameux sirop de Liège. La lecture de la revue “Grands Lacs” lui fit découvrir les Pères Blancs.

En novembre 1944, Jean entra à Thy-le-Château. Son curé écrit au supérieur : “C’est la crème de ma paroisse qui va entrer chez les Révérends Pères Blancs. Depuis son plus tendre jeune âge, Jean Pesser a mené une vie irréprochable, à tel point que ses camarades d’enfance se demandaient pourquoi il allait à confesse”. Après le noviciat à Varsenare (1946-1947), Jean fit ses études de théologie à Heverlee, où il était doyen. Il prononça son serment missionnaire le 22 juillet 1950, et fut ordonné prêtre le 24 mars 1951.
Ses professeurs le décrivent comme un homme consciencieux, homme de devoir, muni d’une forte volonté et d’un bon jugement, serviable et aimé de tous, toujours de bonne humeur. Il avait un caractère doux, humble et effacé.

Nommé au Burundi, il s’envole le 24 septembre 1951 pour ce qui était encore le Vicariat de Gitega. Il passe deux mois comme vicaire à Jenda, ensuite cinq mois à Gitwenge. En 1952, il fait six mois de stage à l’École Normale de Gitega, en préparation à sa nomination à Rutovu comme directeur de l’École d’apprentissage pédagogique, puis de l’École moyenne pédagogique.

En septembre 1957, il devient directeur de l’E.M.P. à Rusengo. Après son congé en 1960, Jean retourne à Rutovu comme professeur. “Jean est le plus régulier des professeurs de l’école ; il a le souci de sa vie spirituelle”, notait le Régional. Pourtant, la responsabilité de l’éducation des jeunes finit par trop lui peser. Il s’énerve, s’en fait, maigrit, etc. Il demande à être déchargé de sa fonction.

En octobre 1963, il est nommé à la paroisse de Bururi. En janvier 1965, il est curé à Rumeza mais, en mars 1967, il retourne à Bururi. Souvent, on le trouve trop méticuleux et trop exigeant pour le travail paroissial. En septembre 1970, Jean devient chancelier du diocèse de Bururi, où il donne aussi un coup de main à l’économat général, tout en aidant à la paroisse de Mpinga. En 1972, il est élu conseiller régional. Début 1972, il retourne comme vicaire à Rumeza, ensuite à Rutana et, en mars 1975, à Makamba.

À l’occasion du Chapitre de 1974, Jean écrit une lettre au Supérieur général ; elle fut ensuite publiée dans le Petit Écho (1975/6). Nous y découvrons le désir profond de Jean – sur l’arrière-fond des troubles que le pays a connus en 1972 – de vivre inséré dans le peuple burundais : “Nous devrions être tellement intégrés à la communauté chrétienne que nous nous sentions et que nous nous trouvions, de fait, obligés d’en partager le sort pour le meilleur et pour le pire.”

Il en dévoile ensuite l’obstacle profond : “Notre style de vie, notre richesse, nos assurances, notre appartenance à la classe des riches et à la caste sacerdotale.” Il continue : “Ce qui est tragique, c’est que nos communautés religieuses soient conçues de telle façon qu’elles nous empêchent (le mot n’est pas trop fort) non seulement de rayonner l’Évangile (ce qui ne suffit pas), mais de le pratiquer.” Il ajoute : “Sont-ce là des critiques ? Je ne le pense pas, puisqu’en écrivant ceci, je ne pense qu’à moi-même. C’est plutôt de l’autocritique, un examen de conscience…”

Après son congé en 1977, Jean est nommé professeur au séminaire des aînés à Mugera, diocèse de Gitega. En 1980, nous le trouvons à Rugari et en 1981, à Mukenke, comme vicaire. Sa préoccupation fondamentale est de savoir comment dire la foi, comment transmettre la foi ? Il consacre son temps libre à la rédaction d’une synthèse doctrinale destinée aux enseignants dont il connaît bien le monde et les modes de penser.

De Mukenke, Jean sera expulsé du pays comme tant d’autres, en mai 1986. Rentré en Belgique, il suit la session retraite à Jérusalem. Il est ensuite nommé au service administratif de Vivant Univers à Namur. Il s’en acquitte avec compétence et efficacité, tout en préparant l’informatisation du service. En novembre 1987, Jean perd son unique frère, Joseph. Entre-temps, Mgr Mpungu, évêque de Muyinga, le réclame pour son séminaire des aînés à Mutwenzi.

En août 1988, Jean peut repartir. De 1991 à mars 1999, il est chancelier du diocèse, “discret et fiable comme une montre suisse”, écrivait un confrère. Durant cette période, Jean compose un aide-mémoire pour aider les curés à faire les “états libres” (en vue du baptême et en vue du mariage). Après un congé médical en 1999, Jean retourne à Gitega. Il est responsable de la communauté jusqu’à son départ définitif en Belgique, le 16 août 2001.

En septembre 2001, Jean s’installe à Heusy. Il reste l’homme affable et souriant, vivant bien sa vieillesse. Sa vue baisse de plus en plus. Lorsqu’on décide de vendre la maison, Jean rejoint, en septembre 2008, notre communauté d’Evere. Il était presque aveugle, mais ne perdait ni le sourire ni son sens de l’humour. Les dernières semaines, il gardait le lit et mangeait de moins en moins. Il était serein et paisible. Il s’est éteint doucement le 10 avril 2013, dans l’après-midi, entouré de ses confrères.

