Pierre, dernier de 3 enfants, vit le jour à Bellevaux, en Haute-Savoie, France, le 15 septembre 1942, dans une famille très chrétienne (il aura trois cousins germains prêtres). Il fut baptisé le lendemain et confirmé le 3 juin 1953. Son père était boulanger ; sa maman étant morte malheureusement, alors qu’il n’avait que 6 ans, il resta très attaché à ses aînées Nicole et Odette et à toute la famille. Entré à 11 ans au petit séminaire de Thonon-les-Bains, il y termina le cycle secondaire par le baccalauréat Lettres et Philosophie.

Après quoi, il se rendit à Kerlois pour la philosophie scolastique, puis au noviciat de Gap en 1962. Après le service militaire à Lunéville et Saint-Avold, en 1964-65, il rejoignit Valls, près Le Puy, pour le cycle de théologie. C’est là qu‘il prononça le serment missionnaire le 27 juin 1967, mais il fut ordonné prêtre dans sa paroisse natale de Bellevaux par Mgr Sauvage, alors évêque d’Annecy, le 13 juillet 1968.

Durant toutes ces années d’études, les appréciations des formateurs ne sauraient être plus élogieuses?: tant au plan intellectuel qu’à celui de la vie communautaire et spirituelle, aumôniers militaires et professeurs lui accordent toutes les qualités voulues pour faire un bon missionnaire : “Excellent scolastique qui mérite toute confiance?; agréable en communauté, de grande serviabilité, souci apostolique vrai”. Dans ses vœux, il souhaitait l’Afrique de l’Ouest, et envisageait sans problème de devoir enseigner, tout en désirant vivement faire d’abord l’étude d’une langue et une expérience pastorale en brousse. Ce qui lui fut accordé.

Mais il dut, au préalable, faire une maîtrise de Lettres Modernes à Strasbourg, avec l’italien comme première langue ; il y ajouterait plus tard un stage intensif d’anglais. Après quoi, avant d’aller enseigner au petit séminaire de Tionkuy, diocèse de Nouna, il fit deux ans de ministère à Bomborokuy. Il y apprit la langue ‘dan’humu’, une variante de la langue bobo-oulé des Buwa (Bwabha), majoritaires dans ce diocèse aux multiples ethnies.

Après cette expérience pastorale, il resta à Tyonkuy de 1974 à 1979, très apprécié comme professeur de 3e, obtenant d’excellents résultats au BEPC. “Bourreau de travail, il menait de front plein de choses?: chants, polycopie, théâtre, mouvement Cœurs Vaillants”?: son régional ne voyait pas d’autre Père qui pût devenir supérieur, en attendant l’arrivée d’un abbé dûment préparé. Mais il fut alors nommé vicaire dans la jeune paroisse de Solenzo, fondée quatre ans auparavant.

En 1981, on le retrouve à Paris pour deux ans d’études sociales, couronnées par un mémoire sur la vie et la mentalité des paysans de la région de Solenzo : ces études étaient censées le destiner au CESAO de Bobo. Mais, de retour au Burkina, après un stage de jula, il fut tout à tour vicaire ou curé à Bomborokuy, Solenzo ou Dedougou, avant de faire la session-retraite à Jérusalem en 1987.

À son retour, il reprit sa place de curé de Solenzo. Nommé en 1991 à l’animation missionnaire et à la Délégation catholique pour la coopération, lieu propice à l’éveil et au discernement de vocations, il accepta, mais sans cacher sa souffrance de voir de moins en moins de Pères Blancs dans le diocèse de Nouna et surtout de laisser la paroisse de Solenzo dans le besoin, avec ses 5 ethnies et ses 8?000 chrétiens.

En 1993, il fut nommé membre d’une commission-Médias nouvellement créée, et en 1994, membre du Conseil financier de la Province et directeur de Voix d’Afrique de 1994 à 1997 : pour bien accomplir cette dernière tâche, il fit une formation de journaliste en 1995-1996. En 1997, il retrouva avec joie Solenzo et fut élu conseiller régional.

C’est début 2003 qu’il tomba gravement malade?: il souffrait d’une fibrillation, compliquée d’une pleurésie et d’un blocage des reins?; il reçut le sacrement des malades et il fallut attendre une récupération relative pour l’évacuer vers la France. Là, Pierre se remit et subit la pose d’un stimulateur cardiaque, avec rendez-vous de contrôle pour l’année suivante.

C’est en 2004 que, nommé à Ouagadougou comme vicaire à la paroisse Jean XXIII, il quitta, non sans quelques pincements de cœur, sa chère paroisse de Solenzo, la laissant à la charge d’un abbé. À l’aise avec tous, paysans ou fonctionnaires, s’attardant facilement avec eux, une calebasse de bière de mil en main, il avait une préférences pour les jeunes, formant un bon groupe d’enfants de chœur, garçons et filles, pour la beauté des offices dans une chapelle qu’il ornait de fleurs avec beaucoup de goût. Soucieux d’une pastorale de proximité, il savait arrêter tout travail de bureau à 17h pour aller vers les gens, avant les vêpres en communauté.

