Le Père Marcel Dupont est né le 18 octobre 1921 à Shawinigan, dans le diocèse de Trois-Rivières, au Canada. En 1986, il écrit qu’il est le troisième d’une famille de onze enfants vivants, six étant morts en bas âge. Il qualifie son père comme étant un homme de foi, juste et charitable. Sa mère était cette femme forte, dit-il, qui gérait son foyer avec discernement, amour et piété. Les deux formaient un couple joyeux et unis. C’est dans cette ambiance que le jeune Marcel a grandi.

Il fait ses études primaires au collège St-Marc de Shawinigan. Pour ses études secondaires et les deux années de philosophie, il va au séminaire de Trois-Rivières. C’est à la fin de ses études qu’il demande d’entrer chez les Pères Blancs. Il souligne que c’est un désir qu’il nourrit depuis longtemps.

En septembre 1943, il commence son postulat chez les Missionnaires d’Afrique à Éverell, près de Québec. L’année suivante, il fait son noviciat à St-Martin. Au mois d’août 1945, il est au scolasticat d’Eastview près d’Ottawa pour ses quatre années de théologie.

La spéculation n’étant pas son fort, ses années d’études et de formation ne sont pas toujours faciles pour lui. Ses formateurs le considèrent comme quelqu’un qui a un bon jugement, juste et droit. Il est dévoué, généreux et de bonne volonté dans un comportement lent. Il est d’un naturel un peu timide et très impressionnable malgré son apathie apparente. C’est un excellent confrère qui accepte facilement la taquinerie. Il est doué pour le matériel. S’il s’engage avec plus de conviction et s’il est compris et aidé, on pense qu’il réussira bien.

Il est accepté à son serment missionnaire qu’il prononce le 19 avril 1949. Il est ordonné prêtre le 29 juin 1949. Après un stage de quatre mois en Angleterre, au début de 1950, il arrive en Tanzanie, où il est nommé au diocèse de Mwanza. Il commence d’abord à Kagunguli, sur l’île d’Ukerewe, au sud-est du Lac Victoria. Ses 37 années de vie missionnaire en Tanzanie vont se passer pratiquement sur cette île qu’il a tant aimée.

En septembre 1950, il est nommé vicaire à Murutunguru. Après une année et demie à cet endroit, il demande son changement de poste, car il ne s’y plaît pas, à cause surtout de son curé qui ne le comprend pas, dit-il. Il retourne alors à Kagunguli comme vicaire et économe. Il ne manque pas de sérieux et de bonne volonté. Il s’implique de plus en plus dans son travail, mais il le fait lentement, selon ses possibilités.

Au début de 1956, il participe à la fondation de la nouvelle mission de Kibara. En tant qu’économe, il va devoir s’impliquer dans l’organisation du côté matériel. Ce ne sera pas facile pour lui. En juillet 1959, il se sent fatigué. C’est heureusement le temps de son premier congé au Canada. Là, il se repose, et il est hospitalisé pour de nombreux examens. On ne trouve rien de grave. À la fin de ce congé, il fait sa grande retraite en Italie.

Au mois d’août 1960, il est heureux de retourner à Kibara comme vicaire. Cette paroisse va devenir la sienne. À part sept ans comme curé à Murutunguru, il travaille toujours à Kibara comme vicaire ou curé.

Après son retour définitif au Canada en 1986, il écrit : “Kibara était ma paroisse. J’y ai vécu 24 ans. C’est avec les larmes aux yeux que je l’ai quittée.” Et il s’évaluait ainsi : “Comme curé ou vicaire, cela ne m’a pas empêché d’être un homme aux trente-six métiers, et d’être fidèle à mon devoir de pasteur et de missionnaire. Mon manque d’organisation, ma lenteur et quelquefois ma santé m’ont empêché de faire plus.

Je n’ai pas été le meilleur missionnaire qui existe, mais je pense que je n’ai pas été le pire non plus.”
Au Canada, il ne prend pas tout à fait sa retraite. Après quelques mois à la rue St-Hubert, en juillet 1987, il est nommé économe à notre procure de Saint-Boniface, dans la province du Manitoba. Il va y demeurer quatre ans, faisant de son mieux, mais rencontrant encore là des incompréhensions. C’est pourquoi il demande d’aller ailleurs.

En juin 1991, il est à Québec. Très vite il devient économe de cette communauté pour cinq ans. Ce travail était trop lourd pour lui, et ses relations avec les autres le fragilisaient. En juin 1997, il est heureux d’être nommé à notre maison de retraite de Lennoxville. Il participe à la vie de communauté et rend de petits services.

En 1999, le Conseil provincial décide de commencer une nouvelle communauté Père Blanc au cénacle St-Pierre, tenu par les Sœurs de la Charité d’Ottawa, à Pointe-du-Lac. Marcel accepte de faire partie de cette nouvelle implantation. Il y restera sept ans, jusqu’au moment où on ferme cette communauté. Il retourne alors à Lennoxville au début de 2006. Ce sera son dernier poste d’attache.

Ses dernières années ont été difficiles. Progressivement, il a diminué ses activités et il a perdu son autonomie, nécessitant ainsi des soins adaptés. Il est décédé le 24 octobre 2013 à l’hôpital de Sherbrooke, après quelques jours d’hospitalisation. Il avait pris auparavant des arrangements avec sa famille pour que son corps soit transporté à Shawinigan tout de suite après son décès. C’est là que les funérailles ont eu lieu, le 28 octobre, en l’église St-Marc, suivies de l’inhumation au cimetière du même endroit dans le lot familial.