La célébration liturgique d’adieu a eu lieu le mercredi 17 avril dans la grande chapelle du Home St-Joseph, suivie de l’enterrement à Varsenare.

Jef Vleugels

“Je suis la résurrection et la vie. Celui qui croit en moi vivra, même s’il meurt.”
(Jean 11, 25)

Père Theo Horsten

1928 - - 2013

Theo naquit à Deurne, près d’Anvers, Belgique, le 7 juin 1928, dans une famille très chrétienne. Il fut baptisé le même jour. Il fit une partie de ses études primaires et les humanités classiques chez les Jésuites, au collège Saint-François-Xavier à Borgerhout. Il y fut membre très actif de la KSA (Action Catholique Estudiantine).

En septembre 1946, il entra chez les Pères Blancs à Boechout. Après le noviciat à Varsenare, il s’embarqua le 13 septembre 1949, en compagnie de quelques autres Belges, à bord du “Ville d’Alger”, en direction de Tunis. Il prononça son serment missionnaire à Thibar le 27 juin 1952 et fut ordonné prêtre à Carthage, le 5 avril 1953. Les membres du staff le décrivent comme une personne intelligente, équilibrée, dévouée et ouverte. Il était simple dans ses relations, sportif et agréable en communauté. Ses services comme infirmier pendant les années du scolasticat furent fort appréciés. Le même staff note encore que Theo aime bien taquiner et raconter des blagues. Il le déclare apte à poursuivre des études. Aussi fut-il envoyé à Rome où il termina, en juin 1956, un doctorat en théologie, à la Grégorienne.

L’Afrique n’était pas pour tout de suite. De septembre 1956 à juin 1961, Theo a enseigné à bon nombre d’entre nous la théologie dogmatique au scolasticat de Heverlee. Et il a joué au foot ! En août 1961, il peut enfin partir : il est nommé au Rwanda, où il commence par enseigner la théologie au grand séminaire de Nyakibanda. Il est aussi professeur de dogme à l’Institut Catéchétique Africain (ICA) à Butare ; il restera attaché à cet Institut malgré ses diverses autres nominations. En effet, celles-ci se succèdent, mais toujours à l’intérieur du même diocèse de Butare : en septembre 1969, Theo est nommé directeur de l’École normale auxiliaire à Nyanza ; en février 1964, on a un besoin urgent de lui comme recteur du petit séminaire de Kansi.

Trois ans plus tard, il peut, enfin, s’initier à la pastorale paroissiale : il est vicaire et, peu après, curé de la paroisse de Cyahinda (1966-1968), ensuite de Save (1968-1970). Suit alors une période plus longue comme vicaire à Nyanza (1970-1975), ensuite comme curé à Nyamiyaga (1975-1977). En 1972, Theo est élu membre du Conseil régional. Arrivant à Kigali pour la réunion du conseil, qui de ce temps-là ne prenait qu’une demi-journée, il avait l’habitude de saluer le Père Severy, Régional, sur un ton taquin bien à lui : “Alors, Jules, qu’est-ce que tu as décidé pour nous cette fois-ci ?”

En septembre 1977, Theo est nommé directeur de l’ICA, où il est fort apprécié, tant par les étudiants que par le corps professoral. Il réussit à opérer le passage d’une formation d’un an à un cycle de deux ans. Ses cinq années à la direction de l’Institut ne furent pas une sinécure. En effet, le fondateur de l’Institut, le Père Xavier Seumois, y résidait encore – à la demande explicite des évêques – et pesait, même sans le vouloir, sur la liberté d’action de son successeur. La Région prit finalement la décision de transmettre la direction à la Conférence épiscopale.

De retour après une année sabbatique, Theo est nommé, en juillet 1984, vicaire à Muramba, dans le diocèse de Nyundo. À peine une année plus tard, il retourne à Butare, à la paroisse de Nyumba, où il sera curé pendant trois ans. En août 1988, il est nommé vicaire à Rwaza, dans le diocèse de Ruhengeri. En septembre 1991, il travaille quelques mois à Nyamirambo, dans l’archidiocèse de Kigali. En décembre, il est nommé curé à Nyamata. Début 1994, le génocide frappe durement cette région du Bugesera et les confrères se retrouvent avec une église remplie de Tutsis qui furent cruellement massacrés… “Vous ne pouvez pas vous imaginer, écrit Theo dans un rapport. Ils tenaient un bébé sens dessus dessous par les pieds et l’achevaient comme un lapin. Il y avait partout des tas de cadavres…”

Les confrères doivent quitter sous escorte militaire et gagnent la Belgique. En septembre de cette même année 1994, Théo est prêt pour repartir et se met au service de l’Institut de formation religieuse, que les circonstances avaient contraint de quitter Butare pour Bukavu au Congo. En 1995, il s’insère dans le programme de la formation permanente, organisée à Buhimba, à Maria Mama. En décembre 1996, après le passage de la rébellion de Kabila-père et l’attaque des camps des réfugiés par les nouveaux maîtres du Rwanda, Theo est rapatrié via Kigali en Belgique. C’est aussi la fin de son aventure africaine.

