40 years of fruitful ministry

By Dan Nickerson

Kraainem (19 March 2006).- On March 5, 2006, St Anthony's Parish came together with friends and colleagues of Fr Vincent to help him mark his 40th Anniversary as a Franciscan. The celebration was a huge success as parishioners shared food and fellowship in a true international flavor in the spirit of both congratulations and thanks for a great spiritual leader in our Christian Community. The celebration seemed headed for a quick finish as snow showers dusted the St Anthony's Hall for almost 20 minutes before the festivities began, but God shined down on Fr Vincent and our parish family just before 1130 mass let out and the Belgian sunshine soon put everyone into the right spirit.

As over 300 parishioners, friends and well-wishers enjoyed the wonderful foods, Fr Vincent eased his way through the crowds visiting with new friends and old alike. Fr Vincent gracefully cut his cake displaying a beautiful cross to celebrate his priesthood. Instead of long speeches and mountains of gifts and cards, Fr Vincent requested donations be given to his former parish in El Salvador through the Sunday Lenten Charity Appeal. Proudly, St Anthony's will be sending around €4000 to El Salvador to help their parish with education and other pressing needs of their Christian Community. All in all, the celebration was a great event to show Fr Vincent how much he is appreciated by our parish for all that he does. Again, congratulations to Fr Vincent on this remarkable anniversary, and our sincere thanks for his continued service to God's flock.

Letter from Fr Vincent

Dear Parishioners,
Forty years ago I received the Sacrament of the Holy Order of Priesthood in the Leonine College on the banks of the River Tiber in Rome from Bishop Angelini, one of the Pope's assistant bishops for the Diocese of Rome. I had a long preparation period of eight years prior to Ordination in Philosophy, Psychology, Bible Studies, Fundamental Theology, Sacramental Theology, Moral Theology, Pastoral Theology, Liturgy, Patristics (Church Fathers), Church History, Canon (Church) Law, Spirituality and Catechetics. In the midst of a very busy life as a Pastor I must try to keep abreast of the developments in all of these disciplines. It is not easy but it is essential for my ministry. I ask all of you to continue to pray for me that the Lord will help me keep abreast of the demands of my ministry. I thank God for His Grace in my life and for the privilege to serve Him in my ministry here among you in our wonderful Parish of St. Anthony. I am deeply grateful for your support. Vincent

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