Dear Brothers,

It is our sad duty to inform you about the passing away of Bro. Sjef/Stephen Custers on 22 September 2015.

The text of the mourning card reads as follows:

"Congregation of the Brothers of the Immaculate Conception of Mary

         'He rescues the underprivileged begging for help,

          the afflicted, helped by no one'  (Psalm 72, verse 12)

 

 With sadness we inform you that we have to say goodbye to our dear confrere and beloved family member

BROTHER SJEF/STEPHEN CUSTERS FIC

Joseph Hubertus Johannes

Sjef was born on July 8, 1938 in Sint Geertruid (NL). He committed himself to the Congregation of the Brothers FIC by taking his vows on August 15, 1958. After having received the Anointing of the Sick he passed away on September 22, 2015 at De Beyart in Maastricht.

After having taught in The Netherlands for a short period, he was sent out to Ghana, where he was known as Brother Stephen. In Ghana he unfolded his qualities as a teacher and later on was appointed director of a secondary school. That position he held successively in Tumu, Nandom and Tamale. According to Bro. Nicholas Zumanaa of blessed memory these were the peak years for him as a missionary.

When he retired, he was appointed secretary of the new Diocese of Damongo.

In him we lose a dedicated fellow brother and family member, who had to leave behind many friends in Ghana because of a traffic accident, which ultimately has become fatal to him.

We say goodbye to Bro. Sjef/Stephen during the Eucharistic celebration on Saturday, September 26, in the chapel of De Beyart, Brusselsestraat 38, Maastricht, starting at 14:30.

After that, the burial ceremony will take place at our monastery cemetery near the Anjoulaan in Maastricht.

The evening’s Vigil will take place on Friday, September 25, starting at 17:30 in the chapel of De Beyart.

On behalf of the FIC Congregation and the community Xaverius,

Brother Kees Gordijn, Provincial Superior

Brusselsestraat 38, 6211 PG Maastricht

On behalf of the family:

Mrs. L. Crousen-Custers

Hegge 109a, 6365 EC Schinnen    "

So far the mourning card.

For a photograph of him we refer you to the attachment.

May Bro. Stephen rest in eternal peace.