1. Some members of the Generalate participated in the Requiem Mass for nineteen Sisters of the Dutch-speaking Province who died during the last two years (2020 and 2021). Due to the pandemic situation, it was not possible to celebrate funeral masses for our Sisters. The celebration took place on 11/09/2021 in Mother House chapel, Ghent. It was very moving. May the Lord, in his mercy, welcome them into his Kingdom and may he grant deep faith in the dead and risen Christ to all the Sisters of the Province.

2. Sister Anne Nama Ngueji, of the Province of St. Vincent de Paul, made her perpetual vows on 26/09/2021 in Mbujimayi. We offer her our warm and sincere congratulations and welcome her into the great family of the SCJM. May the Lord strengthen her steps in following him.

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3. The General Councillors made the transmission of the EGC 2021 to the members of the Generalate community, the international community (INC), the International Asian Novitiate (IAN) and the community in Legaspi, Philippines, from 24^th to 27^th September 2021. For the Generalate community, the transmission was done at the Generalate, and for the Sisters of the IAN, Legaspi and INC, the transmission was done online. The Sisters were happy with this sharing which brought them much light on the life of the Congregation.

4. On 29th September 2021, the celebration of the jubilees of 50, 60, 70 and 75 years of profession of our Sisters in the Provinces and Region of Europe for the two years (2020 and 2021) took place. As you know, last year there was no celebration of the jubilees as usual in Ghent because of the restriction measures. Bishop Lode Van Hecke of Ghent presided over the thanksgiving Eucharist in the large chapel of the Mother House in Terhaegen. Out of 29 jubilarians, 16 jubilarians were present at the celebration. Several sisters were present at this celebration. Unfortunately, our sisters from the Anglo-Irish Region were not able to join us, due to restrictions. After the mass, a fraternal meal was shared in joy. It was a great opportunity to meet all the sisters from the two Belgian Provinces who were able to travel to Ghent. The meeting brought much joy and happiness and strengthened our bonds of solidarity and communion among SCJM. 

Please click here to view the photos of the celebration

5. Situation of the pandemic in Belgium

As of 1^st October, it will no longer be compulsory to wear a face mask during religious celebrations, except in Brussels and Wallonia (South of Belgium). The social distancing had already been lifted earlier. Disinfection of hands at the entrance and the prohibition of any physical contact during the celebrations remain in force. Caution and common sense are still required in all circumstances. The virus is still not entirely defeated. The Bishops call once again for people to be vaccinated in the interest of their own health and that of their fellow human beings.

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