Grateful for Bernardus, Louis Rutten, Mary, Vincent de Paul, Francis Dozens, if not hundreds, of congregations and religious orders count a saint among their founders— a source of great gratitude for them. We, as the FIC, do not share that particular fortune. Yet, we may consider ourselves fortunate to have two founders—and men, at that, who dared to grow together. Bernardus Hoecken was the first brother and our first Superior General, but after only six years, he had to step ...

The Brothers of the Immaculate Conception, Ghana Province, joyfully celebrated the Final Profession of Vows by two members, Br. Prosper Ganye and Br. Calistus Yengdem. During a solemn Eucharistic celebration on Saturday, 5 September 2026, at St. Theresa's Minor Basilica, Nandom, the Brothers committed themselves permanently to God by professing vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience. The ceremony was attended by the Superior General, Br. Prof Clement Naapire, who received the Brothers' vows. Most of the FIC Brothers from the ...

The charism of the Brothers of the Immaculate Conception (FIC) is expressed not only in words but also in concrete actions that respond to people's needs, especially those of the poor and vulnerable. Rooted in education, formation, teaching, and a preferential option for the poor, the FIC Brothers of the Malawi Province continue to seek meaningful ways to accompany young people, helping them to discover their dignity, develop their potential, and contribute positively to society. In this spirit, the FIC ...

Martinus was born in Haarlem on November 24, 1930. He passed away at the MUMC on September 18, 2026. He came from a family of six children. His mother died when he was eight years old. His father remarried, and his second wife took good care of all the children in the family. His father was a paver in Haarlem and rose early every morning. After work, he would go to the vegetable garden to gather produce for the meal. ...

Br. Gait was born on November 30, 1937, in Lochem. On August 15, 1956, he took his vows in Maastricht. He passed away at the De Beyart nursing home on September 8, 2026. In his room here at De Beyart, there are still many reminders of the eighteen years he spent working in Spain and the nineteen years during which he devoted his best efforts to the people of Chile. On his desk was a box full of photos, a ...

THE PRAYER OF THE CHURCH Reflection on Pope Leo XIV's General Audience message (August 5, 2026) At his General Audience on 5 August 2026, Pope Leo XIV continues his catechesis on the Second Vatican Council's Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium, inviting the faithful to rediscover the true meaning of the Church's liturgical prayer. He presents prayer not merely as a personal devotion but as the Church's living breath, inspired by the Holy Spirit and centred on Christ. The Holy Father begins by ...

THE MOTHERLY CHARACTER IN THE LIVES OF THE FIC BROTHERS Bro. Michael Sidharta Susila Mary plays a special role in the FIC Congregation. From the very beginning of the FIC Congregation, even in the life of its founder, Father Ludovicus Hubertus Rutten, there has been a special bond with Mary. Rutten was born on December 8, 1809. At that time, December 8 had not yet been designated by the Church as the feast day of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. ...

The fourth day of the Brothers FIC Extra-Ordinary Chapter began at 7.30am with an inspiring prayer service led by the Brothers from the Malawi Province. During this sacred gathering, the delegates commemorated the passing of the late Superior General, Br. Augustine Kubdaar, and prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul. After the service, the delegates shared breakfast and prepared themselves for the day’s central activity: the election of a new Superior General. The morning session opened at 9.00am with ...