Un mois plus tard, nous retrouvons Theo à la paroisse de Moerkerke, en Flandre occidentale, avec une équipe de confrères, tous anciens du Rwanda. Il y passe trois années paisibles. En octobre 1997, Theo accepte la proposition des Sœurs Hospitalières de Lier et est nommé aumônier de la maison de repos “Paradis”. En août 2002, il accepte l’aumônerie de la maison de repos et de soins “Notre-Dame de la Consolation” à Zandhoven. Un désaccord sérieux avec le directeur oblige le provincial à retirer son confrère. Theo devient alors responsable de notre communauté du Boulevard Clovis, à Bruxelles.

Lorsqu’en 2007, une toute nouvelle équipe s’y installe, Theo accepte de rejoindre la communauté de Genk, au Limbourg. En février 2010, les Petites Sœurs des Pauvres, à Anvers, cherchent désespérément un aumônier et l’on fait une fois de plus appel à Theo. C’est là qu’en pleine activité, les Sœurs l’ont trouvé mort, au matin du 3 avril 2013. Disponible toute sa vie durant, Theo était prêt.

La liturgie d’adieu eut lieu dans la chapelle des Petites Sœurs des Pauvres à Anvers le samedi 6 avril, en présence d’une bonne trentaine de confrères. Theo aimait répéter : “Le meilleur est à venir !” Pour lui, c’est d’ores et déjà arrivé.

Jef Vleugels

PROFILES

Brother Serge Brossillon

1930 - - 2012

Serge was born into a big family on the 3rd May 1930 in Rochefort-sur-Mer, Charente Maritime, in the Diocese of La Rochelle, France: one of his brothers entered the Oblates while another spent some time in our seminary of Saint-Laurent d’Olt before opting for a military career. His father made stringed musical instruments and his mother was an artist. The family home was called “Villa Emilie”. He was baptised on the 9th June 1930 and confirmed on the 16th June 1941. Serge was not very academically minded and in the years 1944 to 1945, he followed some courses for black­smith, fitter, and woodwork. Following a meeting with two White Fathers, Frs. Caminade and Lecoindre, from whom he received a leaflet and two books about the White Fathers, he decided spontaneously, taking into account his aptitudes, on a Brother’s vocation.

Serge was only 16 years old when he joined the postulancy on the 1st August 1946. He did his novitiate in Tournus from October 1947 to September 1949. After each stage of his formation he took a Temporary Oath. He followed two years of technical training in Bonnelles (1950-1952) and more advanced courses in Mours. Despite his diligence, Serge was not very handy but he showed himself to be pious, obedient and thoughtful. His first appointment was to rue Friant in Paris He took his Perpetual Oath on the 31st July 1955 in Mours.

On the 14th September 1955, Serge was appointed to Tassy. He was charged with the maintenance of the house, a task he did with zeal. He was also in charge of the farm and closely followed the advice of the neighbouring farmers. He looked after the mimosa trees and the surroundings of the house. However, little by little and with limitless dedication, he consecrated more and more of his time to the care of the old Fathers and Brothers. It was this job of nursing that was to occupy him for most of the 57 years he spent in Tassy.

What is very striking in his letters which are edifying and deferential is his care in following the Rule. This was especially shown when applying for compassionate leave for family funerals (three of his brothers and one sister died young before the death of his father who also died in 1962) or for happier occasions such as marriages of members of his family or the baptism of a nephew whom he was asked to be the Godfather. He always informed the superior of the house and asked permission of the Provincial to make the journey, scrupulously detailing the timetable of his travels. He was always concerned not to disrupt the running of the house.

These very detailed letters asking for permission often quoted the Constitutions or the Directory and might be considered ingenuous but they revealed a lovely tactful spirit. For example, one day he could not get a room in the Marseilles procure and he was obliged to spend an extra day with his family so in his letter he made sure to point out: “I followed all the exercises foreseen in the Rule”. In his many letters on the subject of his annual retreat, he was always concerned to make it in the best possible conditions without detriment to his work but outside Tassy so as not to be troubled by the daily preoccupations of the house. He was very worried when the time came in 1965 to do the Long Retreat! It was the same thing in his letters concerning his annual holidays and if he proposed a certain time it was because the previous year he had managed to sell a lot of calendars!

The same scrupulous spirit is also apparent when his rich godmother wanted to make him the beneficiary of a life annuity whose important capital would come to the White Fathers on his death. He acted with total disinterestedness, and he submitted the proposal to his Superiors. This real freshness of spirit was something that charactised Br. Serge. There was only one occasion, in 1974, when he expressed his regret at not being able to get to know Africa, but he consoled himself by the thought that he served her by his service at the bedsides of the old missionaries looking after their every need, indulging them, feeding them when it was necessary, and washing them after their death because he wanted to be with them to the end.

It was he who dug most of the graves in Tassy. It was a dedication that was unanimously appreciated.
In fact, it was while digging a grave that he felt the first sign of a heart attack. He had to undergo two serious operations on his heart in Saint-Laurent-du-Var in 1980. The surgeon imposed a long period of convalescence. He thought of asking for another appointment but he soon overcame this temptation and returned to Tassy.