Tombé gravement malade, il fut rapatrié d’urgence en novembre 2006. Il se remit malgré tout et se donna pendant huit ans à Voix d’Afrique, supportant vaillamment ses ennuis de santé, s’impliquant aussi dans maints mouvements, tels Justice et Paix.

Sur la fin, conscient de son état de santé, il confia à sa sœur Nicole, chez qui il prenait ses congés?: “Si l’on ne se voit plus en ce monde, on se reverra dans l’autre.” Quatre cahiers de ses méditations, retrouvés dans sa chambre, disent son cœur à cœur avec Dieu, son amour pour Celui qui l’a rappelé à Lui, à l’hôpital Saint-Joseph, le 14 décembre 2014, à 72 ans : ses obsèques furent célébrées le 17 décembre à la chapelle Saint-Paul.

On rappela dans l’homélie l’amour de Pierre pour les fleurs et les beaux paysages alpins, son grand attachement à sa famille, la qualité de son accueil et de son écoute de tout visiteur, le réconfort que procurèrent à beaucoup les éditoriaux de Voix d’Afrique, et, en même temps, son sens pratique devant les problèmes de la vie domestique?: il était toujours prêt à remplacer au pied levé la cuisinière pour faire les courses ou préparer les repas?; on rappela aussi l’hommage des Africains à celui qui avait adopté les Buwa dans leur langue, dormant dans les cases de n’importe quel village comme il le ferait plus tard dans une chambre climatisée à Ouagadougou.

Le célébrant conclut?: “Que Dieu l’accueille en sa miséricorde et son repos éternel : qu’il fasse de la mort de Pierre une source de fécondité missionnaire pour l’Église !”

Armand Duval

Père Karel Stuer

1930 - - 2014

Karel est né à Merksem, près d’Anvers, Belgique, le 26 octobre 1930, dans une famille très chrétienne. Il fit ses études secondaires chez les Jésuites à Borgerhout. En septembre 1951, il entra chez les Pères Blancs à Boechout. Suivit alors le noviciat à Varsenare et le scolasticat à Heverlee, où il prononça son serment missionnaire le 7 juillet 1957 et fut ordonné prêtre le 6 avril 1958. Ses formateurs le décrivent comme un homme très sensible, sympathique, agréable, délicat et doué pour les relations. Il jouit d’un jugement équilibré, d’un esprit d’initiative et dispose d’un réel talent musical.

Nommé au Congo, en Ituri, il prend l’avion le 6 mai 1959 et rejoint Essebi pour l’apprentissage du Logbara. En février 1960, il fait partie de l’équipe fondatrice de la paroisse d’Aru, où il devient curé en juin 1963. En 1964, Aru est touché par la rébellion et les Pères doivent quitter la région. Karel se réfugie en Uganda.

De retour à Aru, la paroisse ouvre une école secondaire. Karel, qui est toujours curé, y donne quelques cours. Par un concours malencontreux de circonstances, Karel, qui se rendait fin décembre 1967 à Kampala pour y chercher une voiture, est arrêté et condamné à deux mois de prison. En février 1968, il reprend son travail à Aru. En juin 1975, il est élu conseiller régional. En 1981, il s’occupe des réfugiés ougandais, qui fuient le conflit Amin Dada-Obote-Museveni. Il construit et lance un centre de formation et accompagne plusieurs projets de développement.

En 1981-1982, Karel passe plusieurs mois en Belgique pour un traitement chimio de la glande thyroïde. On découvrira plus tard que le cancer avait aussi atteint les os… Puisqu’un suivi médical s’impose, une nomination en Belgique lui est proposée. En avril 1983, Karel fête à Anvers ses 25 ans de sacerdoce. Le même mois, il repart en Ituri, un peu contre l’avis des médecins. Il retourne d’abord à Aru, mais la collaboration avec les confrères s’y avère plutôt difficile, Karel étant là depuis plus de vingt ans et ayant beaucoup d’influence.

Cela étant, et pour dépanner Mgr Runiga, il accepte le poste d’économe général du diocèse de Mahagi. Il occupera ce poste pendant moins de deux ans, et encore entrecoupés d’un contrôle médical en Belgique. Le Régional de l’époque, le père Gayet, écrit au Provincial de Belgique?: “Demain, Karel va partir, l’âme en paix, avec la conscience du devoir accompli. Karel a été admirable de courage et d’énergie, et il a beaucoup réalisé. Il a été pour Monseigneur Runiga plus qu’un économe général, mais un ami, un confident.” Fin juin 1984, après 26 ans de présence active, Karel quitte le Congo.

