Dear Brothers,

It is our sad duty to inform you about the passing away of Bro. Koos Baijer on January 11, 2018.

The text of the mourning card reads as follows:

" Congregation of the Brothers of the Immaculate Conception of Mary

' Gracious and holy God and Father

give us wisdom to discover You

perseverance to seek You

patience to wait for You

eyes to see You

a heart that addresses You in silence

a life that You proclaim

through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord. '

(Benedict's prayer)

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

BROTHER KOOS BAIJER FIC

Jacobus Johannes Marie

He was born on May 10, 1928 in The Hague. On August 15, 1950 he committed himself to the Congregation of the Brothers FIC as Bro. Renald by making his first vows. Strengthened with the anointing of the Sick he passed away on January 11, 2018 in Residential Care Centre De Beyart in Maastricht.

Brother Koos became fascinated by the mission at a young age. By the stories of FIC Brother teachers about this at primary school and the further acquaintance with the life of brothers, his interest for life as religious gradually grew. During the first ten years, after obtaining his teachers- and headteacher-certificate, he taught in The Netherlands at primary school. In 1962 he was sent to Sierra Leone to serve as a missionary, followed by a period from 1972 to 1999 in Malawi. He taught catechists and was later on appointed as leader of the Formation Team. His last years in the mission in Malawi Brother Koos was engaged in a pastoral institute.

As long as it was given to him and his health allowed him, Brother Koos was always ready to serve others. In the last phase of his life he was always searching

for a meaningful filling of his old age. In the end he has found peace and fulfilment

with his Lord, who called him.

We say goodbye to Brother Koos during the Eucharistic celebration which will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 14:30 am, in the chapel of De Beyart. Afterwards he will be buried at our cemetery near the Anjoulaan in Maastricht.

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

Bro. Wim Luiten, Coordinator Religious House FIC The Netherlands

Prins Bisschopsingel 22, 6211 JX Maastricht.

On behalf of the family:

Mrs. A. van Eijk-Baijer, J.C. Bloemlaan 4, 2343 DE Oegstgeest. "

So far the mourning card.

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

May he rest in perfect peace.