Herman Kronenberg (1937 - 2025)
Born in Enschede (Netherlands) on August 23, 1937.
Religious vows on September 8, 1958.
Ordained priest on August 4, 1963.
Missionary in Congo (Kasaï) and the Netherlands.
Died in Breda (Netherlands) on June 27, 2025,
at the age of 87.
Herman Kronenberg was born on August 23, 1937, into a warm Catholic working-class family. Their faith and the parish church played a significant role in his childhood, and he felt called to the priesthood from a young age. From a young age, he wanted to become a "missionary priest," just like his older brother Henny. After completing an additional year of primary school, he attended the missionary school in Sparrendaal, then continued his studies in Nijmegen and Leuven. He completed his training with flying colors, after which his superiors sent him to Rome to continue his studies. He then became a philosophy teacher in Belgium.
However, his dream of becoming a missionary had not faded. After much insistence on Herman's part, he was finally allowed to leave for the Congo, to the mission in Kulalaba. There, he worked devotedly to build up the Christian base communities. He acquired a thorough knowledge of the language and culture of the people and, as a true missionary, sympathized with the joys and sorrows of his parishioners. Technology was not his strong suit, but he always knew how to find people who could solve practical problems for him.
After many years, he returned to the Netherlands. In Sparrendaal, he enjoyed his old age and remained involved in his literacy project in Congo. He then had more time for his family, whom he had missed all those years. There were many train trips to Twente. The move to Teteringen was a big step, but he found his place on the third floor, surrounded by his former classmates.
Growing old also meant saying goodbye. Many of his family members and colleagues, who were dear to him, passed away, and his health also slowly deteriorated. After a series of strokes, Herman ended up at Mater Dei, where he enjoyed the care so much that he wanted to stay there. Until the end, he remained patient, kind, and grateful.
Herman had time to say goodbye to his family, friends, and colleagues and passed away as a grateful and contented person. May he now enjoy a happy reunion in the new life in God's presence and with all those who have gone before him, especially his parents, who died far too early and whom Herman missed.
May he now find rest and peace forever.
- Joep van Gaelen
