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.

The first European Oblates Pilgrimage welcomed participants from 9 European countries for 3 days of prayer, sharing, and working together.

Thirty-six oblates, one apostolic sister, and seven brothers gathered during Ascension weekend 2025 at the priory Regina Pacis in Banneux N.D., Belgium. For the very first time in the history of the young European province, the oblates came together following an invitation from their provincial and the Regional Council of Oblates. The event took place during the Jubilee year for both the universal Church and the brothers of Saint John, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary.

Days of Formation and Reflection

Close to the Virgin of the Poor and thanks to the hospitality of the Belgian brothers and oblates, the participants were able to immerse themselves in 3 days of liturgical and silent prayer, along with moments of formation, exchange, and reflection together.

Although coming from different cultures and languages, the oblates quickly discovered a common element in their respective lives: the desire to follow Jesus in the footsteps of the beloved disciple. During Formation Day, they heard inspiring lectures on hope and solitude, given by Br. Ignaz-Maria and Sr. Marta Marija. For those interested in the arts, a Lithuanian oblate prepared a presentation on Saint John in Art.

Community Day led the oblates to reflect on the current situation of the Family of Saint John. By working in small groups, they discussed their struggles, their views on the renewal and reform, and they explored their personal possibilities for involvement in the life of the Family as a whole and especially in their particular fraternities. Members of the International Council of Oblates, who were also present, helped clarify the intentions behind the reform and answered participants’ questions.

Moments of Joy and Sacredness

A highlight of the gathering was the oblature of a new member of the Utrecht fraternity, Emma, at the end of Holy Mass on Saturday. The festive evening that followed brought this joyful moment to a close.

Visiting the Sanctuary, learning about the history of the apparitions of Mary to young Mariette, pushing hands into the water of the source, and praying during a candlelight procession were other elements of this pilgrimage. Many participants were touched by the gift that the contemplative sisters from Vilnius, although unable to attend themselves, had handcrafted for the oblates as a sign of the unity of the Family of Saint John.

Carrying Light Forward

After three rich days, the participants made their way back home: to Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom. They carried with them not only the final blessing for their fellow oblates, brothers, and sisters, but also new hope and inspiration for their respective fraternities.

Testimonials:

“Each nationality radiates a different light, so we could get a fuller picture for each one of us.” — Joanne

“Everyone, let us pray for the path of the oblates community. We, together with the Holy Spirit, form the future of oblates.” — Br. Mattheus

“I am thankful for this enriching time. I saw that it can work—in spite of all difficulties, of living far away, of the technical struggles…” — Udo

“I saw the suffering of every member, but at the same time, I received an image of a renewal chance, a new life. Like a small plant that sprouts from the ground and grows.” — Melanie

Written by the Regional Council of Oblates Europe

Perpetual profession in Utrecht

Brother François-Xavier, Prior General ;
Brother Ignatius Maria, Prior of the Province of Europe ;
the Brothers of Saint John and the family of the Brother are pleased to inform you of the Perpetual Profession of Brother

Richard Maria STEGENGA (Netherlands)

They cordially invite you to participate, in person, or through your prayer, in the Perpetual Profession mass at 10 am on Sunday the 8th of June 2025 at Gerardus Majella Church, Vleutenseweg 517, Utrecht, Netherlands.