Cher Marcel, merci pour ce que tu as été pour chacun de nous, et pour ce que le Seigneur a accompli par toi pour l’avancement de son Royaume. Tu as été l’humble serviteur qui a traversé les épreuves en restant attaché à ton Seigneur. Qu’il te comble de bonheur.

Lauréat Belley

Père Karl-Heinz Hahn

1936 - - 2013

Karl-Heinz est né le 18 juin 1936 à Leipzig, Allemagne. Il est le second des cinq enfants d’une famille de commerçants. Un de ses frères est devenu prêtre du diocèse de Dresden/Leipzig et une sœur, religieuse. Les deux dernières années de la deuxième guerre mondiale, et le temps de privations de l’après-guerre, sous l’occupation russe, ont laissé une marque profonde en Karl-Heinz. Dans son curriculum vitae, il écrivit que ces années difficiles ont été la raison de son approche sérieuse de la vie, et qu’elles ont influencé d’une manière décisive le choix de sa vocation.

Ayant terminé son éducation élémentaire en 1949, Karl-Heinz quitte la maison, avec l’accord de ses parents, pour l’Allemagne de l’Ouest et rejoint le petit séminaire de notre Société à Haigerloch. Il finit son éducation secondaire en 1957 à Grosskrotzenburg et commence les études de philosophie à Trèves. Après le noviciat à Hörstel, il est nommé au scolasticat pour la théologie, au Canada. Ses formateurs remarquent sa maturité humaine, sa piété authentique et ses claires convictions vocationnelles. Déjà au scolasticat, il a une santé délicate, et il est souvent tendu. Il prononce son serment missionnaire le 29 juin 1962 à Eastview, et il est ordonné prêtre à Lampertheim, près de Worms, le 29 juin 1963.

Il part avec joie au Malawi où, pendant 41 ans, il va vivre et travailler comme missionnaire dans le diocèse de Mzuzu. Après quatre années d’activité dans la paroisse de Nkhamenya, il est envoyé à l’Institut de pastorale de Gaba pour un cycle de formation d’un an. Il poursuit ensuite son travail pastoral à Nkhamenya. C’est un perfectionniste. Tout ce qu’il fait est soigneusement préparé et consciencieusement exécuté. Quand il arrive dans une succursale, il commence par arranger la hutte destinée au prêtre et il place une nappe sur la table ; il est ensuite disponible pour la communauté. Parfois, quand il retourne à la mission centrale, il doit redresser le cadre des tableaux suspendus au mur et volontairement dérangés par un confrère blagueur ! Les gens aiment leur pasteur et apprécient ses services. Karl-Heinz écrit : “Je suis heureux, tout particulièrement avec les gens simples des succursales ; ils sont très ouverts à la Bonne Nouvelle du Royaume de Dieu.”

En 1973, Karl-Heinz est nommé Directeur du Centre catéchétique du diocèse de Mzuzu à Mzambazi. Par ses études, son expérience pastorale et sa manière de travailler précise et soigneuse, il est bien qualifié pour ce service. Il s’engage avec enthousiasme et donne une solide formation aux catéchistes. Il écrit dans une de ses lettres : “Quels fruits porterait notre activité sacerdotale sans l’active participation de ces apôtres laïques ? C’est surprenant de voir tout ce que ces collaborateurs zélés peuvent réaliser dans leur grand amour pour leur peuple et leur esprit de foi. En voyant leur engagement, je me sens comme transporté à Jérusalem dans la communauté des premiers chrétiens.” Perfectionniste, Karl-Heinz souffre fréquemment de stress. Après onze ans dépensés généreusement dans ce Centre catéchétique, le besoin se fait sentir d’une année de repos en Allemagne.

Bien reposé et dans un bon état d’esprit, Karl-Heinz retourne au Malawi en 1985. Il s’immerge de nouveau dans le travail paroissial, dans le diocèse de Mzuzu. En 1993, une crise cardiaque l’oblige à retourner en Allemagne pour se soigner et récupérer. Après cela, Karl-Heinz retourne au Malawi pour sept nouvelles années. Il devient aumônier des Sœurs du Rosaire. Il écrit alors : “Je suis complètement occupé en diverses activités. Comme je donne trois classes chaque matin – deux heures au noviciat et une au postulat – il y a toujours quelque chose à préparer et à donner.” Cependant, Karl-Heinz souffre de plus en plus fréquemment de problèmes de santé qui, parfois, doivent être traités en Allemagne. En 2004, pour des raisons d’âge et de santé, il dit adieu au Malawi.

Karl-Heinz a passé son temps de retraite à Trèves. Souffrant de problèmes de santé, il a partagé le chemin de croix de notre rédempteur. Il a été admis à plusieurs reprises à l’hôpital pour la dialyse des reins et une opération de pontage. Il continuait à vivre sa vocation de Missionnaire d’Afrique et il écrivit dans une de ses lettres : “Avec une grande joie et la reconnaissance au cœur, je repense à mon apostolat missionnaire des années passées. Cela demandait parfois un effort extrême, à la limite de l’épuisement ; mais la force et les bénédictions d’en haut m’ont toujours soutenu au long de ces années.”

Le 7 mai 2013, par le passage de la mort et de la résurrection, le Seigneur a appelé Karl-Heinz à entrer dans la vie éternelle. Il a été enterré le 14 mai 2013, dans le cimetière principal de Trèves, au milieu de ses confrères.

