A group of 30 people, including 22 lay people and 8 brothers from the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts in Germany, visited Tremelo, Belgium, between May 11th and 12th.

The brothers of the congregation recounted that, on the 10th anniversary of Damien's canonization, they wanted to find new impetus for their lives in following Jesus by visiting Damien's birthplace and tomb. During the bus trip between Colonia and Tremelo, Brother Heinz Josef Catrein spoke about Damien's life, quoting many letters written by the Saint and contemporary testimonies about him.

The Museum's visit to Damien's birthplace was another valuable experience. This first day ended with the Holy Eucharist, which the group celebrated in the crypt, before Damien's tomb. At this moment, the reflection, led by the Provincial, focused on: Silence, Recollection, and Prayer, words that Saint Damien had written in his school notebook. The contemplative attitude allowed the brothers to experience the presence of the Risen One who transforms and gives life.

At the end of the day, the group went out for dinner at different restaurants in the city of Leuven.

On Sunday the 12th, the group celebrated the Eucharist with the Flemish brothers from the Sint Antoniusberg community, who invited them for a cocktail reception after Mass. On the way back home, a final stop was made at the Shrine of Scherpenheuvel.

Source: ssccpicpus.com