Début décembre 1984, Karel reçoit du cardinal Danneels sa nomination officielle, libellée comme suit?: “Karel Stuer, Père Blanc, est chargé de la pastorale des familles africaines à Bruxelles, en collaboration avec le Père Laurent Dauwe, aumônier des étudiants africains”. Il était canoniquement délégué pour les mariages d’Africains dans l’archidiocèse. Karel demeure pendant quelques mois à la rue de Linthout, mais finit par s’installer chez les Religieuses de la Sainte Famille (Helmet) à la rue Chaumontel, où il habitera 27 ans.

Il reçoit un modeste budget de la Province pour dépanner financièrement certains Africains en difficulté. Ses premiers engagements : visites aux familles et célébrations liturgiques de tout genre. Petit à petit, lui vient l’idée d’un projet plus structuré et communautaire. Le 22 février 1990, les Pères Blancs créent l’asbl Espaces Libres Africains. Karel devient le premier président de l’association et un autre membre fondateur, le Père Jean de Roovere, met une maison à leur disposition : le Centre Amani est né. Karel rénove et repeint la maison avec l’aide de volontaires africains. Sous sa direction, le Centre développera tout un éventail d’activités : baptêmes, mariages, services funèbres, jubilés de mariage, chorales, cours d’alphabétisation, cours de rattrapage, préparation au jury central, banque alimentaire, bourses d’études, une troupe scoute, bibliothèque, excursions… Des salles de réunions sont disponibles. Des permanences sont organisées et divers conseils dispensés aux nouveaux venus. Un bulletin est publié?: Amani-Info. La collaboration avec le vicaire épiscopal responsable est excellente.

Combien de familles africaines Karel a-t-il visitées, suivies, accompagnées et soutenues dans l’adversité mais aussi dans les moments heureux ? L’homme au cœur d’or était apprécié pour sa générosité et la qualité de son écoute. Lors de son jubilé de 50 ans de prêtrise, un des orateurs disait : “Le Père Karel vit avec nous, il partage nos joies et il pleure avec nous quand nous versons des larmes…” À cette occasion, Karel était entouré de catholiques, de protestants, de Kimbanguistes, de gens non pratiquants et de bien d’autres personnes issues de divers horizons.

Karel restera à la tête d’Amani jusqu’en 2007. Il sera alors remplacé par un jeune confrère, le Père Andrew Anab, mais restera actif au Centre et en dehors.

La maladie le mine de plus en plus, lentement mais sûrement. Il doit se reposer souvent. En juillet 2013, il rejoint la communauté de la rue de Linthout. Quand il se sent moins bien, il peut aller se reposer chez sa cousine par alliance, Hilde, qui devient un peu son ange gardien. Le 9 octobre 2014, Karel est hospitalisé à la clinique Saint-Michel à Bruxelles. Il meurt le soir du 15 décembre, en présence de deux Africaines…

La liturgie d’adieu eut lieu le samedi 20 décembre en la Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Koekelberg, entièrement organisée par les Africains. Chants et lamentations, appuyés de guitares, d’une batterie et d’un saxophone, le gloria dansé autour du cercueil, la préface chantée en lingala, prières improvisées et témoignages émouvants se succédèrent pendant près de trois heures. Ensuite, la dépouille de Karel fut enterrée au cimetière des Missionnaires d’Afrique à Varsenare, en présence de nombreux Africains qui avaient voulu l’accompagner jusqu’au bout.

Jef Vleugels

PROFILES

Brother Antonio Goulet

1933 - - 2015

Bro. Antonio was born on the 27th April 1933 at Sainte-Rose-de-Watford, Quebec, Canada. There were 13 children in the family. After seven years of primary schooling in his village, he worked on the family farm where he acquired a number of manual skills. He joined the postulancy of the White Fathers at Saint-Vincent-de-Paul (Laval), on the 30th January 1952.

By June of the same year, the Superior of the postulancy had already noted that Bro. Antonio was intelligent and that he was very good at the work that was assigned to him. He was exemplary in his behaviour and showed irreproachable obedience. He was polite and friendly to all. He was noted for his balanced piety and his liking for spiritual things. On the other hand, he had a sensitive and nervous character, which resulted in tiredness and even exhaustion. He had difficulty with trusting others.

Antonio began his novitiate in Saint-Martin, near Montreal on the 31st July 1952. He took his first temporary oath of one year as a probationary brother on the 30th July 1955. The staff of the novitiate noted his practical judgement, his excellent memory, his obedience, and his ability for hard work. They noted especially his strong desire to become a good missionary.

Antonio went to the Training Centre for Brothers in Sherbrooke and again his capacity for hard work, his courage, and his deep spiritual life were noted. He still had a nervous temperament and an inclination to despondency. However, he had made some progress in these areas and his training was going well. He was called to take his second temporary oath of one year on the 21st July 1956.