Rolf Wigger

“Personne n'a jamais vu Dieu ; le Fils unique, qui est dans le sein du Père, lui, l'a fait connaître.”
(Jn 1,18)

Père Gérard Lebel

1929 - - 2013

Le Père Gérard Lebel est né le 30 mai 1929 à La Sarre, dans le diocèse d’Amos, de la Province de Québec, au Canada. Très vite, ses parents se sont installés sur une ferme agricole à Palmorelle, pas loin de La Sarre. Gérard est le septième d’une famille de douze enfants. Il fait ses études primaires à Palmorelle de la 1re à la 9e année. C’est à ce moment que ses parents décident de l’envoyer faire ses études secondaires, d’abord une année au séminaire de Mont-Laurier, puis au séminaire d’Amos, où il étudiera aussi la philosophie pendant deux ans.

Au mois d’août 1953, il entre chez les Pères Blancs et commence son noviciat à St-Martin, près de Montréal. L’année suivante, il est au scolasticat d’Eastview pour les quatre années de théologie. C’est là qu’il prononce son serment missionnaire le 22 juin 1957. Il est ordonné prêtre le 1er février 1958, dans sa paroisse de Palmarolle, par Mgr Alphé Desmarais, évêque d’Amos.

Pendant la période de formation, ses professeurs avait constaté que Gérard pourrait se laisser prendre, dans l’avenir, et sans les contrôler suffisamment, par les nouveautés et les déviations. Il aura besoin d’être aidé pour discerner ce qui est le mieux à faire. On pense qu’il fera très bien dans un poste de mission pour tout ce qui regarde le côté pratique, car il est très débrouillard et généreux. Il manifeste une grande charité pour ses confrères, étant prêt à se dévouer avec patience pour eux.

Après un stage en Angleterre, Gérard arrive en Zambie en décembre 1958. Il est nommé dans le diocèse actuel de Chipata. Toute sa vie missionnaire en Afrique va se passer dans ce diocèse. Il travaillera dans beaucoup de paroisses ; il devra donc effectuer beaucoup de changements, qu’il n’appréciait pas facilement. Il écrira un jour : “Je commence à en avoir assez d’être envoyé partout où il y a des difficultés…”

Il commence à apprendre le chinyanja aux postes de St. Mary’s et de Chassa. Il est ensuite vicaire et économe à Naviruli, et à Minga. À la fin de 1961, il est nommé à Nyimba, une paroisse où il s’est beaucoup impliqué. Il y est retourné quatre fois ; il y travaillera en tout pendant 15 ans. Il a été curé quatre ans à Lumimba. Il a aussi été vicaire à Minga, Khokwe, Kalichero, Msupadzi, etc.

Partout où il est passé, il a entrepris de nombreuses constructions. Il est à l’origine de nombreux projets de développement pour aider les gens et favoriser l’autofinancement. Il a beaucoup fait pour aider les malades et les pauvres en collaborant dans les dispensaires. Il disait lui-même qu’il avait exercé tous les métiers.

Dans tout cela, il a rencontré des difficultés. Comme il était porté à prendre des décisions tout seul, et qu’il ne mesurait pas toujours la portée de ses paroles et de ses actes, il a souvent fait face à des oppositions. Mais il arrivait toujours à s’en sortir et à continuer son œuvre avec dévouement. Notons que, petit à petit, il s’améliorait.

À la suite d’un procès qui lui valut une expérience en prison, il écrivait : “Cette expérience douloureuse aurait pu me décourager et me faire retourner au Canada, comme beaucoup de confrères me le suggéraient ; mais j’étais en paix et je ne voulais pas abandonner ma vocation missionnaire à cause de cette mauvaise aventure qui est devenue un cauchemar du passé.”

Au point de vue pastoral, il s’est intéressé aux mouvements d’action catholique, surtout à la Légion de Marie. Le problème d’alcoolisme dans la région le préoccupait. Il a instauré un mouvement antialcoolique à Nyimba. Partout où il a vécu, il a œuvré, à sa façon, en étant un passionné de la mission, des pauvres, et du bien à accomplir.

En 1980, après la session retraite à Jérusalem, il écrit : “Rester trente jours en silence est une bénédiction. J’ai bien aimé ma retraite. Depuis 22 ans, j’ai été souvent poussé dans le dos par les besoins de l’apostolat. Un arrêt de 3 mois à Jérusalem me permet de redonner une orientation à ma vie.”

À travers son intense activité, le Père Lebel a souvent eu besoin de se reposer. En 1982, épuisé et malade, il a pris un congé au Canada. Son régional écrit : “Nous avons décidé de renvoyer Gérard chez lui au Canada. Cela fait déjà 5 ou 6 semaines qu’il traîne une dépression nerveuse. Il a besoin de plusieurs mois de repos…” Il y est demeuré deux ans, tout en se culpabilisant de se reposer si longtemps. En 1997, après un autre séjour en Afrique, il va encore retourner au Canada pour se faire soigner. Ce sera un retour définitif, bien qu’au début, il pensait pouvoir revenir en Afrique.

Gérard et sa soeur Thérèse en 1981.

En arrivant au Canada, il se repose, tout en restant très actif. Il a de la difficulté à s’arrêter. Au début de 1998, il entre à l’hôpital pour soigner des troubles cardiaques qui ont failli l’emporter. À la suite de cette hospitalisation, il dit qu’il a besoin de paix et de repos. Il rend grâce au Seigneur pour sa sœur religieuse qui l’a beaucoup aidé à traverser cette épreuve, et qui l’a toujours accompagné.

L’année suivante, il obtient la permission d’aller faire une visite d’adieu au diocèse de Chipata avec son frère. Il sait qu’il n’a plus la santé pour y retourner travailler. Au Canada, il veut continuer à être missionnaire en faisant du ministère à partir de la maison provinciale. Ses supérieurs doivent continuellement le conseiller pour éviter qu’il tombe dans des exagérations, surtout dans des mouvements liés à des apparitions.

