Accompaniment: Netherlands

Gene A. Pejo, MSC. June 5-12, 2024. The trip to the Netherlands primarily aimed to represent the General Leadership Team on the formal transfiguration (suppression) of the MSC Dutch Province to a Community under the General Administration. The occasion was held during the Holy Eucharist on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, presided by the outgoing Provincial Superior and, at the same time, the in-coming Community Superior, Theo te Wierik, MSC, last June 7, 2024, at 10 a.m. Together with the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, the occasion was attended by the whole community of the Daughters of the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, the Chevalier Lay Associates, and a few staff of the home care providers.
The reading of the decree was done at the introductory part of the Holy Mass. I began with a heartfelt speech, deeply acknowledging the pivotal role of the Dutch MSCs in the history of the Congregation, their monumental mission-sending role, and the profound significance of the various ministries they left behind, particularly in uplifting the life condition of the poor and their dignity as people. I made mention of their tremendous influence on the younger MSCs in terms of their fidelity and commitment to the call for Religious Life. Then, I proceeded to read the whole decree. Ton Zwart, MSC, translated my introduction and decree into Dutch.

The remaining days were spent with the confreres, following the flow of their community rhythm, from the daily prayers, meals, and recreation. A confrere suggested to me that those who are in assisted living will appreciate it if I visit them as well. I spent two days visiting those who were wheelchair-bound yet could still move around with assistance; although some of them had difficulty hearing, I still managed to have a conversation with them. Topics of the conversation usually revolved around their missionary experiences and the process of slowly embracing the realities of their life. I did not see a feeling of resentment.
One pressing concern that the community is currently grappling with is the change of Care Providers. The existing one is pulling out this year (November?) and will transfer to a new building that they own which is a bit far from the present residence. The community leadership, with the help of those who are still able together with the Sisters, is striving to put up new arrangements with the owner of the building for them to remain in their present residence. This means that they will look for a new Care Provider, and plan to transfer those who are in Assisted Living to the same building where the rest of the community are living, both the MSCs and the Sisters. This is to scale down the number of workers and minimize expenditures. We understand the challenges and are here to support you through this transition.
This has become a bit stressful for those involved in the administrative side of this new development and those affected by the transfer who are in Assisted Living but have accepted this reality. Some are already sorting out their belongings, what to bring, and what to dispose of when they move to the other side of the complex. Some expressed that they are supposed to be in retirement already, yet they still must attend to all these things. What if the time comes when they can no longer do this? Who will do this for us? The General Administration? The envisioned European Union?
I also arranged a meeting with Chevalier Lay of the Netherlands. It was just a meet-and-greet, with some personal sharing about their membership in the group. I also visited the MSC Archives maintained by the Heritage Center in Nijmegen. The set-up is very impressive.
I want to thank Antoon Egging, MSC, who willingly drove for me and was a tourist guide during my stay. Thanks to Ben Verberne, MSC, for picking me up at the airport and back when I flew back to Rome and the rest of the Dutch Community and DOLSH Community for the warm welcome and wonderful stay.