Having fully recovered from his surgery, he was able to pay a visit to Rwanda in 1982, a trip that was paid for by the French Province in appreciation for his years of dedicated service. And so his life continued, but in 1993, he was again in hospital after a car accident in which his brother was killed: another tragedy in a long list of family misfortunes. He returned to work but age was creep­ing up on him and on the 1st October 2007, Serge became a simple resident of Tassy being able to rest a bit and being looked after just like the many confreres he had cared for. His time there was interrupted by a number of stays in hospital.

The Lord called him on the 30th December 2012 at the age of 82 years of which 63 were spent at the service of the mission in France. What a welcome he would have got from Him who promised: “Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world... I was sick and you cared for me...And the king will say in reply, ‘Amen I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Mt 25: 34ff) And ‘if I go and prepare a place for you... so that where I am you also may be’ (Jn 14: 3)”

Armand Duval

Broher Patrice Deslandre

1924 - - 2012

Patrice was born on the 2nd August 1924 in Laon, Aisne in the Diocese of Soissons, France. He was the seventh child in a family of eight children, six girls and two boys. His father was an Inspector of Water and Forests and his mother was a member of the 3rd order of St. Francis. Following the wishes of his Father, he first studied with the Jesuits at Boulogne-sur-Mer and then in Amiens. He was a scout and was good at sports and a talented handyman. He also had a strong and independent character.

The family took refuge near Clermont-Ferrand during the war and it was there that Patrice came in contact with the White Fathers of Saint-Laurent d’Olt. At the end of October 1945, he began his novitiate for the brothers in Tournus. He took his first oath on the 6th October 1947. He took his perpetual Oath on the 6th September 1953 in Bonnelles, France. In between he did a year’s nursing studies in Paris. He was to exercise this profession at the Society’s El-Harrach Sanatorium near Maison Carrée on two occasions (1948-1950 and 1957-1959). He also did his best to renovate this somewhat run down house, principally by painting the rooms. He also nursed at Tassy, helping Bro. Serge Brossillon from 1959-1962, and in Billère from 1983 to 1995.

Patrice had a number of other jobs in the Society. He worked as a cook in Boukris (1956), at rue Friant (1952) and, 10 years later, in rue Roger Verlomme. He also was the maintenance man at the Scholasticate in Thibar from 1954 to 1956. In his spare time, he took advantage of the proximity of the workshops on the estate by learning something about forges and mechanics: “Conscious, as he said of his poor manual skills”. From 1963 to 1969, he was working in Rome in the office of the Secretary General. He also worked as the chauffeur of the French Provincial and the Superior General. It was from Rome that he left for Mali to work for three months in the procure in Bamako.

Already in 1959, he had expressed his desire to go to Africa after 11 years of service to confreres. However his health left a lot to be desired. He suffered all his life from being highly strung. This was a frequent source of tension and recurring tiredness, He confessed in his letters of that time to being close to depression. He returned to France in 1969 for a period of rest in Creuse in the Limousin region. In the early 60s, he had also been forced to rest for a time. A cure at Vichy had done him a lot of good.

In 1970, he and Brother Geniez carried out a major renovation of the old house in Billère. In 1971, he was appointed to the procure as local bursar in rue des Fusillés, Algiers. It was a job he carried out to everybody’s satisfaction. In 1976, he returned to France and did a course as a caregiver in Saint-Camille Hospital in Bry-sur-Marne. He got his diploma in 1978. After that, as there was no suitable job for him in the Society in North Africa, he was employed as a night nurse at La Bourazeah in Ben Cheneb run by the Little Sisters of the Poor who were very sorry to see him go in 1980. He then worked for three years as a part time district nurse in Bordeaux for an organisation run by Dept. of Social Welfare. He stayed in the community of Saint-Nicolas. He visited the sick in the morning and helped out in the Parish in the afternoons. He did this until the White Fathers left the Parish.

There then followed the 12 years of devoted service in Billère. The letters he wrote to his superiors are impressive. In them, he describes the state of health of the sick confreres while also giving details of his efforts to be faithful to his spiritual life despite being overworked. The devoted service he gave to the confreres wore him out. He was in fact on duty 24/7. In 1989, Patrice had heart problems and even spent some time in an Intensive Care Unit. Towards the end of his time in Billère, he realised that, given the numbers, the advanced age, and state of health of the confreres, it would mean that the residence would have to be turned into a full nursing home. He liked to explain to the Superiors what that entailed in terms of personnel as he had often felt overwhelmed by the task.

From 1995 to 2005, he worked at the reception of rue Roger Verlomme before retiring to Tassy on the 4th October 2005. He was already in his 80s but he still worked in a thousand different ways for the upkeep of the house. He looked after the lawn, collected old papers and other bits of rubbish. He was ready to run errands for the confreres in the car of the house which he lovingly looked after sometimes at his own expense. He was obsessed with cleanliness and every night made sure that the garage doors were locked. He was as straight as a dye and observed everything.