En 2005, comme sa santé se détériore sérieusement, il accepte d’aller à notre maison de retraite de Lennoxville pour mieux être encadré. Par la suite, avec les années, il devient de plus en plus dépendant et handicapé. Au début de novembre 2013, il est hospitalisé à l’Hôtel-Dieu de Sherbrooke, C’est là qu’il est décédé le 9 novembre. La dépouille mortelle a été exposée à notre maison de Lennoxville. Suivirent les funérailles, le 12 novembre. Il a été inhumé au cimetière du même endroit dans la partie réservée aux Missionnaires d’Afrique.

En apprenant la mort du Père Lebel, Mgr George Lungu, évêque de Chipata, a présenté ses condoléances au Père provincial. Il reconnaissait l’énorme travail que Gérard a accompli dans son diocèse. En conséquence, il demanda aux paroisses où notre confrère a œuvré d’organiser une messe pour rendre grâce au Seigneur, et prier pour le repos de son âme.

Lauréat Belley

PROFILES

Father Hans Schrenk

1934 - - 2013

Hans’ parents owned a small farm but at the same time, his father worked in the local administration of Heiligenzimmern, a village in the diocese of Freiburg, Germany. Hans, who was born on 13th of November 1934, was the fourth of nine children. Five of the nine became Missionaries of Africa; Hans and two of his brothers became White Fathers and their two sisters became White Sisters. Hans completed primary school before deciding that he wanted to become a Missionary of Africa.

In 1949, he started studying in Haigerloch; he then did all his secondary studies in the minor seminaries of the White Fathers. He was the first in his class most of the time. He completed seventh and eighth class in one year. Often he was the head boy of his class. However, he never behaved like a superstar, on the contrary, he was a humble, and much liked classmate. On 24th February 1956, he passed his ‘Abitur’ in Grosskrotzenburg.

From April 1956 until May 1958, Hans studied philosophy with the White Fathers in Trier. His formators appreciated his many talents, which enabled him to be a natural leader in the best sense of the word. After doing his novitiate in Hörstel, he studied Theology from 1959 until 1963 in Totteridge, London. During his time in novitiate and theology, he deepened his spiritual life and his missionary vocation. He also developed his academic and organizational gifts. He was a likable confrere, full of life and full of good ideas. He was active and at the same time lived a solid spirituality. He pronounced his missionary oath on 27th June 1963 in Totteridge, and was ordained a priest on 29th September 1963 in Lampertheim, Germany.

Hans would have liked to start missionary work in Africa immediately, but considering his academic gifts it was not surprising that he was appointed to Rome for further studies. After his ordination, he studied theology and Holy Scripture. From 1968 until 1974, he taught Exegesis in London. His lectures and his sermons were much appreciated. At the same time, he was popular in community enriching social evenings with his contributions. Many of the seminarians chose him as their spiritual companion. Hans was active not only in our house; he also liked to take up apostolic engagements in the neighbouring parishes, where he developed many contacts.

The time Hans spent in our formation house was not an easy one. Many changes occurred after the Council and our “Aggiornamento Chapter” of 1967. At the same time excesses had to be avoided. Hans managed to keep a sound balance.

In October 1974, Hans was appointed to Ghana. He took the opportunity to learn the local language, before starting to teach in the Major Seminary of Tamale. However, the next year 1976, he was appointed Regional of Ghana. As Regional, Hans was a true confrere who kept the door of his house and his heart open. Nowhere did he arrive with readymade solutions, but he listened attentively and discussed problems in depth before taking a decision. He was not an authoritarian superior, but a person who approached others with friendliness and openness. Because of this not only confreres but also many others sought advice and help from him. That meant that he had to carry the burdens of many people.

Hans was elected Assistant General at the chapter of 1981. He did a good job in this capacity. He had to face many problems, and as he was a sensitive person, many of the problems he faced made him suffer deeply. After a while, he was overburdened, and he fell seriously ill in 1984. He had to return to Germany for treatment and a prolonged period of convalescence.

While in Germany, Hans remained active giving such services, as he was able to bear. However, the most important missionary service he gave at that time was to share in the redeeming passion of Jesus Christ. He slowly recovered and in 1995, he was able to work again as a formator and lecturer, first in Dublin and later in Totteridge.

In 2009, Hans had to give up his work in London because of deteriorating health and he moved into our community in Haigerloch. After a long battle with cancer, he died in Haigerloch on 24th July 2013. Hans was buried in the cemetery of Haigerloch on 30th July 2013. His confreres, relatives, neighbours, and friends celebrated the Requiem Mass in his home village of Heiligenzimmern.

His brother Albert said in his sermon: “As Hans himself had to endure suffering and carry the cross, he was able to accompany others in times of pain when they were losing hope. He was able to rekindle in them new hope and new love. He had a special way of approaching others in order to help them master their lives and trust in God. He spoke no empty words, but his words came from his heart. His knowledge of the Bible enabled him to be a good spiritual companion for many. When he came to Haigerloch in 2009, many of us could profit from his knowledge of the Word of God by listening to his sermons and talks or by sharing the Bible with him.”

Rolf Wigger

Father Karl Engelberg

1929 - - 2013

Karl Engelbert prayed the following prayer regularly in his old age: Lord, at the end of my days keep awake the spirit and the right mind in me. Prevent me from becoming a nuisance to my neighbour. Do not let me harbour envy and suspicion, when my strength begins to fail. At the end of my days let me understand the deepest meaning of life. Give answer to my questions and prevent me from becoming disheartened. Let me prevail in front of your merciful presence.

