Dear Brothers,

It is our sad duty to inform you about the passing away of Bro. Rogier Smolders at the evening of 1st August 2016.

The text of the mourning card reads as follows:

"   Congregation of the Brothers of the Immaculate Conception of Mary

        'When I see the sky dome, shaped by your fingers,

         when I see the moon and stars You put in place:

         what is man that You are mindful of him,

         and the son of man that You care for him?" (Psalm 8)

After a lifetime of service to fellow people and his Lord we have to say goodbye to our loyal family member and fellow brother

Brother Rogier Smolders FIC

Waltherus Franciscus

He was born on 26 October 1921 in Waalwijk. On 15 August 1942 he committed himself to the FIC Congregation by making his vows. Strengthened by the Anointing of the Sick, he passed away on 1 August 2016 in the residential care centre De Beyart in Maastricht.

After obtaining his teacher's and headmaster's certificates, Rogier taught for 47 years at Brother schools in various places in The Netherlands. Upon his arrival at De Beyart in 1989, he became a member of the St. Lidwina community, where he assisted his fellow brothers by words and deeds.

Brother Rogier was a opinionated and creative person. He had great interest in nature in general and in the stars in the firmament in particular. For many year Rogier was active in the public observatory (Volkssterrenwacht) Hercules in Brunssum. Full of wonder he could speak about the greatness and limitlessness of God's creation. For several years he has given lessons to interested residents at De Beyart, until his health no longer allowed him to do so.

We say goodbye to Brother Rogier during the Eucharistic celebration which will be held on Friday 5 August at the chapel of De Beyart, starting at 14.30. Afterwards the burial ceremony will be held at our cemetery near the Anjoulaan in Maastricht.

On behalf of the FIC Congregation and the community "Ludovicus":

Brother Kees Gordijn, Provincial Superior

Brusselsestraat 38, 6211 PG Maastricht

On behalf of the family:

Elske Duquesnoy

Willem van Oranjelaan 59, 5211 CS Den Bosch     "

So far the mourning card.

For a photograph of Bro. Rogier we refer you to the attachment.

May Bro. Rogier rest in perfect peace.

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General  Council  FIC  (Mr.  Willy Bastiaens,  executive secretary)

Prins  Bisschopsingel  22,  6211 JX  Maastricht, The  Netherlands

phone: +31 (0)43 3508373 / email: <[email protected]>

website: <http://www.brothers-fic.org>