Jozef Vermoesen (1937-2024)
Born in Hamme on September 11, 1937
Religious vows on September 8, 1957
Ordained priest on August 5, 1962
Missionary in Congo (Kasayi) and Belgium
Died in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw
on November 3, 2024
at the age of 87
Jan's roots are to be found in his native village of Hamme on the Durme: in the household where he was born - there were eleven children - and in the large family, they knew how to share and how to live together in faith in God, which enabled a life of depth. These solid roots enabled him to take to the skies in complete safety, just like his two Scheutist uncles years before: Roger Van Cauwenbergh, her mother's uncle, and Jan Van Puyenbroeck Sr. on her father's side. His sister Deli found happiness with the ICM Sisters, and his younger brother Carlos († 1999) followed in his footsteps at Scheut. His brother Paul is a priest in the diocese of Ghent.
Jan flew to the Congo in Kasai Oriental. He stayed for 45 years. With order and meticulous planning in mind and practice, he met people in the villages and various parts of the towns. Through the proclamation of the Gospel, he hoped to motivate, inspire, and strengthen people to take responsibility and build their communities. The roots of a hopeful future were planted among the grassroots communities and educated leaders. After each tour, Jan would come to the provincial house in Mbuji Mayi for a few days of rest and relaxation, a good drink, and great music. Sylvain Breugelmans was a bursar there and a host and friend for many years. Jan was able to make the most of it.
Testimonies still speak of Jan's welcome and initiatives towards the mass of refugees who were expelled from Katanga in 1999 and ended up in Muene Ditu. The proclamation of faith went hand in hand with social commitment. To build a church, a presbytery, and a school, you need cement, bricks, and wood. You need help with health care, education, guidance, and care for the less fortunate. Jan has taken charge and found collaborators.
Being grounded and able to relax is all good, but one day comes the time of return, detachment, and letting go of limited physical capacity and dependence. Jan experienced this gradually in our Kessel-Lo, Schilde, and Zuun communities.
When the thread of life breaks, you die, but you don't die forever. For Jesus said, "What you did to the least of my people, you did to me." Enter into joy, Jan, for with Me; there is room for many who have lived as you have. §
Jan Reynebeau