Karl was born on 20th of June 1929 in Haan in the Diocese of Köln. He grew up in a large family. There were four brothers and sisters from the first marriage of his father and nine from his second marriage with Karl’s mother. Because his father, who was advanced in age could no longer find employment as a master mechanic, it could not be expected that Karl would be able to go to secondary school. However, Karl did succeed in getting a secondary education.

He wanted to become a Missionary of Africa and follow in the footsteps of his elder brother, Fr. Friedrich Engelbert, M. Afr. (+1982). After receiving some private tutoring, he was admitted to the minor seminary of the White Fathers in Grosskrotzenburg in autumn 1949. There he completed his secondary education after passing the Abitur exam on 22nd February 1951.

Karl then went to Trier for his studies of philosophy. He did his novitiate in Maison-Carrée (1953-1954), and his theology in Heverlee, Belgium. He took his Missionary Oath in Heverlee on 6th July 1957, and was ordained priest in Grosskrotzenburg on 22nd December 1957.

After completing his initial formation, Karl was sent to study Religious Knowledge and German Literature with Education at the University of Frankfurt. He passed his examinations in1962 and in 1964, he passed the final state examination and qualified as a secondary school teacher.

Karl was immediately appointed teacher and superior of our minor seminary in Rietberg. However, the hope of a new beginning for our school in Rietberg did not materialize as the White Fathers gradually began to close down all their schools. The atmosphere among staff and students in Rietberg was tense until the school was finally shut in 1969. Like a number of other confreres, Karl Engelbert had been trained as teacher and educator, so for them the decision to abandon our schools brought about a painful change in their lives.

Karl could not be appointed to Africa because of his poor health. He suffered from diabetes, eye problems, and later on from heart problems. His doctor and the German Provincial advised him to continue working as a teacher, because the regularity of this work was suitable to him. So Karl became a teacher at the municipal secondary school and after some years he was offered a permanent post.

For some years the confreres in Rietberg continued to live in our house. However, the community began to shrink as confreres moved to other types of apostolate. The municipal secondary school rented class rooms in our house until we sold it in 1974. Karl and two other confreres moved into the curate’s residence at the local parish. Their main work remained their engagement in the secondary school. The colleagues and students of Karl appreciated his competence as an educator, good natured tolerance and sense of humour. Apart from working in the school, the White Fathers assisted in the pastoral work of the local parish. The parishioners recognized Karl as a devoted pastor, a refreshing preacher, a faithful confessor and an attentive chaplain of the Kolping–fraternity.

Eventually, Karl was the only White Father residing in Rietberg. As his health problems worsened, he decided to retire from teaching in 1992, just two years before the official retirement age. He remained in Rietberg and engaged in parish work. On the occasion of his eightieth birthday, the Parish Priest of Rietberg said: “Fr. Engelbert is our most important counsellor. The apostolate for the elderly would be impossible without him.”

Karl always remained a Missionary of Africa. He was able to create a strong missionary spirit in the parish. In this way the Christians of Rietberg remained closely connected to the White Fathers and the African Mission. In the letter he addressed to the parishioners when he finally said Goodbye to them, Karl wrote: “I wish to give thanks to God for the nearly fifty years I have been living in Rietberg. God enabled me to contribute a little to the building of God’s kingdom in the school and in the parish. Always inspired by a missionary spirit, I contributed in opening the hearts of the parishioners of our local church for the needs of the universal church. Now that the last Missionary of Africa is leaving Rietberg, I am confident that this missionary spirit will not be extinguished, but continue to be alive in this community.”

It was because of his deteriorating state of health that, at the beginning of 2012, Karl decided to conclude his apostolate in Rietberg and retire to our community in Hörstel. Although he had been living outside community for many years, he integrated into his new community without problems. He was a kind and well appreciated confrere.

Karl had suffered of diabetes and heart problems for many years and he finally became dependent on nursing assistance. All the same, his death came as a surprise. On the evening of 22nd September 2013, he took part in the common recreation as usual. At 9pm he retired to his room. The following morning his confreres found him dead in his bathroom. His bed had not been touched.

Karl was buried in the cemetery of Hörstel on 26th September 2013. Many parishioners of Rietberg and Hörstel attended.

Rolf Wigger

Father Karl Anton Specht

1931 - - 2013

Nowadays we witness great changes in our culture, our way of thinking and also in our approach to religion. Something new is advancing. Slowly God will help us to find solutions for the many theological, ethical and sociological dilemmas. I hope that here in Kenya I can make a humble contribution to this new age of our history of salvation. (K.A. Specht 1997)

Karl Anton (Toni) Specht was born on 2nd July 1931 in Bad Neuenahr, Germany. He had two brothers and one sister who became a White Sister. Toni started his secondary education in his home town, but he later moved to the minor seminary of the White Fathers in Grosskrotzenburg. That is where he passed his final examination, the Abitur, in 1952. He then did his philosophy in Trier. In 1954 he went to USA where he did his novitiate in Alexandria Bay.

For his theology he was appointed to Eastview, Canada. There he pronounced his missionary oath on 21st June 1958. He was ordained priest in Ottawa on 20th September 1958. From 1959 until 1961 he did further studies in Rome where he obtained a licentiate in Moral Theology. From 1961 until 1967 he was on the staff of our Theology house in Totteridge, London. The students asked his help not only in theological and spiritual matters, but also when they faced technical problems. Fr. Specht was a skilled craftsman. In Totteridge he established a workshop where he even produced chalices.

