On the morning of September 14, the Feast of the Holy Cross, Leuven International Community (LIC) had a small outing to visit the Parish of Oud-Heverlee. The Parish has four churches (Blanden, Haasrode, Oud-Heverlee and Sint-Joris Weert) and a chapel (at Valbeek). We spent almost three hours to visit all these churches where our brother Ferry Indrianto is appointed parish priest (Pastor, in local terms). Oud-Heverlee is a countryside near Leuven. It's really a green area, surrounded by a forest with freshwater springs. Those who love nature, Ferry can be their guide. The new pastor has learned, in no time, all roads in his new parish. In this, one need to know the key number by heart in order not to open the wrong door.
At the same time, the community inaugurated the new car. We would like to thank the Province of Flanders for this beautiful gift. The car is more for parish service. The community should only use it for rare occasions. We will continue to use public transport, bicycle or on foot for our usual activities.
In the afternoon, Camille Sapu had the first official meeting with the director of the CAW (Centrum Algemeen Welzijnswerk), Ms Lieve. It was concerning our project to receive one or two ex-prisoners in the Community. We also explained the criteria of our choice to see if the CAW can assist us in this direction. She welcomed the project with joy and promise that a first candidate may be for November. She asked the Community to be patient as the release of prisoners cannot be programed in advance. There will be time when there may be plenty, and other time nothing at all.
Pray that this project will become a reality from then on. May Damien intercede for us!
The Community has recently visited our sisters (Community Father Damien). The two communities have spent time together for dialogue that was closed with the singing of the Salve Regina. In the next few days will we would come up with a common timetable for congregational celebrations, and in the future will have a weekly Eucharistic celebration together. We thank Sister Paula Teck for the invitation.
And from this September, one of us will preside the Mass on Friday that we have with our brothers at number 11. This is an opportunity that our older brothers to give us practice on our Flemish and to share together the "bread of life ". A big thank you to our brothers.
09/15/2015