Antonio continued his training at Sherbrooke. He sometimes had mood swings, which showed themselves by impatient reactions, but he made a great effort to control them. In fact, his Superior remarked that there was a great deal of progress in his behaviour: “his supernatural spirit, his obedience and his big wish to be a missionary counterbalances his nervousness and allows us to see in him the potential to be a devoted missionary.” Antonio was called to take his third temporary oath on the 24th July 1957.

In August 1958, Antonio was appointed to our house in Pont-de-Québec to manage the subscriptions and the distribution of our magazine “Missions d’Afrique.” During these years, towards the end of the 50s and the beginning of the 60s, its circulation had reached 84,000 copies. Antonio gave himself wholeheartedly to the work. He was active and conscientious and revealed himself as a fine manager. He was a good organiser, very methodical, quick and efficient without taking the initiative from his workers. He needed to avoid overwork but his kindness, his deep piety and his amiability in community made up for his nervous temperament and the occasional outbreaks of anger. Antonio had matured and his desire to be a good missionary was still strong. There was no hesitation in calling him to take his perpetual Missionary Oath on the 4th August 1961.

In 1963, Antonio stayed for a short period on rue St-Hubert, Montréal, for different services in the procure. In February 1964, he was appointed to the Provincial House on rue de l’Acadie. With another confrere, he looked after the reception desk and the printing works. He was also in charge of posting letters and magazines to our benefactors. Two years, later Antonio went to chemin Ste-Foy, Québec and for the next eight years, he shared the responsibility of dispatching editions of “Missions d’Afrique.” It was a work that he enjoyed doing and he carried it out with great care and diligence.

Antonio was appointed to Lac Vert in November 1974. He needed to rest and the place was an oasis of calm in the middle of nature. It was the summer residence of the theological students. With two others, he stayed for four years (1974-1978) and he showed his talents as a cook.

In 1981, Bro. Antonio was appointed to Sherbrooke as a nursing auxiliary. He helped the Sister in charge to care for the sick confreres. In a letter to the Provincial, he recognised the importance of the work as it “demands being on call and a lot of generosity. I do the humble and hidden tasks which are so necessary in community... our lives are to be at the service of others.”

In 1985, Antonio stayed for short time at the Provincial House before he was appointed to the Retirement House in Sherbrooke for a well-earned rest. Reflecting on his many appointments in his missionary life, he wrote to the Provincial: “God directs my life as He wants. I rarely understand His way of seeing things but I see that it is good. For myself, what counts is the respect of others, to feel respected, accepted, and loved just as I am and that makes me feel good.”

Antonio lived the last 30 years of his life as a Missionary of Africa in Sherbrooke. He found solace by listening to classical music and opera of which he was very knowledgeable.

Antonio died on the 20th January 2015 in the Hôtel-Dieu hospital at the age of 81 years of which 59 years of missionary service in Canada. On the 28th January after the Funeral Mass, he was cremated and his ashes buried in the St-Antoine cemetery.

Fr. Richard Dandenault said these words at the funeral: “If one looks at Bro. Antonio’s life closely, we find a whole series of what one could call ‘little virtues’: discretion and tact towards others, the constant courage to follow the daily routine of each day despite somewhat precarious health. For Antonio, these small virtues were the material of what makes a saint without fuss but in a close link with his faith and his devotion to Our Lady.” Fr. Richard went on to say: “In your hidden service, Bro. Antonio, you brought your contribution to the White Fathers’ family and in solidarity with the African Mission. May you continue your work of adoration and intercession before the Father for your human family and for us, your religious family.”

Michel Carbonneau

Father Robert Giaux

1927 - - 2014

Robert was born on the 11th May 1927 at Vierves, Namur Province, Belgium. He did his secondary school studies at the St-Louis’ College in Namur. The Germans captured his older brother, Gabriel, already a White Father student, while on a visit to our house in Thy-le-Château. He died in the Neuen­gamme concentration camp in Germany on Christmas Day 1944.

Robert in his turn entered the White Fathers in Thy-le-Château in September 1945. He did the novitiate in Varsenare followed by theology in Heverlee. He took his Missionary Oath on the 21st July 1951 and was ordained priest on the 12th April 1952. His professors described as a multi talented person. He was balanced, a born chief, organiser and full of initiatives. He had a practical mind, was a talented director, and a good speaker. One point kept coming back: he could be a bit more modest and humble!

Robert took off for the then Belgian Congo on the 18th March 1953 en route to the major seminary at Baudouinville (Kirungu). He studied in Rome from 1956 to 1958 and obtained a Licentiate in Theology. He returned to Baudouinville in 1958 and became its Rector in September 1961. He was very optimistic about the seminarians and they appreciated him in return. The Regional noted, “Despite the impression that he couldn’t care less, he was a man of duty and obedience.

