The Brothers of Saint John of the Province of Europe gathered for their second Provincial Chapter.

From January 13 to 20, the brother capitulants met in the Priory in Vilnius for their Chapter. One of the central tasks of this gathering was the election of a Provincial Prior. On the second day, Br Ignaz Maria was re-elected. The Chapter expresses its sincere gratitude to him for accepting and continuing to fulfil this responsibility and assures him of its prayerful support.

This election was followed by the deliberations concerning the appointment of a Provincial Director of Formation. Br Philip Thomas (Rome) was appointed to this office. The other councillors are Br Jurek (Vilnius) and Br John Mary Jesus (London).

During the Chapter, the brothers were honoured to receive two evening visits. One was from Archbishop Gintaras Grušas of Vilnius, President of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences, who emphasised the importance of a “missionary-oriented evangelisation” in Europe today. The other was from Archbishop Georg Gänswein, Papal Nuncio to the Baltic States and former personal secretary to Pope Benedict XVI, who shared many encouraging and inspiring insights drawn from his life and service alongside the Pope.

The Chapter then entered a longer phase of reflection and work on current topics, particularly concerning the mission of the Brothers. Special attention was given to encouraging the full involvement of lay people through the development of genuine collaboration. Matters of Safeguarding were also addressed, including decisions on the implementation of a code of conduct, ongoing formation in accompaniment, its regular updating, and the obligation of supervision.

Entrusting all these concerns to the Lord, the brothers place their trust in the intercession of Our Lady, St John, and their patron saint of the Province, St John Paul II.

“Following John the Apostle, we live together as friends of Christ and witness to His light and love.”

A Mission Rooted in Prayer, Study, Fraternity, and Apostolic Life

Our Lady of the Eucharist is the new English-speaking college of the Brothers of Saint John. In the Aurelio neighbourhood of Rome, our young brothers now have the opportunity to pursue their formation in the heart of the Eternal City and so respond to Christ’s call in the spirit of Saint John. Accompanied by a team of seasoned formators, they share a life rooted in prayer, theological study, and fraternal community; forming them to serve both the Church and a world longing for God and in need of witnesses of His love.

Why Your Support Matters

To maintain one student, we need to raise 25 000 euros. This covers: 

• Tuition at the Angelicum University and academic materials 

• Housing and daily living expenses 

• Spiritual retreats and community life 

This is the beginning of a lifelong mission. And by your donation you can be part of the work of evangelization.

Give Today, Build Tomorrow’s Church

“To give oneself to Christ is to give oneself to others.

Help us form hearts that will radiate Christ’s light in our spiritual centres, parishes and rectories, university campuses, and outreach missions across Europe, and beyond.

How to donate

Thank you ! We entrust this mission to your prayer and support. May God bless your generosity and keep you close to His heart.

The Provincial of Europe of the Brothers of Saint John has decided to leave The Hague as religious community. This decision was made necessary by the appointment of the Prior, Father Matthew, to the Prior General’s Council in France. With a shortage of brothers, such a decision was inevitable. 

The Brothers of Saint John came to The Hague in 2004 at the invitation of Bishop Van Luyn. Since 2012 they have been responsible for the Willibrordushuis compound, and have continued and expanded the mission of this house by promoting evangelization and a spiritual oasis in the heart of The Hague, under the name of “Stadsabdij” (Abbey in the City).

Accompanying the various residential communities (students, young families, young pro’s) in the house has been particularly dear to the Brothers. During this period, they have also received many groups of Catholic and Protestant origin, and assisted in the pastoral care of the “Sterre der Zee” Parish.

Both the brothers of the Priory and the Prior Provincial’s Council are very saddened by this decision. They would have liked to keep contributing in the future. They wish to thank particularly all the people who have shared in their mission over the years, as well as the Diocese of Rotterdam for the trust that has been placed in them.

Brother Johan and Bernhard-Maria will receive a new assignment from 1 September.

The Brothers of Saint John have offered the diocese of Rotterdam to remain available for a transitional period for the pastoral care in the after September 1^st.

