Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
At the beginning of March, Father Eko unexpectedly departed for Indonesia in order to visit his family. At that time, it was also understood that, following this visit, he intended to enter into a period of prayer and discernment.
In recent days, it has been communicated—through the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) and the Diocese of Haarlem-Amsterdam—that Father Eko will, for the present, remain in Indonesia for an extended period.
Furthermore, it has been made known that Father Eko will not return to our pastoral collaboration Haarlemmermeer South, comprising the parishes of St John the Baptist in Hoofddorp, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Nieuw-Vennep, and St John the Evangelist in Buitenkaag.
This sorrowful news has come upon us all with great suddenness, as these developments have unfolded in rapid succession.
Over the past seven years, Father Eko has been a devoted and faithful servant, especially within the Parish of St John the Baptist. He dedicated himself wholeheartedly to pastoral ministry and found a true spiritual home among the faithful entrusted to his care. From this place, I wish to express my sincere gratitude for his generous service, his pastoral charity, his closeness to those in need, and his commitment to the growth of youth ministry.
I likewise offer my heartfelt thanks for his reverent leadership in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and in accompanying the faithful in times of bereavement.
It is my sincere hope that, in God’s providence, we may in due time have the opportunity to take leave of Father Eko in a fitting manner when he returns to the Netherlands. For now, we remain united with him and with one another in prayer.
How shall we continue?
For the time being, Father Pierrot Mazono will assume the pastoral responsibilities of Father Eko Manek, together with Father Albert Toppo. At present, there is no indication that a third priest will be appointed.
I am grateful that Deacon Han Hartog will offer his assistance wherever possible. Due to personal circumstances, Deacon Rob Mascini will lay down a substantial part of his responsibilities; nevertheless, as an emeritus deacon, he will continue to assist occasionally in the liturgy.
I shall continue in my ministry as pastor-moderator of our pastoral collaboration, alongside my responsibilities as parish priest of St Mary’s Parish in Amstelveen and as Dean of the Meerlanden Diocese.
Dear brothers and sisters, much is being asked of us in this time. Yet I trust that we—pastors, board members, volunteers, and parishioners—will continue steadfastly together on this path.
May we remain faithful in the celebration of the sacred liturgy and draw strength from the Word of God and the Sacraments, which sustain us in our daily lives. Let us remain open to one another, bearing one another’s burdens, and offering mutual support in Christian charity.
May we continue to walk in the footsteps of the Risen Lord. He is not here, He is risen—this is the joyful proclamation of this Easter season.
Therefore, let us not lose heart, but with renewed faith and hope, continue together in the mission entrusted to us.
Should there be further developments, you will be duly informed.
For the present, I invoke upon you peace and every grace and blessing in the Lord.
Yours devotedly in Christ,
Eugène Jongerden
Deken-Pastoor
Dekenaat Meerlanden
Noorddammerlaan 126
1187 AG Amstelveen