One year later, Robert was recalled to Belgium to become Rector of Heverlee. Fr. Plessers, the Belgian Provincial at the time, paid a canonical visit to Heverlee and noted the following about Robert: “Authoritarian, does not see that other viewpoints need to be taken into account such as the human aspect, dialogue, communications, convictions and the mentality of today’s young people. He uses his air of superiority to intimidate the confreres. He is very strict about liturgical rules and very distrustful of the wave of new ideas in vogue now.” After three years of service, Robert was able to return to Africa.

Robert was appointed curate in the Parish of Nyakasanza, Bunia. He gave some courses at the High School. He liked pastoral work very much. He organised study groups to study the documents of Vatican II. In September 1967, he became Director of the Catechetical Centre of Nyakasanza. This centre welcomed the students and their families. The wives followed courses as well and there was a kindergarten for the babies. The older children attended the local parish primary school.

In August 1969, he became acting Regional when the serving Regional fell sick. He subsequently served two normal mandates from 1970 to 1976. He organised his work methodically, was often on the road visiting communities, and was always available to meet confreres. In 1976, he returned to the Centre, which had become in the meantime the Institut de Sciences Religieuses (I.S.R). He became its Director once again in June 1979. The Institute was under the authority of Bishops’ Conference of the Eastern Province (Kisangani).

In February 1985, the Bishops’ conference asked Robert to transform the I.S.R into the ISSR (Institut Supérieur de Sciences Religieuses) with the aim of training religious teachers for secondary schools. Robert led a long battle to get some sort of approval for the diplomas. The relationships with the Bishops were not always easy and the tense moments needed to be handled adroitly by the Director.

The long years as the head of the Institute were interrupted by some important events. He was on sick leave for seven months from 1979 to 1980. He spent some time in Kinshasa learning Lingala. He did the Session/Retreat in Jerusalem in 1984. There was discussion about a possible appointment to Vivant Univers that resulted in nothing. He undertook a voyage of discovery to North Africa in 1997. There were also many stints as Regional Councillor.

During all these years, Robert gave many retreats and session on diverse subjects. From 2000 onwards, sick leaves became more frequent. He continued to direct the Institute until July 2001. A serious operation on his intestines did not prevent him from returning courageously to Bunia where soon afterwards the ethnic confrontments ravaged the country. Robert stayed at his post of teacher until he was evacuated in May 2003.

In Ituri, Robert Giaux was a monument and not just because of his height. His stature imposed on everybody. He was called “le grand Robert”. This gave him a naturally condescending air. In December 1985, he wrote to the Regional, Fr. Robert Gayet: “some people think I am some sort of psychological elephant! What can I say? One is as one is. And I cannot promise you, even after a 30 day retreat, that I will become humble and gentle.” His favourite pastime was playing bridge at which he excelled.

Robert began his retirement years in Belgium by doing the 70+ session in Rome. At the beginning of November 2003, he was appointed superior of our community of Salzinnes (Namur). He was a spiritual mentor to a group called ‘Vie montante’. In December 2005, he took part in the celebrations marking the centenary of the first senior seminary in the Congo at Baudouinville. He was welcomed as a revered ancestor!

Robert was always true to himself. When we used a somewhat unofficial Eucharistic prayer at a feast for Jubilarians, he got on his high horse and complained of “pathetic liturgies that you impose on an assembly who have no say in the matter.” Just like Robert!

Robert’s health slowly declined. He asked to be transferred to the care facility of the Evere community. He arrived there in July 2014. Even there, it was better not to disturb him when he was playing bridge!
After a longish stay in hospital, Robert returned to the community but he was eating practically nothing and drifting in and out of consciousness. He died quietly on the 29th December 2014. He is buried in our cemetery at Varsenare.

Jef Vleugels

Father Jacques Renard

1929 - - 2014

Jacques was born on the 7th March 1929 in Bourges, the geographical centre of France. He was proud to be a native of the ancient Province of Berry and a citizen of Bourges. He boasted that he came from a territory that was never colonised like the Bretons, the Basques and the Alsatians. Bourges was the place he returned to during his home leaves. His brother practised medicine there and his married sister lived close by. His close-knit family were always at Charles de Gaulle airport to welcome him and bring him home straightaway.

Jacques first studied at the school of the De La Salle brothers then in a College run by priests. He just about got his Baccalaureate after a number of efforts. He never considered himself an intellectual. His desire to become a missionary sprung from a meeting with Fr. Paul Guilbault (+1992) and Henri Bazot who was also from Bourges. To prepare himself for the hard life as a Missionary of Africa, he used to sleep on a rug!