He found it difficult to accept the handing over of the management of Tassy to an outside organisation. He continued to do little things that the new management failed to do. He had great difficulty in resisting giving advice or medicines to some confreres. At more than 80 years, it is difficult to change. On the 1st October. 2012 his Superiors congratulated him on the occasion of his 65 years of Missionary Oath taken on the 6th October 1947, 65 years of unfailing generosity.

Two colonoscopies had tired him out and he said that he had only one desire left: to meet the Father. God heard him and he died on the 30th December 2012. the same day as Bro. Serge Brossillon who had also consecrated his life to the service of sick confreres. They were buried together and it was the occasion for the community in Tassy to give a heartfelt homage to the Brothers.

The celebrant at the funeral Mass said: “I have often felt very small before certain Brothers who were multitalented and were unfailingly obliging. We thank God to have called Serge and Patrice to this vocation and to have given them the grace of faithfulness right up to the end. They were two lives completely given to God, to the Mission, to all those who suffered or needed a helping hand and a compassionate heart. If all those whom you have cared for were to erect a hurdle of honour at the gate of Paradise, it would take you a long time to get through the door.”

Armand Duval

Father Michel Leclercq

1913 - - 2012

Michel was born on the 25th November 1913 in Tourcoing, in the Diocese of Lille, France. He came from a large family but we have practically no details of it. He let us know in the 1980s, that four brothers and sisters were still living. The files are particularly thin concerning his family and education. We only know that he began his novitiate in Maison-Carrée, Algeria on the 9th November 1935 probably after doing his military service. He studied Theology in Thibar and took his Missionary Oath on the 15th June 1939. He was called up for military service on the 1st September 1939 but was ordained priest on the 15th September 1939 without finishing his studies. He was discharged on the 7th October 1940 and returned to Thibar like many other demobilised soldiers to finish his studies.

Those in charge of his formation did not notice any outstanding talents, but they agreed that he was very pious, obedient and balanced. He was of a practical nature and took good care of the polycopy service of which he was in charge. He had good health and his superiors thought that he would be a competent missionary despite his intellectual limitations if he was supported and well supervised.

His CV mentions a first appointment to North Africa in May 1941 but this was countermanded and he was appointed to Mali in July of the same year. He left by boat on the 29th August 1941 and was sent to the Junior Seminary of Faladye in the Diocese of Bamako. He arrived there on the 7th October. He was then appointed as curate to Kita in August of the following year. He had just settled down in Kayes when he was called up again on the 6th April 1943 and served as a military chaplain until the end of the war. He took part in military campaigns in Tunisia, Italy and France. He was demobilised with the rank of sergeant on the 10th July 1945. He returned to Kaloulou and then Kayes in 1945. During this long time of military service he had a very beneficial influence on the younger confreres.

From Kayes, he returned as curate to Kita in December 1948. He did the Long Retreat in Mours in March 1952 and returned to Kita in May of the same year. He stayed in Kita until he was appointed to a new foundation in Kassama in June 1959. In this new post, he mentioned the many activities taking place: a school to which a new classroom had to be added each year, a dispensary which took up a great deal of time, visiting outstations, and night classes for adults. All this took place in a harsh climate where the temperature was mostly over 40°C. He figured that the simple lifestyle of the White Fathers attracted the people who were nominally, at least, Muslims.

In February 1963, he returned to Kita where he said that he had the impression that things were standing still as conversions were rare. He always served as a curate except for a brief period when he took the place of a superior going on home leave. Appointments followed one another, to Guene Gore (September 1968) Kayes (June 1970) and finally Sagabari (January 1973).

He served everywhere with great generosity such as leaving his car to the Parish when he left it for another appointment. He was considered to be too free and easy with children with whom he liked to play. He loaned or gave money too easily which made him very popular but it was unsettling for his superiors. He served for many years in the Diocese of Kayes in a harsh climate without any mention of health problems except for a reference to two cures at Vichy one of them in 1970. If, in the judgement of some, he was not very productive, he was greatly appreciated, on the contrary, for his dependability, devotedness, and helpfulness and especially his good will, notably, in accepting without fuss to replace such and such confrere who was sick or going on home leave.

He was appointed to France in February 1975 and manned the reception at rue Friant. He was subsequently appointed to Lille for Missionary Promotion in 1977 and with the other confreres gave information on the missions on stands set up on the beaches, took part in sales of work selling African artefacts and receiving visitors. He often asked to be allowed to return to Mali but his wishes were not granted. He suffered because of this, but with a supernatural effort he accepted to remain in France.

He was asked to go to Mours for the reception desk and for some ministry but especially for the collecting and sorting of stamps. He was quite competent in this area and the Generalate even asked that he spend one month a year in Rome to help Bro. Alban classify the stamps. But this did not last as he was already travelling a lot and he was often absent from the house. There were many pilgrimages to Lourdes and each year and for 16 years in a row, he served as chaplain to a holiday home for old people run by the St. Vincent de Paul Society in the Bouches-du-Rhône. His stay in Mours lasted from 1979 to 1989, except for replacing a confrere in San from July 1980 to January 1981 and substituting for the local bursar of the Provincial House from October 1981 to the beginning of 1982.

He spent two years in Lyons from 1989 to 1991, again at welcoming visitors but also took part in various ministries such as involvement in the movement for retired Christians. He came to recognise that his irritability could be difficult for the confreres and he accepted, without bitterness, his appointment to Tassy on the 1st October 1991. He was again put in charge of welcoming visitors but from September 1996, he became a simple resident.