While in England, Toni got involved in the training of development workers who wanted to go abroad. In 1968, he was permitted to go to Africa himself. He was appointed to Nairobi as chaplain to the German speaking Catholics in Eastern Africa. At that time there was no community of White Fathers in Nairobi. Hence Toni had to set up a home there. The “House Specht” became a centre not just for the German Catholic Community; it was an ecumenical and intercultural meeting point.

Ecumenical co-operation was dear to Toni’s heart. For their religious services the Protestants and Catholics used a common hall. Toni also offered public Mass in his residence, the “House Specht”. Ecumenical services were also arranged. Many pastoral and social activities were organized in an ecumenical context. Both the Protestant and the Catholic Chaplaincies published a common pastoral letter.

Toni had to learn Swahili after his arrival in Africa. As a Missionary of Africa he did not confine his apostolate to German speaking expatriates. He was keen to build bridges between the Europeans, who often lived completely separated from their African environment and the African communities that surrounded them. He himself had an open heart for African people. “House Specht” was always populated with people who were in need of help. Toni accepted them into his extended family. He welcomed orphans, the poor and the sick, especially those suffering from Aids; he cared for them and often sponsored their education. People in need of help constantly knocked at his door and Toni found it difficult to refuse help even when he had run out of money.

He also founded a project where orphans could earn a living. As Toni was, emotionally, deeply linked with the members of his adopted family, he often experienced sorrow and suffering when one or the other went astray. Regarding such experiences, Toni wrote: “Emotionally I am disturbed these days. Sometimes I remember the advice that an old confrere gave me when I was a student. He said: Never get involved with human beings! I always have sinned against this advice, and I still believe that this advice is no good.”

In his pastoral work with the German community, Toni emphasized three points: He wanted to help them to overcome the prejudices against religion and the Church that he often met among them and to assist them to come closer to their Christian roots. Secondly he tried to lead people out of the Ghetto mentality in which expatriates often isolated themselves. He wanted them to open up to the African population that was all around them. Thirdly he wanted to contribute to tearing down the barriers that existed between Europeans and Africans. Toni remained interested in theology all his life. He had a well stocked theological library. He had an open mind on the questions of modernity, which he critically examined. He looked for suitable theological approaches in the discussions with his parishioners.

Toni was on the move all the time visiting his communities in the different countries of Eastern Africa. At times his parish extended from Tanzania to Ethiopia. At the beginning he used a Volkswagen Beetle, and later on – after he got a pilot’s license – he was able to fly by hiring a plane. He kept up an extensive correspondence with members of the German speaking community. The German Embassy in Nairobi valued his long experience in Eastern Africa and often asked him for advice, especially when they had problems with German tourists.

Toni had a number of health problems. Several times he had to go to Germany for heart operations and medical treatment. However, he was always able to return to Nairobi. When, in 2008, it became impossible for him to continue with his work and his life in Nairobi, he wrote: “I always tried to solve all my problems myself. Mostly I succeeded. But now the time has come, when my own abilities are no longer sufficient.” With a heavy heart Toni returned to Germany. His departure from Nairobi was painful. He not only lost his way of life in Africa and the many relationships within the German community; above all he missed his extended family in “House Specht”. Moreover he had to accept being ill and to be dependent on others.

The last years of his life were spent with the White Fathers’ community in the senior citizens home in Trier. There he died on Saturday the 12th October 2013. He was buried in the main cemetery of Trier on 17th of October 2013.

Rolf Wigger

Father Marcel Dupont

1921 - - 2013

Fr. Marcel Dupont was born on the 18th October 1921 in Shawinigan, Diocese of Trois-Rivières, Canada. In 1986, he wrote that he was the third child in a family of 11 surviving children. Six had died at a very young age. He described his father as a man of faith, just and charitable. He described his mother as a strong woman who managed the household with love, sensitivity, and piety. The two were a happy and united couple. It was in this environment that the young Marcel grew up.

He did his primary school studies in the Collège St-Marc in Shawinigan. He then went to the Seminary of Trois-Rivières for his secondary schooling including two years of Philosophy. It was at the end of these studies that he applied to join the White Fathers. He emphasised that this was something he had thought about for a long time.

In September 1943, Marcel began the postulancy of the Missionaries of Africa in Éverell, near Québec. The following year he did his novitiate in St-Martin. He joined the Eastview Scolasticat, near Ottawa in August 1945 for four years of theological studies. These years of studies were difficult for him, especially from the intellectual point of view, as abstraction was not his strong point. The staff considered him as someone with good judgement who was fair and straightforward. He was faithful, generous and willing in a laid-back way. By nature, he was somewhat shy and impressionable despite his apparent apathy. He was an excellent confrere who accepted teasing in good fun. He was very good in practical things and the Staff thought that he would do very well if his limitations were accepted and understood and if he could be more energetic. He took the Missionary Oath on the 19th April 1949. He was ordained priest on the 29th June 1949.

In the beginning of 1950, Marcel arrived in Tanzania after four months of studying the British way of life in England. He was appointed to the Diocese of Mwanza, to Kagunguli on the island of Ukerewe in the southeast corner of Lake Victoria. He spent nearly all of his 37 years of mission in Tanzania on this island, which he loved so well. In September 1950, he was appointed curate in Murutunguru but after 18 months, he asked for a transfer principally because he was not happy there. He said that the Parish Priest did not understand him. He returned to Kagunguli as curate and bursar. He was reliable and willing as he got more and more involved in the work but he did so at his own pace and according to his capabilities.