After two years of study in Kerlois, he began his Spiritual Year in Maison-Carrée, Algeria, in September 1949. This was followed by military service in Cherchell in Algeria, at Zagouan and Sfax in Tunisia. He began his theological studies in Thibar and he gladly helped Fr. Brayer (+2003) in looking after the banks of flowerbeds. He always had ‘green fingers.’ He took his Missionary Oath on the 26th March 1956 in Carthage and he was ordained priest the following 1st April in the presence of his family. He joked that he hoped his ordination was valid and that it was not an April Fool’s joke. In any case, he did not hide his delight at finishing his studies.

Jacques had applied for West Africa and on the 1st September 1956, he began studying Bambara at Ouelessebougou in Mali. After passing his language exam before the future Bishop Luc Sangaré, he set out for Kati in March 1957. Then in June 1958, he went to Beleko, “completely in the Bambara bush” as he wrote. In these two posts, he was director and teacher in the mission school and bursar for 10 years.

During his first home leave, he was able to do a very restful retreat at Bussière and took a cure in Vichy on the advice of his brother doctor. Although he was in generally good health, he had an enlarged liver. He returned to Mali on the 30th December 1961.

He took up residence in Bougouni in January 1962 and on the following 16th June, he returned to Beleko. During his home leave in 1967, he staffed the missionary stand at Lourdes in July. He did his Long Retreat in Villa Cavaletti in September. On the 1st January 1968, he joined Fr. Mornet for the return to Africa. He wanted to bring back a mobylette and a number of trunks and Fr. Mornet was bringing back a car. They took a cargo ship to Abidjan and from there, Jacques returned to Mali passing by Bobo-Dioulasso. He was appointed to Niono and the following year he became Parish Priest. He was to stay there for six years.

He had a longer than usual home leave in 1972 but returned, fighting fit, to the Diocese of Segou, in September of that year. He was appointed Parish Priest of Beleko in January 1974 and remained on as curate from 30th June 1975. During his holidays in 1976, he signed his letters, ‘Fr. Renard of Segou.’ After his home leave from October to May 1982, he was well occupied by various sessions and helped the Parish Priests of the Berry region. He was happy to return to ‘his’ village of Beleko where he was to remain for the next 12 years. On this occasion, he decided, with two other fathers, Frs. Yves Jaouen (+2010) and Jean Bevand, to return to Mali by crossing the Sahara. It was still possible to make this journey at that time.

Jacques moved to Markala in September 1984 as curate. His task was to renovate the mission after many years without any maintenance. He stayed there until September 1986, when he moved to Kolongotomo, still in the Diocese of Segou, and again as curate. This parish was situated near the Office of the Niger, which was involved in growing rice and sugar cane by irrigation. There were workers from many different ethnic backgrounds. He was the bursar, which meant looking after the house, hens, rabbits and the garden. If he did not like changes, nevertheless, in the opinion of the Regional, he got on well with the young ‘Kizitos’ whose activities he followed.

However, he was beginning to feel the weight of his years. He became Parish Priest of the mission in October 1992 but reverted to being the curate the following year. In the meantime, there was the home leave in 1988, as he needed a medical check up as well as some urgent work on his teeth. In April 1995, he arrived home without a return ticket. He was exhausted by repeated bouts of malaria and painful boils. Medical examinations did not show anything seriously wrong and this persuaded him to return to Africa. However, the Regional noted in 1997 that he struggled to keep up with changes to pastoral work and the community suffered as a result. The wear and tear of many years was beginning to be felt.

On the 6th May 2003, Jacques returned to France definitively. After a medical examination and treatment for his eyes, he took up residence in Mours the following August. The park, with its flowers and trees, allowed him to make use of his gift as a gardener. In September 2011, he moved to the Retirement Home of Bry-sur-Marne before moving on to our Nursing Home in Billère in November 2014.

He was hospitalised in the Clinic Navarre of Pau and died there on the 22nd December 2014. Humorously, he drew up a short CV of his life by saying: “I have spent 50 years in Mali, a country that I love very much, I was happy there and feel more Malian than French. What allowed me to be happy all this time was a principle that I always followed, do not ask others to be perfect, because you are not perfect yourself.” His funeral was celebrated in the community chapel of Billère.

Armand Duval

Father Pierre Meynet

1942 - - 2014

Pierre saw the light of day at Bellevaux, Haute-Savoie, France, on the 15th September 1942. He was the youngest of three children from a very Christian family. His father was a baker but his mother died when he was only six years old. He remained very close to all the family, especially his two older sisters, Nicole and Odette. He entered the junior seminary of Thonon-les-Bains at 11 years of age. He finished his secondary school studies and he joined the White Fathers and studied Philosophy in Kerlois followed by the novitiate in Gap in 1962.

He did his military service in Lunéville and Saint-Avold from 1964 to 1965. He then studied theology in Vals, prés Le Puy. He took his Missionary Oath there on the 27th June 1967. Bishop Jean-Baptiste Sauvage, then Bishop of Annecy ordained him priest in his home parish of Bellevaux on the 13th July 1968.