The Lord called him on the 8th December 2012 in the hospital of Grasse in his 100th year and after 73 years of mission, something which is quite rare. He was supported by the little community of Tassy at the time he went to look for the compassion and reward of his long life offered to the Father.

Armand Duval

Father Jean Fayard

1918 - - 2013

Jean was born on the 12th February 1918. He was the 14th child in a family of 16 children. His brother Auguste was a priest in the Diocese of Le Puy, France and a younger brother spent some years with the Missionaries of Africa but did not complete his formation. The family had deep roots in the parish of Montregard in the Auvergne region of France. It was there that Jean was to pass the last 40 years of his life.

After his secondary school studies in the College du Sacré-Coeur in Yssingeaux where many confreres also studied, Jean entered the Missionaries of Africa in 1935 at Kerlois. He did the Spiritual Year in Thibar and had started his Theological studies when he was mobilised the year before the Second World War broke out in 1939. This was to turn his life completely upside down. He was in a Prisoner of War Camp in Markkleeberg near Leipzig, Germany. He was sent to work in a horticulture farm. He liked to relate, later on, how he had spent the war planting flowers. The Chaplain of K.L. 43, Fr. Guétré, testified to the beneficial influence of Jean. He wrote: “The Komando 43 was very fervent and united due to the presence of Jean Fayard, a man of confidence who was respected by his subordinates.” Nevertheless, this time of captivity was a difficult period for Jean. Speaking at the jubilee of his ordination, he told of all the troubles he had to live through during this time.

After the war, Jean returned to Tunisia to finish his theological studies. His formators remarked on the two great qualities he had: common sense and a practical intelligence. He took his Missionary Oath on the 27th June 1949 and was ordained priest in Carthage on the 1st February 1950.

He was appointed to the Diocese of Karema-Sumbawanga in Tanganyika. Before leaving, he spent a short period in Claughton Hall to study English and the British way of life. He was first appointed to Mwazye and his Superiors noted that he was taking very seriously the study of the local language, Kifipa. From Mwazye, he moved to Kate as Superior before returning to Mwazye. He was in the Parish of Ulumi when he left for France in 1959 for his first home leave. He did the Long Retreat at Mours before returning to Ulumi. At this time, Tanganyika gained its Independence.

After a home leave in 1966, he was appointed to Laela as Superior. Laela was a very big parish with many villages and long distances to cover. Jean’s practical talents proved to be very useful: he repaired, and he built, he did odd jobs indeed he spent a lot of time looking after material things. However, he did visit the young Christian communities in his parish. His Superiors remarked that he was sometimes a bit indulgent in admitting the catechumens to Baptism.

The Declaration of Arusha of President Nyerere launched the country on the new path of ‘Ujamaa’ and Kiswahili was made the national language. In Europe, student revolts and controversies in the Church deeply affected Jean. In reply to a survey carried out by the French Province, he wrote: “In the present conditions where we work here and the complete uncertainty regarding the future, I would never advise a young man to make a permanent commitment to missionary life unless he was looking for adventure.” Later on, Jean would admit that these last years spent in Africa were very difficult for him and he wasn’t happy. At the end of 1971, he returned to France for a holiday. He was never to return to Tanzania. The Bishop of Le Puy offered him a place in the parish of Mas de Tence. He was to spend the next 40 years there.

A new chapter opened up for Jean. Mas le Tence is on the edge of a plateau. Winters are tough and there is plenty of snow. However, Jean was happy and felt at home there. He was working with the local team of priests of the sector, in retreat movements, hospital chaplaincy and missionary promotion. He lived by himself in the presbytery but was close to the villagers. As Montregard was only a few kilometres away, he became close to his family.

Jean did not discontinue his talent for doing odd jobs on his return to France. He remained in contact with the French Province mostly by letter. He was attached to the community of Sainte Foy-les Lyon and he visited them sometimes. However, the confreres of this community as well as other confreres from the region frequently spent the day with him. This kept him in touch with news of the Society and Africa.

The years passed and Jean continued to work happily in Mas de Tence. Many Provincials tried to persuade him to return to community or do some community service. But nothing doing! He gave an explanation in a letter he wrote to Adrien Laur, then Provincial of France: “You see Adrien, I am happy here as I have never been in my life and as I could never be in Paris. I feel at home with the country people of Mas and not as the stranger I felt when I was in Sumbawanga or even Paris.” However, Jean did not cut himself off from the Society. He liked to meet the confreres and sent money regularly to help the province. He also replied to any questionnaires sent to him before the Chapters.

As he was getting close to 80 years old, it was suggested that he go to a retirement home of the Province. The reaction was the same: I can look after myself, I do not suffer in any way from being alone and the local people and my family keep an eye on me. When more pressure was put on him to leave, he mobilised people of the village, led by the Mayor, to write a petition that Jean should stay in Mas de Tence: “We would like to inform you that we are very attached to his presence here, Beside his pastoral role, he is like the soul of the village and everybody is saddened by the thought of his going.”

