Remember and pray for

Michael Arnold Brenninkmeijer S.J.

A gentle giant of a priest

A gift from God, to whom he returned

23rd May, 2014

aged 82

being 62 years a Jesuit,

with 52 years of pastoral work in Syria

and Libanon,

and in the 50th year of his priestly ministry

Michael was a blessing to those who crossed his path.

A man of great heart, deep faith and prayer, with leadership and language skills and administrative ability, he was a builder of community, ready to turn his considerable talents and energy to whatever he was asked to do.

A man of simple lifestyle, with few needs, his spirituality and natural humility expressed themselves in the boundless and creative devotion to the needs of others.

A man of few, but carefully chosen words, he knew how to communicate by his attentive listening and willingness to be alongside those who were lost, caring, hopeful, and with his reassuring and disarming smile.

In the midst of his world of turmoil and trouble Michael was truly a man of tranquility and peace.

He made St. Teresa’s words his own:

“Nada me turbe, nada m’espante, solo Dios basta!”

Nothing bothers me, nothing scares me, God alone enough!