Dear Brothers,

It is our sad duty to inform you about the passing away of Bro. Edward Bloetjes on 3 August 2017.

The text of the mourning card reads as follows:

"  Congregation of the Brothers of the Immaculate Conception of Mary

                'The Lord is my shepherd. I will not lack anything.' (Psalm 23)

After a life of service to fellow human beings and his Lord, we have to say goodbye to our loyal family member and dear fellow brother

BROTHER EDWARD BLOETJES FIC

Johannes Simon

He was born on October 19, 1935 in Amsterdam. On August 15, 1959 he committed himself to the Congregation of the Brothers FIC by making his vows. He passed away on August 3, 2017 in the Residential Care Center De Beyart in Maastricht, after having received the unction of the sick.

During his life Brother Edward has actually lived out what it means to be "brother of people" in great service. In some places he rendered his services to his fellow brothers in performing domestic work. When he was appointed guest manager of De Beyart, his commitment really got all the space. For many of the guests he was the visiting card of our mother house for a long time.

He successfully focussed on the preparation of paraments in his atelier at the attic of De Beyart. It was an honour for Edward to be auxiliary sacristan in the basilica of Saint Servatius. As a token of recognition of this, he received in 2012 a bronze legacy of the Basilica from the late Msgr. Hanneman.

When Edward learned that he seemed to be incurable ill, he could have peace with this, assisted by the compassionate support of many, especially from his sister.

We say goodbye to Brother Edward during the Eucharistic celebration which will be held on Tuesday, August 8 in the chapel of De Beyart at 14.30. Afterwards he will be buried at our cemetery near the Anjoulaan in Maastricht.

On behalf of the FIC Congregation and the community 'Bernardus':

Bro. Wim Luiten, Coordinator of Religious House The Netherlands

Prins Bisschopsingel 22, 6211 JX Maastricht

On behalf of the family:

Family Thijssen-Bloetjes

Julianaweg 35, 1934 CE Egmond aan den Hoef    "

So far the mourning card.

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

May he rest in perfect peace.