On Saturday, 11 July, we as members of the St Augustine’s International Community will come together for a day of prayer, fellowship, and spiritual reflection as we make a pilgrimage to the Titus Brandsma Memorial Church in Nijmegen.
Pilgrimages invite us to step away from the routines of daily life and journey together in search of a deeper encounter with God. This time, our destination is dedicated to St Titus Brandsma, the Dutch Carmelite priest, journalist, educator, and martyr who was canonized by Pope Francis in 2022.
Born in Friesland in 1881, St Titus became known for his unwavering faith, intellectual brilliance, and courageous defense of truth and human dignity during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Refusing to remain silent in the face of injustice, he paid the ultimate price for his witness to Christ, dying in Dachau concentration camp in 1942. Today, he stands as a powerful example of faithfulness, charity, and hope in difficult times.
Our pilgrimage will begin with a visit to the Titus Brandsma Memorial Church, where we will learn more about the life and spirituality of this remarkable Dutch saint. Throughout the day, participants will have the opportunity to spend time in prayer, receive the Sacrament of Confession, participate in Eucharistic Adoration, pray the Rosary with some music and celebrate Holy Mass together with Father Gauthier de Bekker.
There will be time to enjoy the beautiful city of Nijmegen and share fellowship with one another. Weather permitting, we will gather for a picnic lunch in the park, providing a wonderful opportunity to strengthen friendships within our community.
As pilgrims we should bring a rosary, our own lunch, and something to sit on during the picnic.
We pray that through the intercession of St Titus Brandsma, this pilgrimage may deepen our faith, strengthen our community, and inspire us to live the Gospel with greater courage and joy.
“God can be found in all things, and God is always near to us.” — St Titus Brandsma