BELGIUM - In an era marked by heightened ecological awareness and a deep sense of responsibility for our planet, we, as Christians, have reason to take pride in the environmentally friendly settings of Marian pilgrimage sites. Many of these sacred places are situated in serene, secluded locations that harmoniously coexist with nature...
D’HOPPE, Belgium - As everyone would agree, those who serve the faith-communities are duty-bound to attend to the pastoral care of their faithful. Through organizing the processions, the serving priest creates an occasion available for the believers to express their faith and live out their love for God and Mary, ...
HOEGAARDEN, Belgium - Even non-believers will have to admit that the Ermelindis procession has tremendous power to strengthen people in faith and unify them in the spirit of togetherness. This village feast, which is indeed a commemoration and veneration of the patron saint of the village, is the highlight of the Pentecost weekend in the surroundings of Meldert, Hoegaarden. The village of Meldert has just over 1,100 inhabitants, yet it is known for this feast celebrated on the Monday after Pentecost...
LOURDES, France - From 14 to 20 July, I guided a group of pilgrims to Lourdes. A total of 25 people attended the pilgrimage, and it was a mixed group coming from the different provinces of Flanders. These days, almost all dioceses in Belgium organize pilgrimage to Lourdes in the summer. They usually come in big groups and were accompanied by many volunteers. These dioceses take their pilgrims in special trains that travels directly to Lourdes. In this manner, pilgrims need not to worry about changing trains or shifting their baggages from one train to another. These dioceses take also sick, bed-ridden, and wheelchair-bound pilgrims in the trains. The pilgrimage is well-organized, and many young volunteers are extremely happy to accompany these vulnerable people...
GENK, Belgium - In May, I moved from the community of Kessel-Lo to the community of Genk. Within a month, under the guidance of Fr. Ludo who is a kind and caring Montfortian collaborator, I have been around the area and have met many faithful. The charismatic priest, Fr. Ludo, apart from carrying out his priestly office in his parish, helps people who are in grave need of pastoral visits and spiritual support. I have gone with him to visit a few sick and elderly people...
LEUVEN, Belgium – On 17th December 2022 about fifteen people amidst chilling winter participated in the Montfortian Formation and Encounter Days (MVOD) session facilitated by Fr. Frans FABRY, SMM...
LEUVEN, Belgium - On September 8, 2022, we celebrated the 70 years of religious life of Father Jozef BRAKEN, SMM in Genk. The confreres of Leuven and D'Hoppe first met in the Eucharist presided over by the superior of the delegation, Father Jos VAN DEN BERGH, SMM...
LOURDES - Pilgrimage to Lourdes in July: A personal and community experience encounter with God and with others in the footsteps of Saint Bernadette. From the Latin peregrinus, pilgrimage means "to go far". The pilgrim is the one who travels far, who goes to a foreign country and stays there. Then, gradually, the word will become "pilgrimage" as travel to holy places for religious purposes...