Fr. Robert Carlier (1929-2024)
Born in Staden on February 17, 1929.
First vows on September 8, 1948.
Ordained priest on September 12, 1954.
Missionary in D.R. Congo (Kasayi) and Belgium.
Died in Torhout on July 26, 2024, at the age of 95.
Before leaving for his mission in the Congo, Father Robert studied canon law in Rome for three years. In 1958, he was able to leave for Kasai Occidental. He worked there for 35 years.
He started as a school principal in Kananga and then became a philosophy teacher for a dozen young Congolese Scheutists. He wrote, "I wasn't a good teacher. I didn't read enough. I was too busy with pastoral work, the youth movement, and soccer.
In 1963, he founded the parish of Katoka Saint-Martin de Porres. From 1966, he was secretary to Bishop Martin Léonard Bakole wa Ilunga. After that, he could fully take advantage of pastoral work inland: Tshikula, Katende, Kabuluanda, and Kananga, in the parishes of Saint-Clément and Sainte-Famille. He felt particularly at home in the interior, in the villages.
When he was an itinerant priest, the parishioners complained that an elephant had destroyed their fields. They asked for help. Father Robert had never hunted before. Armed with a Mauser, which he had received from a confrere, the necessary permissions from the state, and accompanied by a few hunters, he attacked the elephant. Father Robert's reputation was made. "As long as antelopes and lions can't talk, hunters remain the heroes of stories. After that first elephant, there were more. Father Robert and his hunters learned to handle real guns. A close bond developed between them. Many nights, Father Robert went game hunting with a few men. It wasn't a hobby or a sport. It was hunting for food. Hunting gave him great satisfaction. Father Robert writes: "When I hunted, I was called Robert, but as soon as we left the woods, I was 'Father Robert' again."
Due to severe diabetes, he had to return to Belgium in 1993. For a six-year term, he was rector of the Scheut house. Father Robert loved to tell stories. He could turn a short story into a long one. He knew only the good confreres. Of others, he never spoke negatively. He didn't like negative things. Even when Club Brugge couldn't win three in a row, he was a fair man.
On several occasions, he bore witness to his faith. It was clear that because of his faith, he was a happy missionary right into old age.
In 1999, Father Robert came to live in the Torhout community. From there, he served many years as a chaplain at the Rest and Care Home in Oostkamp. During his 25 years at Torhout, he helped shape the community. He paid particular attention to sick confreres and was attentive to staff and volunteers.
His family ties were strong: he was often invited and visited regularly. Soccer kept him awake, and he played cards outside the community with friends of Samana and Okra.
When his health failed, he continued participating in community activities in the chapel, table, and living room. He died peacefully at his room in the morning of July 26.
- Fr. Arnold Quartier §