The diocese of Rotterdam respects the decision of the brothers but regrets that the contribution of the brothers to the project of the “Stadsabdij” stops. The diocese is considering the future of the house and, in consultation with the current residential communities, will look at the possibilities of preserving the house as a place of faith and community in the city.

On Sunday, September 7, Bishop Van den Hende will celebrate a Holy Mass in gratitude for the pastoral ministry of the Brothers of St. John in the Diocese of Rotterdam and to mark their departure. This Eucharist will take place at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Oude Molstraat 35. Afterwards, there will be a reception to which all who feel connected to the Willibrordushuis are invited.

June 21 was a special day for the Brothers of Saint John in Vilnius. On that day, through the laying on of hands by Archbishop Gintaras Grušas, Brother Elijas Butkus was ordained to the priesthood.

In the presence of a large group of relatives and around 300 friends, community members, and guests, Brother Elijas received the gift of priesthood, choosing — in the words of the Archbishop — to witness to Christ’s love with his whole life in service to the Church. The festive agape was filled with delicious food and joyful fellowship, while the newly ordained priest likely didn’t taste anything himself, as he spent nearly three hours without pause receiving congratulations and generously giving blessings.

Brother Richard-Maria of the Brothers of Saint John, has lived—and continues to live—a truly full and remarkable life. Born 54 years ago in the Netherlands, he has recently completed a profound chapter of his spiritual journey by consecrating himself to the Holy Trinity through the solemn vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience.

A Pilgrim of Hope in 2025

But his path to this moment was anything but straight or easy. Along the way, he earned a bachelor’s degree, fell deeply in love, and set out on adventures that most only dream of: traveling by bike, living in a cave near the Syrian monastery of Mar Musa al-Habashi, and embarking on a six-month itinerant pilgrimage to India. There, he volunteered with the Missionaries of Charity, serving “the poorest of the poor”.

Interview of broher Richard-Maria by brother Vladimir

A glimpse of the chapters:

The first European Oblates Pilgrimage welcomed participants from 9 European countries for 3 days of prayer, sharing, and working together.

Thirty-six oblates, one apostolic sister, and seven brothers gathered during Ascension weekend 2025 at the priory Regina Pacis in Banneux N.D., Belgium. For the very first time in the history of the young European province, the oblates came together following an invitation from their provincial and the Regional Council of Oblates. The event took place during the Jubilee year for both the universal Church and the brothers of Saint John, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary.

Days of Formation and Reflection

Close to the Virgin of the Poor and thanks to the hospitality of the Belgian brothers and oblates, the participants were able to immerse themselves in 3 days of liturgical and silent prayer, along with moments of formation, exchange, and reflection together.

Although coming from different cultures and languages, the oblates quickly discovered a common element in their respective lives: the desire to follow Jesus in the footsteps of the beloved disciple. During Formation Day, they heard inspiring lectures on hope and solitude, given by Br. Ignaz-Maria and Sr. Marta Marija. For those interested in the arts, a Lithuanian oblate prepared a presentation on Saint John in Art.

Community Day led the oblates to reflect on the current situation of the Family of Saint John. By working in small groups, they discussed their struggles, their views on the renewal and reform, and they explored their personal possibilities for involvement in the life of the Family as a whole and especially in their particular fraternities. Members of the International Council of Oblates, who were also present, helped clarify the intentions behind the reform and answered participants’ questions.

Moments of Joy and Sacredness

A highlight of the gathering was the oblature of a new member of the Utrecht fraternity, Emma, at the end of Holy Mass on Saturday. The festive evening that followed brought this joyful moment to a close.

Visiting the Sanctuary, learning about the history of the apparitions of Mary to young Mariette, pushing hands into the water of the source, and praying during a candlelight procession were other elements of this pilgrimage. Many participants were touched by the gift that the contemplative sisters from Vilnius, although unable to attend themselves, had handcrafted for the oblates as a sign of the unity of the Family of Saint John.

Carrying Light Forward

After three rich days, the participants made their way back home: to Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom. They carried with them not only the final blessing for their fellow oblates, brothers, and sisters, but also new hope and inspiration for their respective fraternities.

