In cooperation with the Diocese of Den Bosch and KNR (Conference of Religious, Netherlands) a memorial service was organized on 19-09-2020 for deceased religious. This Eucharistic celebration was led by Monseigneur de Korte and the Chairman of the KNR, Abbot of the Trappists.
In a beautiful, impressive and atmospheric celebration, 190 religious, priests, brothers and sisters who died in the Corona period between 15 March and 1 September were remembered. In his sermon, the bishop specifically mentioned that it was not possible in the Covid-19 period to say goodbye to confreres and sisters in a normal respected way. Superiors and others could not be close to their dying confreres and sister and could not provide support at the time of death. Also only a few people could be present at the funeral. This has caused a lot of pain, sorrow, powerlessness and loneliness even among the relatives.
During the Eucharistic celebration, the names of all the deceased religious – male and female - were loudly mentioned and a candle was lit for each.
At the end of the celebration, after many words of thanks, also encouraging words of hope were uttered. Although people are driven apart by the virus, new life announces itself also. People do not die without hope because in a Christian life, there is always the perspective in the person Jesus Christ. The seed that falls into the earth comes to new life. Love is stronger than death. It's like a fire that never extinguishes. Let us conclude this difficult time and look to the future with hope and confidence.
(Sr. Henrica)