However, illness finally forced him to leave the presbytery of Mas de Tence when he was 94 years old. He moved to a retirement home in Riotord. He died there on the 18th January 2013. In the homily at his funeral, Fr. Georges Volle said: “I believe, that during his long and rich life, Jean planted many flowers, particularly simplicity, goodness, kindness as well as those like patience, hospitality and faith” He was buried in the family vault.

Gérard Chabanon

 

Father Jean Pesser

1920 - - 2013

Jean was born on the 17th June 1920 in Clermont-sur-Berwinne, in the province of Liege, Belgium. He did his secondary school studies in the College Marie-Therese at Herve, where he finished in 1938. His father was an artist in ironwork and it was he who worked on the vine motif in the chapel of Thy-le Château. Jean studied at University for one year before taking up a job as a secretary/ bookkeeper in Aubel in an enterprise producing the famous apple syrup of Liege.

After reading an issue of the “Grands Lacs”, Jean came in contact with the White Fathers. He entered Thy-le-Château in November 1944. His Parish Priest wrote to the superior saying: “The cream of my Parish is joining the Reverend White Fathers. Since his childhood, Jean Pesser has led an irreproachable life to the extent that his childhood friends wondered why he went to confession”. Jean did his novitiate in Varsenare from 1946 to 1947 and went to Heverlee to study Theology where he was Student Dean. He took his Missionary Oath on the 22nd July 1950 and he was ordained priest on the 24th March 1951. His professors described him as very conscientious, dedicated, and blessed with a strong will and a good judgement. He was helpful and liked by all, had a good sense of humour, a mild temperament and was humble and self effacing.

He was appointed to Burundi and left for what was then the Vicariate of Gitega on the 24th September 1951. He spent two months as curate in Jenda followed by five months in Gitwenge Parish. In 1952, he followed a course in the Teachers Training College in Gitega in preparation for his appointment to Rotovu as Director of the School for Trainee Teachers and then at the Middle School for Teachers. In September, he became the Director of E.M.P at Rusengo.

After his home leave in 1960, Jean returned to Rutovu as teacher. The Regional wrote of him: “The most punctual of the teachers in the school with a real concern for his spiritual life.”However, the responsibility of educating the young was too big a burden for him: he got worked up, worried and lost weight and he asked to be relieved of his functions. In October 1953, he was appointed to the Parish of Bururi. He was appointed Parish Priest of Rumeza in January 1965 but in March 1967, he returned to Bururi. However, it was remarked that Jean was too meticulous and demanding for Parish work.

Jean became Chancellor of the Diocese of Bururi in September 1970. He also lent a hand in the Treasurer’s Office as well as helping out in the Parish of Mpinga. He was elected Regional Councillor in 1972. At the beginning of the same year he returned to Rumeza as curate followed by periods in Rutana and Makamba in March 1975. On the occasion of the Chapter of 1974, Jean wrote a letter to the Superior General which was subsequently published in the Petit Echo (1975/6). We see in it the deepest desire of Jean – taking into account the troubles in Burundi in 1972 – to live completely integrated with the Burundian people. He wrote: “We ought to be so integrated into the Christian community that we feel and that we are in fact obliged to share their fate for better or for worse”.

He felt the biggest obstacle to that was our style of life, our wealth, our assurance, being members of the rich classes and the priestly caste. “What is tragic is that our ‘religious’ communities are conceived in such a way that they prevent us (the word is not too strong) not just from radiating the Gospel (that doesn’t suffice) but also from practicing it” and he adds: “Are these criticisms? I don’t think so since in writing this I am thinking only of myself. It is self-criticism, an examination of conscience.”

After his home leave in 1977, Jean was appointed as Professor in the Seminary for Late Vocations in Mugera in the Diocese of Gitega. There followed other postings in Rugara (1980) and in Mukenke (1981) as curate. His fundamental preoccupation was always: how to speak of the faith, how to transmit the faith? He spent much of his free time composing a doctrinal synthesis aimed at teachers whose world he knew well and their way of thinking.

While in Mukenke, Jean was expelled with many others, in May 1986. He returned to Belgium and followed the Retreat/Session in Jerusalem. He was appointed to the administration of Vivant Univers in Namur. He carried out his work effectively and competently while at the same time preparing for the computerisation of the service. In November 1987, Jean lost his only brother Joseph.

In the meantime, Bishop Mpungu the Bishop of Muyinga claimed him for his Seminary for Late Vocations in Mutwenzi. Jean was able to go there in August 1988. Jean was appointed Chancellor of the Diocese from 1991 to 1999. He was described by a confrere as being: “discrete and reliable as a Swiss watch” During this period, Jean composed an aide-memoire for Parish Priests to help them write letters of freedom (status animarum) in view of Baptism and Marriage. After some sick leave in 1999, Jean returned to Gitega. He was superior of the community until his definitive return to Belgium on the 16th August 2001.
Jean took up residence in Heusy in September 2001. He remained pleasant and smiling and living out his old age peacefully. His eyesight got worse and when it was decided to sell the house, Jean moved to our community in Evere in September 2008. He was nearly blind but did not lose his smile or his sense of humour. He was bed ridden for the last few weeks of his life and ate very little. He was calm and serene.