In the beginning of 1956, Marcel was a founding member of the new mission of Kibara. As bursar, he had to get involved in the material side of things. It was not easy for him. In July 1959, he felt worn out. Happily, it was the time for his first home leave in Canada. Once home, he was able to rest and underwent a number of medical examinations in hospital. Nothing serious was found. At the end of his holiday, he did the Long Retreat in Italy.

In August of 1960, Marcel was happy to return to Kibara as curate. Except for seven years as Parish Priest in Murutunguru, this Parish was to be his home as either curate or Parish Priest for the rest of his time in Ukerewe. After returning to Canada for good in 1986, he wrote: “Kibara was my Parish. I lived there for 24 years. I had tears in my eyes when I left.” He made this self-evaluation: “Being curate or Parish Priest did not prevent me from being a man with 36 jobs while still remaining faithful to my duty as pastor and missionary. My lack of organisation, my slowness, and sometimes my health prevented me from doing more. I may not have been the greatest missionary who ever lived but I have not been the worst either”

He did not retire straightaway. After some months in rue St-Hubert, he went to our procure in Saint-Boniface, Manitoba as bursar in July 1987. He was to remain there for four years but he again met with misunderstandings and asked to go somewhere else. In June 1997, he was in Québec and he accepted the job of bursar. He stayed in this community for five years but the work was too much for him and his relationships with the others weakened him. He was happy to accept an appointment to our retirement home in Lennoxville in June 1997. He was glad to participate in community life and to give what small services he could to his colleagues.

In 1999, the Provincial Council of Canada decided to begin a new White Father community in Pointe-du-Lac at the Cenacle St-Pierre run by the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa. Marcel accepted to be part of this new establishment. He stayed there for seven years until the community was withdrawn. He returned to Lennoxville in the beginning of 2006. This was his last appointment.

His last years were difficult and he had to reduce his activities. He lost his independence and needed special care. He died on the 24th October 2013 in Sherbrooke Hospital after being admitted some days previously. He had arranged with his family that they would take his body to Shawinigan immediately after his death. It was there, in the Church of St. Mark that his funeral took place, followed by burial in the family plot.

Dear Marcel, thank you for what you were for each one of us and for all that the Lord achieved through you for the progress of his Kingdom. You were a humble servant who suffered many trials but remained loyal to your Lord. May he fill you with joy...

Lauréat Belley

 

Father Karl-Heinz Hahn

1936 - - 2013

No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him. (Jn. 1:18)
Karl-Heinz was born on 18th June 1936 in Leipzig, Germany. He was the second of five children of a merchant family. One of his brothers became a priest of the diocese of Dresden/Leipzig, and one sister became a nun.

The last two years of World War II and the years of privation under Russian occupation left a deep mark in Karl-Heinz. In his curriculum vitae he wrote that these difficult years were the reason for his serious approach to life, and that they decisively influenced the choice of his vocation.

After completing his primary education in 1949, Karl-Heinz left his home and - with the agreement of his parents - went to West-Germany in order to join the minor seminary of the White Fathers in Haigerloch. In 1957 he completed his secondary education in Grosskrotzenburg and he began his philosophical studies in Trier. Following his Novitiate in Hörstel he was appointed to Canada for his theological studies. The staff praised his human maturity, his genuine piety and his clear convictions in the pursuit of his missionary vocation. In the scholasticat his health was not strong and he could easily suffer from stress. On 23rd June 1962, he took his Missionary Oath in Eastview, Canada. He was ordained priest in Lampertheim near Worms on 29th June 1963.

Karl-Heinz happily left for Malawi, where, for 41 years, he would live and work as a missionary in the Diocese of Mzuzu. After four years of parish work in Nkhamenya, he was sent to Gaba Pastoral Institute in Uganda for a one year course after which he returned to Nkhamenya.

Karl-Heinz was a perfectionist. Everything he did was carefully prepared and conscientiously executed. Whenever he arrived in an outstation, he would first tidy up the hut that was reserved for the priest and place a cloth over the table; after that he was available to his congregation. Sometimes, when he returned to the central mission, he had to straighten the pictures on the wall which a mischievous confrere had disturbed. People loved their pastor and appreciated his services. Karl-Heinz wrote: “I am particularly happy to be in the outstations with the simple people, who are especially open to the Good News of the Kingdom of God.”

In 1973, Karl-Heinz was appointed Director of the Catechetical Centre of the Diocese of Mzuzu in Mzambazi. For this task he was well qualified because of his studies, his pastoral experience and his careful and accurate way of working. He enthusiastically got down to work giving catechists a solid formation. In one of his letters he wrote: “What fruits would our priestly work bring without the active participation of these lay-apostles? It is astonishing to see how much these zealous helpers can achieve with their great love for their people and their spirit of faith. Seeing their commitment I feel I am living in the community of the first Christians in Jerusalem.” Being the perfectionist he was, Karl-Heinz easily suffered from stress. After eleven well spent years in the Catechetical Centre, he needed a year’s rest in Germany.

Karl-Heinz returned to Malawi in 1985, well rested and in good spirits. He immersed himself again in parish work in the Diocese of Mzuzu. In 1993 a heart attack forced him to return to Germany for treatment and recuperation. After that, he was able to return to Malawi for seven more years. He became Chaplain of the Rosarian Sisters. At that time he wrote: “I am completely engaged in my various tasks. All I have to do is to give three classes every morning – two hours in the novitiate and one in the postulancy - so there is always something to prepare and to carry out.” However, increasing health problems, sometimes needing treatment in Germany, meant that, in 2004, he had to say goodbye to Malawi because of his advancing age and deteriorating health.