Testimonials:

“Each nationality radiates a different light, so we could get a fuller picture for each one of us.” — Joanne

“Everyone, let us pray for the path of the oblates community. We, together with the Holy Spirit, form the future of oblates.” — Br. Mattheus

“I am thankful for this enriching time. I saw that it can work—in spite of all difficulties, of living far away, of the technical struggles…” — Udo

“I saw the suffering of every member, but at the same time, I received an image of a renewal chance, a new life. Like a small plant that sprouts from the ground and grows.” — Melanie

Written by the Regional Council of Oblates Europe

Perpetual profession in Utrecht

Brother François-Xavier, Prior General ;
Brother Ignatius Maria, Prior of the Province of Europe ;
the Brothers of Saint John and the family of the Brother are pleased to inform you of the Perpetual Profession of Brother

Richard Maria STEGENGA (Netherlands)

They cordially invite you to participate, in person, or through your prayer, in the Perpetual Profession mass at 10 am on Sunday the 8th of June 2025 at Gerardus Majella Church, Vleutenseweg 517, Utrecht, Netherlands.

Brother Marie-Élie returned to the Father’s house on Thursday, 23 January, in the morning after several days in a coma. Providence ensured that he was ‘surrounded by his two families,’ as his brother Jean and our brother Jacob kept vigil over him throughout the night. His funeral was held on Tuesday, 28 January at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Pierre Church in Chalon-sur-Saône, before his burial in Rimont.

Brother Marie-Élie entered the community in August 1984, at the age of 18. He spent forty years in the community, sent after his initial training to four of the current provinces: France, where he had been affiliated since the province was established (Chalon-sur-Saône 1992-94, Souvigny 94-97, Saint-Quentin 2001-2002, Murat 2002-2007, Corbara 2020-2021, Cotignac 2021-2022), Africa (Batouri on internship in 1988-90, and Yaoundé where he was Principal of Vogt College 1997-2001), America (Saint-Jérôme 2007-2009 then Terrebonne where the priory moved 2009-2014), Europe (Bologna 2015-2020 and Banneux where he had his last assignment from the summer of 2023).

He served his brothers as prior in Saint-Jérôme, Bologna, Corbara, Cotignac and Banneux, and also as advisor to the Prior General for two terms: from 2016 to 2019 with Brother Thomas – he was then Vicar of Southern Europe – and from 2016 to 2022 with myself – he was then Vicar of Southern Europe and Southern France, duties to which he devoted himself unstintingly.

The year 2022-2023 was a sabbatical year for him, during which he regained his strength with his family, at the home of his brother Jean and sister-in-law Sophie (where he was welcomed two years later for the last three months of his life). One of the first apostolic activities he was able to resume was accompanying pilgrimages to the Holy Land, the land where God became incarnate, for which he had a deep and infectious love.

Let us give thanks for his life given, for the good he does through his preaching, his listening, his humour, and in so many other ways.

Jubilee Year of the Universal Church, Jubilee year of the foundation of the Brothers of Saint John

On 5 January 2025, the feast of the Epiphany, the Brothers of Saint John entered the fiftieth year of their foundation. Resolutely turned towards the future, they give thanks for their community in which the Lord has called them to consecrate their lives to him by placing themselves at the service of the proclamation of the Gospel through their fraternal life and their apostolic mission.

In this Jubilee Year for the universal Church and for the Congregation, the Brothers of Saint John place their trust in the Lord: they give thanks for the good that comes from Him, ask forgiveness for their sins and limitations during these fifty years, and ask God for today the grace of discernment with humility and wisdom.

The 50th Jubilee will be celebrated in each province of the Congregation: Africa, Asia-Oceania, the Americas, France and Europe. The elective General Chapter to be held in April and October 2025 will also be an opportunity to celebrate this anniversary. The jubilee year will close on 27 December 2025, the feast of Saint John.

Confident in the Lord’s call, the brothers of Saint John unite themselves to the hope experienced by the whole Church in 2025. Following the example of the Magi, they place this special year in the joy of the vision of the star that guides everyone towards the Saviour.