He died quietly on the afternoon of 10th April 2013 surrounded by his confreres.
The Farewell liturgy took place on Wednesday 17th April in the big chapel of St. Joseph’s Home followed by burial in our cemetery in Varsenare.

Jef Vleugels

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even
if he dies.”
(John 11, 25)

 

Father Theo Horsten

1928 - - 2013

Theo was born in Deurne, near Antwerp, Belgium, on the 7th June 1928. He was baptised the same day. His family was deeply Christian. He did some of his primary and secondary school studies in the College of Saint-François-Xavier run by the Jesuits in Borgerhout. He was a very active member of the KSA, a student Catholic Action group.

He entered the White Fathers in September 1946 in Boechout followed by his novitiate in Varsenare. On the 13th September 1949, he, with some other Belgian students, left for Tunisia on board the “Ville d’Alger”. He took his Missionary Oath at Thibar on the 27th June 1952 and he was ordained priest on the 5th April 1953 in Carthage. The staff members described him as intelligent, balanced, dedicated, and open. He was open in his relationships, a good sportsman and pleasant company in community. He was much appreciated as the infirmarian during his years in the scholasticat. The same staff also noted that Theo liked to tease and tell jokes.

He was sent for furthers studies and obtained his Doctorate in Theology from the Gregorian University in Rome in June 1956. However, Africa was not for him just yet. From September 1956 to June 1961, Theo taught Dogmatic Theology to a good number of us at Heverlee. He was also a good footballer! In August 1961, he was finally able to leave for Africa. He was appointed to Rwanda and he began by teaching Theology in the Major Seminary of Nyakibanda. He was also Professor of Dogma at the Institut Catéchétique Africain (ICA) in Butare. He remained much attached to this Institute despite many other varied appointments in the Diocese of Butare.

In September 1963, Theo was appointed as Director of the Auxiliary Teacher Training College in Nyanza.In February 1964, he was asked to go urgently to the Junior Seminary of Kansi as Rector. Three years later, he was finally able to initiate himself into Pastoral work. He was appointed curate and then Parish priest of Cyahinda Parish (1966-1968), then at Save (1968-1970). From 1970 to 1975, he was curate in Nyanza before carrying out the duties of Parish Priest in Nyamiyaga from 1975 to 1977.
He had been elected as Provincial Councillor in 1972. Arriving at a meeting for the Regional Council in Kigali which in those days only took a half day, he used to tease the Regional, Fr. Severy, by remarking: “Now Jules, what have you decided for us this time?”

In September 1977, Theo was appointed Director of the ICA. He was very much appreciated as much by the students as by the members of the teaching staff. He succeeded in extending the length of the courses from one year to two years. However his five years at the direction of the Institute were not easy. In fact, the founder of the Institute, Fr. Xavier Seumois remained in residence at the express insistence of the Bishops. This limited the freedom of action of Theo even if it was unintentional. Finally, the Regional decided to hand over the Direction of the Institute to the Bishops’ Conference.

After a sabbatical year, Theo returned to Rwanda and in July 1984, he was appointed as curate of Muramba Parish in the Diocese of Nyundo. However, after barely a year, he returned to Butare and was appointed Parish Priest of Nyumba where he served for a period of three years. August 1988 finds him in the Diocese of Ruhengeri as curate in Rwaza Parish. He worked for a few months in the Archdiocese of Kigali, in Nyamirambo Parish, in September 1991. In December, he was Parish Priest in Nyamata.
In 1994, the genocide hit hard in this region of Bugesera and the confreres found themselves with a church full of cruelly massacred Tutsis. Theo wrote in his report: “You cannot imagine it; they held a baby upside-down by its legs and killed it as you would a rabbit. There were piles of bodies everywhere” The confreres had to leave under military escort and returned to Belgium.

By September 1994, Theo was ready to return. He met up again with the Institut de Formation Religieuse which circumstances had obliged it to move from Butare to Bukavu in the Congo. In 1995, he fitted into the programme of Ongoing Formation at Mama Maria in Buhimba. He was again under fire in December 1996, with the rebellion of the Kabila senior and the attack on the refugee camps by the new masters of Rwanda. Theo was once more repatriated to Belgium by way of Kigali. It marked the end of his African adventure.

One month later, Theo was working in the Parish of Moerkerke in western Flanders with a team of confreres. He spent three agreeable years there. In October 1997, Theo accepted the proposal of the Sœurs Hospitalières of Lier and was appointed Chaplain to the “Paradis” retirement home. In August 2002, he accepted the post of chaplain to the nursing home of “Notre-Dame de la Consolation” in Zandhoven.

However, he had a serious falling out with the Director and the Provincial was obliged to withdraw him. He was appointed as superior of our house on Boulevard Clovis in Bruxelles. When a new team took up residence in 2007, Theo agreed to move to our community in Genk. However, in 2010, the Little Sisters of the Poor in Antwerp were desperately looking for a Chaplain and Theo was once again called upon to fill the gap.

He was still very active but it was there on the morning of the 3rd April 2013 that the Sisters found him dead in his room. Theo was always ready to be of service and he was prepared.

The Farewell liturgy took place in the Chapel of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Antwerp on the 6th April in the presence of about thirty confreres. He liked to repeat: “the best is yet to come!” For Theo it has already arrived.

Jef Vleugels