During all his years of study, Pierre’s professors were very flattering in their appreciation of his qualities not only intellectually but also from the point of view of community and spiritual life. The military chaplains and teachers thought he had what that was required to make a good missionary: “brilliant student, completely trustworthy, pleasant in community, very obliging and a real care for the apostolate.” He wanted to go to West Africa, he had no problem that he might end up teaching but expressed a wish to study a local language first and have a good pastoral experience in the bush. His wish was granted.

However, before all that, he had to do a Master’s Degree in Modern Literature in Strasbourg, majoring in Italian. Later, he did an intensive course in English. He was then appointed to Burkina Faso and he did two years of ministry in Bomborokuy in the Diocese of Nouna. He learnt ‘dan’humu’, a dialect of the bobo-oulé language of the Buwa (Bwabha) people who were the majority ethnic group in the diocese. After this pastoral experience, he went to teach at the Junior Seminary of Tionkuy from 1974 to 1979. He was well liked as a teacher and got excellent results in the BEPC (Junior Certificate examinations). He was a very hard worker and was involved in areas such as singing, polycopying, theatre and the young people’s movement of the Coeurs Vaillants.

His Regional looked no further than Pierre when appointing him Superior while awaiting the arrival of a local priest to take over. He was then appointed as curate in the new Parish of Solenzo, which had been founded four years earlier.

Pierre returned to Paris in 1981 for two years of Social Studies with a dissertation on the life and mentality of the people of the Solenzo region. These studies were supposed to lead to an appointment to the CESAO (Centre d’Études Économiques et Sociale de l’Afrique de l’Ouest) in Bobo-Dialasso. However, on his return to Burkina Faso and after learning Jula, he was appointed successively as curate or parish priest to Solenzo, Bomborokuy, and Dedougou.

He did the Session/Retreat in Jerusalem in 1987. When he returned to Burkina, he took his place again as Parish Priest of Solenzo. In 1991, He returned to Paris and was appointed to missionary promotion work and to the Catholic Delegation for Cooperation. He was sad to leave Burkina Faso and did not hide his sorrow at seeing fewer and fewer White Fathers working in the Diocese of Nouna. He was especially sad at leaving the Parish of Solenzo with its 5 ethnic groups and 8,000 Christians.

In 1993 and still in Paris, Pierre became a member of the newly created Media commission of the French Province and the Director of Voix d’Afrique. In 1994, he joined the Financial Council of the Province. He followed a course in Journalism from 1995 to 1996. In 1997, he was delighted to be able to return to Solenzo as Parish Priest. He was also elected as Regional Councillor.

In the beginning of 2003, Pierre fell gravely ill. He suffered from a rapid irregular heartbeat, pleurisy, and his kidneys were blocked. He had to be evacuated to France for further treatment. There doctors inserted a pacemaker into his heart and told him to come back for a check the following year. On his return to Burkina Faso in 2004, he was appointed to the big Parish of Jean XXIII in Ouagadougou as Curate. He was sorry to leave his beloved Solenzo, which was handed over to the local clergy. Pierre was at ease with everybody, farmers or civil servants. He liked working with young people. He organised beautiful liturgies in a chapel decorated in excellent taste. He left his office each evening at 5pm to go out and meet people before joining the community for Vespers.

Pierre had to be repatriated urgently to France in November 2006 for medical reasons. He recovered despite everything and worked for the next eight years at Voix d’Afrique. Despite his frequent health problems, he also got involved in a number of movements, notably in Justice and Peace.

Pierre was aware of his precarious state of health. He confided to his sister, Nicole, “If we do not see each other again, we will see one another in the next world.” Four notebooks of his meditations were found in his room. They told of his intimacy with God, his love for the One who called him to himself in the hospital of Saint-Joseph on the 14th December 2014 at the age of 72 years. His funeral was celebrated on the 17th December 2014 in the chapel of Saint-Paul.

In the homily preached at his funeral, many things were recalled about his personality and his life. He loved flowers especially those native to the Alpine regions. He loved his family. He was always ready to welcome and listen attentively to all visitors. Many appreciated his editorials in Voix d’Afrique. His practical sense meant that he was always ready, at short notice, to go shopping or prepare meals.

We also remembered the homage from the Buwa people. He had learned their language and slept in their huts in much the same as he did in his air-conditioned room in Ouagadougou. The celebrant concluded: May God welcome him in His mercy and give him eternal rest. May the death of Pierre be a source of missionary fruitfulness for the Church!