Karl-Heinz spent his time of retirement in Trier. As he had many health problems, he still had to share the Way of the Cross of Our Redeemer. He had to be admitted to hospital several times. He needed a bypass operation and dialyses for the kidneys. He continued to live as a Missionary of Africa. In one of his letters he wrote: “With great joy and a grateful heart I look back at the past years of my missionary apostolate. Sometimes it was a desperate effort at the edge of exhaustion; but the blessings and the strength from above have always carried me throughout these years.”

On the 7th May 2013, the Lord called him, through death and resurrection, into eternal life. Karl-Heinz was buried in the main cemetery of Trier among his confrères on 14th May 2013.

Rolf Wigger

 

Father Gérard Lebel

1929 - - 2013

Fr Gérard Lebel was born on the 30th May 1929 in La Sarre, Diocese of Amos, Province of Quebec, Canada. Soon afterwards, his parents moved to an agricultural holding in Palmorelle not far from La Sarre. He was the seventh child in a family of 12 children. His primary schooling took place in Palmorelle after which his parents decided to send him for his secondary schooling, initially, to the seminary of Mont-Laurier and afterwards in the Seminary of Amos, which included two years of Philosophy.

In August 1953, Gérard entered the novitiate of the White Fathers at St-Martin, near Montreal. The following year, he went to Eastview for four years of Theology. It was there that he took the Missionary Oath on the 22nd June 1957. Bishop Alphé Desmarais, Bishop of Amos, ordained him priest on the 1st February 1958 in his home parish of Palmorelle.

During this period of formation, his professors noted that he was more gifted for practical work than for intellectual studies. They felt that there was a danger that novelties and distractions could control Gérard’s life. They considered that he would need guidance in discerning what would be the best thing to do. They also felt that he would do very well in a mission as regards practical matters because he was very resourceful and generous. He was also very charitable and patient towards his confreres and he was always ready to be of service to them.

After a short orientation course in England, Gérard arrived in Zambia in December 1958. He was appointed to the Diocese of Chipata. He was to spend all his missionary life in this Diocese. He worked a lot in Parishes and moved many times which he did not like very much. He wrote one day “I am getting fed up of being sent anywhere where there is a problem.”

He began to learn Chinyanja in St. Mary’s and Chassa. He was curate and bursar in Naviruli and Minga. At the end of 1961, he was appointed to Nyimba, a parish where he was to work for a total of 15 years having had four appointments there. He was Parish Priest in Lumimba for four years and was curate in Minga, Kokwe, Kalichero and Msipazi among others.

Gérard built a lot everywhere he went. He was the instigator of many development projects to help the people and encourage financial self-sufficiency. He did a lot to help the sick and the poor in collaboration with the dispensaries. He said himself that he practised all the trades. Despite all this, he met many difficulties. He was prone to take decisions by himself and as a result, that he was not able to live up to what he said and did. He faced opposition on a number of occasions. However, he was always able to extricate himself and continue his devoted service.

As he got older, he improved little by little. After a court case, he found himself in prison and he wrote, “This painful experience could have discouraged me and made me decide to return to Canada as many confreres advised me to do. However, I was at peace and I did not wish to abandon my missionary vocation because of this terrible adventure which has become a nightmare of the past.”

Gérard was actively involved in movements of Catholic Action especially the Legion of Mary. The problem of alcoholism preoccupied him and he began an anti-alcoholic movement in Nyimba. Everywhere, he worked passionately in his own way for the mission, the poor, and doing good.

In 1980, after doing the session/retreat in Jerusalem, he wrote, “It was a blessing to spend 30 days in silence. I liked the retreat very much. For the last 22 years, the demands of the mission were constantly pressurising me. A pause of three months in Jerusalem has allowed me to give myself a new direction.”

Gérard and his sister Thérèse in 1981.

Fr. Lebel was a very hard worker and he often needed to rest. In 1982, he was worn out and he returned to Canada on medical leave. His Regional wrote, “We decided to send Gérard home to Canada, as for the last five or six weeks he has been suffering from a nervous depression. He needs a rest of many months.”

In fact, he stayed in Canada for two years and blamed himself for taking so much time to recover. In 1997, after another tour in Africa, he returned to Canada for treatment. It was for good although at the beginning, he thought he might be able to return to Africa.

On his arrival in Canada, he rested but was still very active. He just could not keep still. In the beginning of 1998, he was admitted to hospital urgently with heart problems and he nearly died. After a period of hospitalisation, he said himself that he needed to rest. He thanked the Lord for the presence of his sister who was a religious for helping him through this crisis. She was always there for him.

The following year, Gérard got permission to go and make a farewell visit to Chipata accompanied by his brother. He accepted that his health was not good enough for him to return there. In Canada, he wanted to continue to be a missionary by doing some ministry while he was resident in the Provincial House. His superiors had to advise him continually not get involved in extreme movements, especially those based on apparitions.

By 2005, Gérard’s health had greatly deteriorated and he agreed to go to the retirement house in Lennoxville for the care he needed. Over the following years, he got more dependent and handicapped. In the beginning of December 2013, he was admitted to the Hotel-Dieu hospital in Sherbrooke and he died there on the 9th December 2013. His earthly remains were returned to Lennoxville and the funeral took place on the 12th November. He was buried in the Missionaries of Africa plot in the local cemetery.

Bishop George Lungu of Chipata sent his condolences to the Provincial. He recognised the huge amount of work that Gérard has accomplished in his diocese. He was going to ask all the parishes where he worked to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving and to pray for the repose of his soul.

Lauréat Belley