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Constant G. Van Crombrugghe’s four orders meet
Ever since 1989 the four congregations founded by Canon Van Crombrugghe have met together at regular intervals to celebrate their common spirit and to support and encourage one another.
This year over 90 members of the four congregations gathered together in College Melle. Sr. Linda, the Superior General of the Daughters of Mary and Joseph, had come from Rome to be present and join with Sr. Marie Rose, Superior General of the Sisters of St Joseph, Sr. Marie Augustine, Superior of the Sisters of Mary and Joseph, and Fr. Robert, Superior General of the Josephites.
This year’s reunion took place in September at College Melle which was taken over by the Josephites in 1837. The fact that meeting took place in rooms where the Founder himself had met with the Josephites added to the sense of occasion.
The sung Eucharist was presided over by Fr. Paul Janssens surrounded by his Josephite confreres. He also who preached the homily. It was a time to thank God for all that had been achieved by those who had gone before us; to ask God for his blessing on our work today and on the work of our lay colleagues.
After an aperitif in the Grand Salon, under the watchful eye of the Founder in the magnificent painting of him, a special festive meal was served in the dining room. However there was a long pause between each course which enabled everyone to visit the adjoining room to enjoy the various audio visual presentations.
Fr Paul had set up three television screens and offered a selection of audio visual entertainment. On one screen there was the DVD of the celebration of the centenary of the Chapel on the Old Mountain. Another showed the power point presentation on the pedagogical spirit of the Founder which was very much the work of Fr. Martin Ashcroft. A third screen presented a collection of photos taken during recent meetings and events. The photos of the Symposium held in England were very popular. College Melle is very much connected with honey. The College motto,
‘On y revient toujours’, refers to the bees returning to their hive as well as Ancients Mellists return to their College. It was therefore very appropriate that Fr Berchmans gave a conducted tour of his hives and his honey production plant.
There was also an opportunity to enjoy a conducted tour of the College museum with its array of interesting artefacts.
While we were all enjoying coffee and chocolates, Fr. Raymond distributed a small song book and led us all in a communal sing song. It was a wonderful way to end a most enjoyable day.
As the day came to a close, Sr. Marie Rose and Sr. Agnes thanked Fr Paul Janssens, the Superior of College Melle, for all his hard work and the careful planning which had made the day so enjoyable. With that everyone left looking forward to the next reunion.
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