Accompaniment: Northern Germany

From April 28 to 30, 2025, the Provincial Chapter of the MSC Province of Northern Germany was held in Hiltrup. It was a time of attentive listening, communal discernment, and envisioning key projects for the future of this historic Province.

Today, the Province consists mainly of elderly confreres who have devoted their entire lives to the mission, both in Germany and in regions like Papua New Guinea and Peru. Throughout the history of our Congregation, this has been one of the most numerous and generous Provinces in contributing to the MSC mission globally.

For me, it was a valuable opportunity to listen deeply to the current historical moment experienced by our confreres in Hiltrup, as well as those in other parts of Germany. I was able to witness, with hope, that despite today’s challenges, our confreres in the Northern German Province continue to believe in and build their future with faith and commitment.

We trust that the renovation project for the Hiltrup House will be a genuine opportunity for the future of our dear MSC Entity in Northern Germany. We also hope that the presence of two MSC confreres from India, currently serving in the Diocese of Münster, will continue to be a vibrant and hope-filled expression of our MSC Charism and Mission.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Fr. Dieter Afhüppe for his three years of service as Provincial Superior. For the new triennium, Fr. Martin Kleer has graciously accepted the call to serve in Provincial leadership. Thank you, Martin, for your openness and commitment to this mission. May we continue building strong channels of communication, and may hope keep rising in the heart of this Province.

Abzalon Alvarado, MSC (Guatemala)