Armand Duval

 

Father Karel Stuer

1930 - - 2014

Karel was born into a very Christian family in Merkem, near Antwerp, Belgium, on the 26th October 1930. He did his secondary school studies with the Jesuits at Borgerhout. He entered the White Fathers at Boechout in 1951. In September 1953, he began his novitiate in Varsenare followed by theological studies in Heverlee. He took his Missionary Oath on the 6th July 1957 and was ordained priest there on the 6th April 1958. His professors described him as very sensitive, pleasant, tactful and gifted for relationships. He had a sound judgement, was ready to take initiatives and had a real musical talent.

Karel took the plane for the Congo on the 6th May 1959. He learnt the Logbara language in Essebi, Ituri region. He was one of the founders of Aru Parish in February 1960. He became Parish Priest there in 1963. In 1964, the Simba rebellion forced him to flee to Uganda with the other fathers.

When Karel returned to Aru, the parish opened a secondary school and he taught a number of classes there while still working as Parish Priest. Due to an unfortunate set of circumstances, Karel was arrested in Kampala in December 1967 and sentenced to two months in prison when he went there to pick up a car. He resumed work in Aru in February 1968. He was elected Regional councillor in June 1975. He cared for Ugandan refugees fleeing to Aru because of the conflict between Amin Dada-Obote-Museveni in 1981.

He built and founded a Vocational Centre and launched many development projects. However, he was forced to return home in 1981 in order to receive chemotherapy for his thyroid gland. Later on, it was discovered that the cancer had spread to his bones. This meant constant medical supervision and it was proposed that he remain in Belgium. In April 1983, Karel celebrated his Silver Jubilee of ordination in Antwerp. In the same month, and against medical advice, he returned to Ituri. He went back to Aru, but his relationships with the confreres were difficult. Karel had been there for over 20 years and he still exercised a lot of influence with the people.

Bishop Runiga offered him the job of Treasurer of the Diocese of Mahagi. He was to hold this post for less than two years and even then, there was an interruption for medical tests in Belgium. Fr. Gayet, the Regional wrote to the Belgium Provincial: “Tomorrow, Karel is going to leave with a clear conscience and a sense of having done his duty. He has shown great courage and energy and he has done a lot. He was more than just a Treasurer for Bishop Runiga, but also a friend and mentor.” At the end of June 1984, after 26 years of activity, Karel left the Congo.

At the beginning of December 1984, Karel received his official appointment from Cardinal Danneels, which stated: “Karel Stuer, White Father, is appointed to the pastoral care of African families in Brussels in collaboration with Fr. Laurent Dauwe, Chaplain to African students.” He received canonical delegation to perform marriages between Africans in the Archdiocese. Karel initially stayed in our house in rue Linthout but eventually moved to rue Chaumontel and took up residence with the Holy Family Sisters. He lived there for 27 years.

Karel received a modest budget from the Province to help some African families in crisis. His first engagements were to visit families and to celebrate liturgies of all kinds. Over time, the idea came to start a more structured community project. On the 22nd February 1990, the White Fathers created “Espaces Libres Africain”, a Non-Profit-Organisation under Belgian law. Karel became the first President of the Association and another founder member, Fr. Jean de Roovere, put a house at its disposal that became known as the Centre Amani. Karel renovated and repainted the house with the help of African volunteers.

Under his direction, the Centre developed a great variety of activities: baptisms, marriages, funerals, marriage jubilees, choirs, literacy courses, remedial teaching, Central Board examinations, food banks, a scout troop, library and outings. Meeting rooms were available for groups and advice was given to new arrivals. It published a newsletter, “Amani-Info.” Collaboration with the Diocese was excellent.

It is hard to know how many African families Karel visited, supported, and advised in adversity or in happier moments. He had a heart of gold and was very much appreciated for his generosity and his ability to listen. When he celebrated 50 years of priesthood, one of the orators declared, “Fr. Karel lives with us, he shares our joys and he cries when we shed tears.” On this occasion, Catholics, Protestants, Kimbanguists, people of all faiths and none, surrounded Karel.

Karel remained at the head of Amani until 2007 when Fr. Andrew Anab, a confrere, took over. He remained active in the Centre and elsewhere.

However, sickness slowly got the better of Karel. He had to rest frequently. In July 2013, he rejoined the community at Linthout. When, he was not feeling particularly well, he used to go to his cousin Hilde who became his guardian angel. On the 9th October 2014, he was admitted to the Saint-Michel Clinic in Brussels. He died there during the night of 15th December 2014 in the presence of two African friends.

The farewell liturgy took place on the 20th December in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Koekelberg. The African community took responsibility for its organisation. There were hymns and lamentations, accompanied by guitars, drums and a saxophone. The Gloria was sung, accompanied by a dance around the coffin, the preface was sung in Lingala, spontaneous bidding prayers and moving testimonies followed one another for three hours. Then the body of Karel was brought to its final resting place in the cemetery of the White Fathers in Varsenare in the presence of many Africans who wanted to be with him right to the end.

Jef Vleugels