Newsletter October 2013
Dear Friends
Brasili-Ja-Auxilia constantly looks for new initiatives and opportunities to bring people together. In that line it has been an exciting summer. I had the privilege to organize an Inter-religious Symposium at the Peace Palace in The Hague as a part of the centenary celebrations. 250 people came together on 11 September to interact with Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Jews and Christians on "Sustainable Peace through Reconciliation". The event ended with the inauguration of a stone peace column on the Carnegie Square in front of the Palace.
In August I participated in a London seminar for the Mill Hill missionaries in de age group 45-55. Colleagues from all over the world shared their work experiences. It was amazing to see what a class of 1978 composed of 11 seminarians, have been involved in. Quite a few of us have worked under very difficult circumstances. It was wonderful to see each again other after so many years.
In October I will be going to Dubai to give some pastoral assistance to the workers from the Philippines. Half a million of them work there and look for ways to practice their faith in this Muslim State. It will no doubt be an eye opening experience to learn how they manage under these circumstances, and how the two religions can peacefully coincide.
As you can see life is all but boring. I wish you all a very good remainder of the year and lots of energy to get through the winter.
Fr. Sjaak de Boer
You have not heard much from Auxilia-Brasil-ja recently but behind the screens work goes on.
In 2011, at our 25th anniversary, we have organised a foodfair in Café Restaurant "Het Fortuin" in Wervershoof. It was planned to have one again this November. However we had to move it to 23rd February next year. You will hear more about this later.
The preparations for the cycle ride up a mountain have also started. In 2012 we went up l'Alpe d'Huez. In 2014 may be the Mont Ventoux?
We have supported several projects and will continue to do that including Watu Wangu and June.
You can find all relevant information on our website.
This letter goes by post to about 150 people. We would appreciate if you could send us your e-mail address if possible . Lots of people have done so already.
Best wishes from Kees Ooijevaar
KvK: 371000429
Bank: 3689.48.870 t.n.v. Auxilia
