In Memory, Bro. Alfred Fest

We are sad to let you know that Bro. Alfred Fest passed away on January 21, 2026, in the MUMC+ hospital in Maastricht, the Netherlands. 

The gentle forces will surely prevail in the end,
This I hear as a tender whisper within me.

After a life of faithful dedication and service, we have had to say a sad farewell to our dear family member and faithful Brother

BROTHER ALFRED (HEIN) FEST  FIC 

Hendrikus Johannes

Alfred was born in Nijmegen on 14 June 1937. He joined the Congregation of the Brothers FIC on 15 August 1957. On 19 January 2026, he received the sacrament of the sick and on 21 January 2026, he passed away at the MUMC+ in Maastricht.

Alfred taught at schools in The Hague and Maastricht. During this time, he obtained teaching qualifications in English and German. He also wrote three volumes of the series ‘Wipneus en Pim’, which proved to be a great success.

He then worked in Ghana for twenty-five years. He taught at secondary schools and was asked to lead novices. He published a large number of books on spiritual formation in English and taught catechists at the Pastoral Formation Centre.

Back in the Netherlands, he was a spiritual counsellor for elderly people in Helmond and Maastricht and led Communion services. In De Beyart, he created wall boards that drew attention to church celebrations and the anniversaries of fellow brothers.

Alfred was very devoted to his family and others. He enjoyed conversations in a quiet environment, where you could really be heard. He continued to teach Dutch to students for a long time, read the newspaper every day, did puzzles and drew spiritual inspiration from his many books.
We have lost a precious person to his family and the Congregation.

We will say goodbye to Brother Alfred during the Eucharist celebration on Thursday, 29 January 2026, at 2:30 p.m. in the chapel of De Beyart. 

After the celebration, he will be laid to rest at the cemetery of the FIC brothers on Anjoulaan in Maastricht.

On behalf of the family: Family Fest-Otten, Malvert 24 43, 6538 AN Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
On behalf of the FIC Congregation: Bro. Lo Koeleman, Superior, Prins Bisschopsingel 22, 6211 JX  Maastricht, the Netherlands.  "

May Bro. Alfred rest in perfect peace.