By Jean-Pierre Niati, R.C. chaplain, Detention Center Rotterdam
On Sunday July 7th 2019, the bishop Everard de Jong (diocese of Roermond) has visited the detention center of Rotterdam. Monsignor Dr. Everard de Jong, auxiliary bishop of the diocese of Roermond, was appointed by the Dutch bishops to be in charge of pastoral care in the prisons, youth ministry and care institutions.
Upon his arrival in the morning, he was welcomed by Mrs. Jeanin Bou Rached, one of the five members of the general management. She is also the one who holds the portfolio of the Pastoral Service at the detention center.
During her meeting the Deputy Director, Jeanin Bou Rached, has briefed her guest about the situation in the course of the last period. She also informed her visitor about the transformations that will take place in the Center.
As holder of the pastoral care portfolio, the Deputy Director emphasized the importance of the pastoral care for those who are locked up in the center as well as for the entire institution entrusted to her. At the end of the meeting, the Deputy Director accompanied the prelate to the church where he celebrated the Sunday Mass before the ardent congregation.
It is worth to note the role of the Filipino parish at Gouda.
The worshipers, the choir, the chaplain of the detention center and the volunteers Irene, Jane and Amor from the Filipino Catholic Community of Gouda warmly welcomed the prelate. Here it is worth noting that Irene, Jane and Amor are actively involved in the roman catholic chaplaincy of the detention center Rotterdam.
The faith in God as the source of our strength
The perceptible meditation of this Eucharistic celebration was candied by songs in English, French, Dutch and Tagalog (one of the languages of the Philippines). The believers sang with fervor that came from their hearts.
Bishop De Jong urged the believers to consider the faith in God as the source of our strength. Particularly, he addressed those who are locked up in the center because of lacking a permit of stay in the Netherlands.
Afterwards he encouraged them to pray incessantly and recite the rosary. Referring to the role of prayer in the life of a believer, the bishop affirmed the strength of praying.
He advised them to keep their eyes, minds and hearts focused on Jesus, for only He who can give us the strength to go through the storm and He who grants inner peace.
In concluding his preaching, the celebrant reminded us to always ask for help from Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary. They will never abandon us. The Filipino wisdom teaches us that “Kung walang tiyaga, walang nilaga.” (Without perseverance, there is no reward). Msgr. De Jong offered a rosary of Nazareth to all participants.
How good it is for sisters and brothers to dwell together in unity
Just before leaving the church, one of the undocumented exclaimed: “It’s a unfortunate that we are going back to our cells. “It was good to be here together” (Psalm 133).
For sure, it was good for the bishop, the choir, the warders, the deputy director, the undocumented and the volunteers to have shared this moment together in the house of God.
Each of us is an angel with only one wing
Luciano de Crescenzo rightly says that each of us is an angel with only one wing. This is a known reality in the Philippines, “Malakas ang isang walis dahil ang mga tangkay nito ay maayos na nakakabit” (the broom we use can only be strong if its rods are properly attached). We can only fly by supporting one another.
(Pictures from Deputy director Mrs. Jeanin Bou Rached)