It is with regret that we announce the death on Friday 5th July at Zilverheuvel (former Missiehuis Vrijland) aged 95 of
Brother Marinus de Groot
Mill Hill Missionary
May he rest in peace
Marinus was born on the 13th of July 1929 in the town of Uden, in the Diocese of Bosch, in the Netherlands. His father, a carpenter, was Renier de Groot, and his mother Regina de Groot, nee Verwijst. Marinus had two sisters and five brothers, including his younger brother – the late Jan de Groot – who was also a Mill Hill Missionary.
Marinus, although the elder de Groot brother, entered the training and formation programme of the Mill Hill Missionaries a year after his younger brother and took his temporary oath as a brother missionary in 1951. As part of his training Marinus was appointed in 1952 to work and study at our College in Tilburg, the Netherlands, where – like his father – he specialised in carpentry. In 1955 he was appointed to Burn Hall, near to the city of Durham in the Northeast of England, and from there he was appointed to Saint Joseph’s College, Mill Hill, London. On the 15th August 1956 Marinus took his Missionary Oath for life in Saint Joseph’s College, Mill Hill.
Marinus remained working at the College in Mill Hill till 1958 when he was then appointed to join his brother, Jan, in the diocese of Basankusu in – what was then – Belgian Congo (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). Apart from a few trips home while he was sick in the 1990’s, Marinus remained in the DRC serving God, the Society and the peoples of that Region – particularly in the remote and difficult region of the Bongando – for fifty years. Marinus served through the turbulent years of the 1960’s, often fearing for his life at that time – the threat was a very real and present danger in those troubled days. One of Marinus’ major contributions to the development of the peoples was through building works – early in his appointment he converted a former prison into a High School for local children. He also helped maintain the few vehicles the Mill Hillers and the diocesan personnel had there. Further, and most dear to his heart, was his work in agriculture – through his kindness, and the generosity of benefactors, he was able to provide a few hoeing machines and to develop with the people more efficient farming methods.
For many years, Marinus was troubled with rheumatism and arthritis, especially in his shoulders. This never held him back from working in a most dedicated way. On the occasions of his 25th and 40th jubilees the General Superiors at the time noted his generosity, cheerfulness, dedication, faith and giftedness, in spite of the many challenges and difficulties faced. Imprinted on the minds and hearts of his colleagues and the peoples he served would be the image of Marinus on his ancient, but trust-worthy moped traversing the narrow paths through the rain forest between Djolu and Yalisele, Simba, Lingomo, and Bonkita/Basankusu. In March, 2008 Marinus humbly accepted retirement in the Netherlands after fifty years of love and service in the DRC. On the occasion of his retirement, the then General Superior – Tony Chantry – wrote: ‘Your gentle and prayerful presence in that corner of the world has brought joy and hope to many over the years You will be remembered with respect and affection.’
Marinus took up residence in Sint Jozefhuis and later Vrijland where ‘he lined the path to the Lady Chapel with a variety of daffodils and other early bloomers for many years.’
Marinus’ health had declined over the last three weeks, and he was ready to return to the Lord. Marinus – as a final gift – had already placed his body at the disposal for medical research. A thanksgiving Mass will be offered for the life of Marinus in Sint Jozefhuis on Saturday 13th July – on what would have been Marinus’ 95th birthday – at 11 a.m. The Mass will be livestreamed and can be followed at https://vimeo.com/event/2882273.
