5081220180612094515488
A Present for East Belgium

The Catholic Convention: a gift from Mariele Rampelbergh-Filz

22.11.2022
  • A Present for East Belgium
  • Lab

The Pastoral Council, which serves the East Belgian regional Church, organised an East Belgian Catholic meeting under the motto ‘Our mission: Be a sign!?’ on 9 October 2004. Under the leadership of Episcopal Vicar François Palm (Walhorn), this took place in Sankt Vith, in the Maria Goretti School.

The preparations were extensive, as everything needed to be thought anew. On the weekend in question, many volunteers were available. There were 49 ‘testimony stands’ (e.g. Faith and Light, Cornfield, Franciscan Sisters …). There were also 13 workshops (e.g. prison ministry, meditative and liturgical dance…).

The organisers were very pleased with the meeting, which exceeded all expectations. There were many discussions about faith and how to live it here and now. Cardinal Daneels and Bishop Alois Jousten were present. It was there that I met the Charles de Foucauld Community, to which I have remained faithful to this day. Charles de Foucauld is soon going to be canonised.

At the beginning of the preparation, under the leadership of Pastor Claude Theiss, the Pastopral Council thought to set up something ‘new’ for East Belgium…

At home I told about it. My father got up and came back with the
‘Souvenir of the Catholic Convention in Eupen in 1927’. One also speaks of a ‘forgotten’ event, which reflects a true chronicle. One glance at the book suffices to realise how much the Church (and the faith) have changed over the past century – even in East Belgium. I would like to give this booklet to East Belgium on its 100th birthday.

Mariele Rampelbergh-Filz

Eupen