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CFE4 Reporting Netherlands930 1

The document provides background information on the Netherlands, including its history, culture, and religion. It then discusses two Catholic missionaries from the Netherlands, Father Hubert Boumans, known as "Father Ever Blasting" for his work improving irrigation systems, and Bishop Ferdinand Hamer, the first CICM missionary to China who was martyred by being boiled to death in oil in 1900.

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Sophia Anne Monillas
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49 views

CFE4 Reporting Netherlands930 1

The document provides background information on the Netherlands, including its history, culture, and religion. It then discusses two Catholic missionaries from the Netherlands, Father Hubert Boumans, known as "Father Ever Blasting" for his work improving irrigation systems, and Bishop Ferdinand Hamer, the first CICM missionary to China who was martyred by being boiled to death in oil in 1900.

Uploaded by

Sophia Anne Monillas
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CICM in

Netherlands

G r o u p 3
Brief Background
Netherlands is a country located in the northwestern part of Europe and it is
also known as Holland. The “Netherlands” means low-lying country while the
name Holland was derived from the word “houtland” which means “wooded
land”. The people who live in this country are called Dutch and the land was
originally inhabited by Germanic tribes.
During the 17th century, the Netherlands became an international power known
for its strong navy. Also during this time, the arts in Netherlands was at its peak
with notable artists such at Rembrandt and Vermeer.
Brief Background
World War II they were occupied by Germany. The Dutch Jews were almost
wiped out by the Germans. Over 75 percent of the 140,000 Jewish people that
lived in the Netherlands were killed by the Germans as part of the Holocaust.
After World War II, most of the Netherland's remaining colonies were granted
independence.
Today, the Netherlands is one of the world’s most densely populated
countries. Although the population as a whole is “graying” rapidly, with a high
percentage over age 65, Amsterdam, its capital city, has remained one of the
liveliest centers of international youth culture.
Facts about Netherlands
1. The Netherlands was the first country to legalize same-sex
marriage. Euthanasia and Prostitution are also legal.
2. Their national anthem, Wilhelmus, is the oldest in the world.
3. Almost one third of the country is below sea level.
4. Amsterdam (capital of Netherlands) alone has over 1,200
bridges.
5. There are over 1,000 windmills.
6. It houses the largest flower garden in the world.
7. There are more bicycles than people.
8. They are the world's third biggest coffee drinkers.
Religious Background
• Roman Catholic 23.6%,
• Protestant 14.9% (includes Dutch Reformed 6.4%, Protestant Church of The Netherlands 5.6%,
Calvinist 2.9%), Muslim 5.1%,
• other 5.6% (includes Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish), none 50.7% (2017 est.)
Religious Background
The Netherlands was historically
dominated by Christianity between the 10th and
20th centuries. In the late 19th century, roughly
60% of the population was Calvinist and 35%
was Catholic. Since then, there has been a
significant decline in both Catholic and Protestant
Christianity, with Protestantism declining to such
a degree that Catholicism became the majority
form of Christian religion.
The majority of the Dutch population
became secular. Many Dutch people believe
religion should not have a significant role in
politics and education. Religion is also primarily
considered a personal matter which should not
be discussed in public.
FATHER HUBERT BOUMANS
“Father Ever Blasting”
• born in Ubachsberg, municipality of
Voerendaal, Limburg, the
Netherlands, on February 10, 1914
• completed his humanities at the minor
seminary of Sparrendaal
• entered the novitiate in 1935
• pronounced his first vows on August 8, 1936
• ordained a priest on July 25, 1941
• treasurer of the novitiate in the Netherlands (August 1944 to
April 1946)
• On August 9, 1946, was he able to sail for the Pearl of the
East (Philippines)
• Father Hubert tried to help people whenever he could. One of
the felt needs of the people was the improvement of the
irrigation system.
• in the course of time Hubert became a blasting specialist.
This rare charism, at least among CICM missionaries,
earned him the nickname “Father Ever Blasting.”
• Hubert not only blasted rocks in the ricefields, repaired
pressurized lamps and watches, improved the irrigation
system, contributed to the opening of a road, he also
opened the way to Jesus.

“He was not able to make all the paths straight,


nor make low every mountain or hill,
nor make all rough ways smooth.
During 41 years, he let light shine on the path
to the Lord Jesus. In his own way,
he contributed to the birthing of Jesus in many hearts.”
• Ferdinand Hamer was the first to present himself when Father Théophile
Verbist, founder of the CICM, visited some seminaries in the Netherlands to
win candidates for the mission work in China.
• Born on August 21, 1840 in Nijmegen, Netherlands
• 7th of the nine children
• One of brothers entered the Franciscan order, and another became a
Jesuit.
• During his first entrance in Scheut on October 15, 1864, he had found an
atmosphere of brotherhood and readiness to sacrifice, and so he
quickly felt at home there.
• August 15, 1865 - he professed his first vows, and ten days later he
began his journey to China with the first group of Scheutists.
BISHOP FERDINAND HAMER
• During his first days in China, he could scarcely speak a few words. But he
“An Outstanding Martyr”
didn’t lose courage.
• a man of order and discipline
• “always received us with open arms”
• “he knew how to comfort and encourage“
• “he inspired them to diligence through his friendly letters.”
• 1869- a secret sect (members called themselves “the united fists for peace and justice”)
wanted to uproot Christianity and wipe out every trace of it.
• Bishop Hamer was held prisoner; he was interrogated and tortured.
• On July 24, 1900, in T'uo-ch'eng City (Duosheng), he was atrociously put to death by
soaking him in a boiling pot of oil.

“Even during the saddest moments I thanked God for being a missionary… I have wanted the
missionary life, so I have also accepted the problems and difficulties that go with it, and I shall
bear them to the end.”
- Bishop Hamer

“He’s a man who had shown prudence and wisdom in all his former undertakings, a confrere
who was known for his love of this fellow brothers.”
-one of the confreres

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