On Saturday, 13 September 2025, Brother Samuel-Marie made his Perpetual Profession in the Collegiate church of Murat. We give thanks to the Province of France!

On Friday morning, 5 September, we learned of the sudden death of our brother Yohanné, who died of a heart attack in Douala, Cameroon. Through this unexpected call to God, the Lord reminds us that he comes like a thief and that he wants to find us vigilant in prayer and fervent in hope.

Brother Yohanné, aged 51, entered the community in 1996. He took his temporary vows in 1998 and his perpetual vows in 2001. He was ordained a priest in 2017.

Let us entrust his soul to the mercy of the risen Christ and carry his family and the entire Congregation in our prayers and our hope.

The Provincial of Europe of the Brothers of Saint John has decided to leave The Hague as religious community. This decision was made necessary by the appointment of the Prior, Father Matthew, to the Prior General’s Council in France. With a shortage of brothers, such a decision was inevitable. 

The Brothers of Saint John came to The Hague in 2004 at the invitation of Bishop Van Luyn. Since 2012 they have been responsible for the Willibrordushuis compound, and have continued and expanded the mission of this house by promoting evangelization and a spiritual oasis in the heart of The Hague, under the name of “Stadsabdij” (Abbey in the City).

Accompanying the various residential communities (students, young families, young pro’s) in the house has been particularly dear to the Brothers. During this period, they have also received many groups of Catholic and Protestant origin, and assisted in the pastoral care of the “Sterre der Zee” Parish.

Both the brothers of the Priory and the Prior Provincial’s Council are very saddened by this decision. They would have liked to keep contributing in the future. They wish to thank particularly all the people who have shared in their mission over the years, as well as the Diocese of Rotterdam for the trust that has been placed in them.

Brother Johan and Bernhard-Maria will receive a new assignment from 1 September.

The Brothers of Saint John have offered the diocese of Rotterdam to remain available for a transitional period for the pastoral care in the after September 1^st.

The diocese of Rotterdam respects the decision of the brothers but regrets that the contribution of the brothers to the project of the “Stadsabdij” stops. The diocese is considering the future of the house and, in consultation with the current residential communities, will look at the possibilities of preserving the house as a place of faith and community in the city.

On Sunday, September 7, Bishop Van den Hende will celebrate a Holy Mass in gratitude for the pastoral ministry of the Brothers of St. John in the Diocese of Rotterdam and to mark their departure. This Eucharist will take place at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Oude Molstraat 35. Afterwards, there will be a reception to which all who feel connected to the Willibrordushuis are invited.

Brother François-Xavier CAZALI, Prior General ; Brother Justin LEE, Prior Vice-provincial of Asia-Oceania; the Brothers of Saint John and the family of our brother are pleased to inform you of the Investiture of Brother

Robinson Sacro YURONG (Philippines)

during the Second Vespers of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, Sunday 14 September 2025 at 6 pm, in the chapel of the Brothers, Goog Shepherd Road, Banawa Hills, Cebu City (Philippines 6014).

They invite you to participate or tu unite with them in prayer.

June 21 was a special day for the Brothers of Saint John in Vilnius. On that day, through the laying on of hands by Archbishop Gintaras Grušas, Brother Elijas Butkus was ordained to the priesthood.

In the presence of a large group of relatives and around 300 friends, community members, and guests, Brother Elijas received the gift of priesthood, choosing — in the words of the Archbishop — to witness to Christ’s love with his whole life in service to the Church. The festive agape was filled with delicious food and joyful fellowship, while the newly ordained priest likely didn’t taste anything himself, as he spent nearly three hours without pause receiving congratulations and generously giving blessings.