Jaak Catteeuw (1936-2025)
Born in Kortrijk - Bissegem,
on May 26, 1936.
Religious vows on September 8, 1956.
Ordained priest on August 6, 1961.
Missionary in Indonesia and Belgium.
Died in Torhout,
on February 25, 2025,
at the age of 88.
From the way Jaak lived his final years in Torhout, we can guess what he meant to the communities of Indonesia. He loved to sing with people during the celebrations, and it didn't bother him if it sometimes sounded a bit off-key. There came a time when a song was the key to his heart and to seeing something of his deep happiness.
Jaak was born on May 26, 1936, in Kortrijk and grew up in Bissegem. After completing his secondary education at the Don Bosco College in Kortrijk, he joined the CICM Congregation (Scheut). He took his first vows on September 8, 1956. Jaak was ordained a priest on August 6, 1961, and was sent to Indonesia as a missionary.
The following year he left for his new assignment as pastor on the island of Muna. He stayed there for ten years, first in a remote fishing village and later in the capital city of Muna. In 1973 he was transferred to Makassar, where he worked as a youth pastor for five years. He then moved to the island of Java, where he was a pastor for five years, the director of the Wisma Samadi retreat house for four years and a student pastor at the university for six years.
In 1994, Jaak moved to the island of Papua. He became a teacher at the major seminary and pastor there, later becoming the dean of the main parish. As everywhere, he did his work here with great dedication. However, in the first years of this century, the first signs of dementia appeared. That did not prevent him from becoming a chaplain at the Stella Maris hospital in Makassar.
Pastoral care was Jaak's life.
He knew the language well,
had the gift of the gab
and was an excellent preacher.
He had very good contact with the youth, but when his illness worsened, he was forced to come to Belgium. He arrived in Torhout in 2013, directly from Indonesia. In the first years he was still able to walk well, and wherever you found him, he was singing. After suffering a stroke, he became totally dependent on many people. He radiated peace and joy and was loved by everyone. He was never a number, or a burden, or someone who stood on the sidelines. He was involved in all activities and enjoyed them. He received a lot of attention from everyone, from colleagues, employees, volunteers and from the friends who regularly came to the house.
Just as he could inspire young and old alike
during the holiday periods in Bissegem
with his many stories,
his quiet presence was a new story for us,
one that was understandable to all,
and that fills hearts with gratitude.
Jaak passed away peacefully
in Torhout on February 25, 2025.
- Arnold Quartier
