Ludgardis Van Stappen

Deceased Sisters

Ludgardis Van Stappen - France
21/09/1921 - 28/04/2020

Dear Ludgardis

On December 222, 2019, our two communities came together to celebrate Christmas. When we mentioned your coming centenary and that of Geneviève, your eyes already spoke volumes! You foreshadowed, of course, a nearer end ... So did we!

So, we would at least have liked to celebrate together the day of your Farewell! But once again, you submitted to the demands of the situation: the confinement!

Therefore, your community surrounds you alone, but our community in Lyon is present, united in prayer and affection. Your photo sends us your so penetrating smile that has touched each of us.

We give thanks for your wholly given life. Born on September 21, 1921, you were baptized on September 23, a sign of your parents' fervour. You are one of three children. We think especially of your brother in a nursing home, he who three times made the pilgrimage to Compostela! Your niece is prevented from coming because of the border closure!

You were 30 years old when you joined the Marist Sisters at Saint Prix. What your life was like up to this point would be worth telling, especially the difficult period of the Second World War. You sometimes said that all the trials or difficulties encountered during your religious life were nothing compared to what you had endured ... And it was a strength for you over the years.

This was your journey as a Marist Sister:

After a period of internal ministry in Saint Leu then in Saint Prix, you were sent to Brasschaat as a sewing teacher.

When the Novitiate was transferred to Ste Foy les Lyon, you were appointed second novice mistress. The novices would have benefitted from your talents and your gentle presence by their side.

Then, your connection with Germany and your knowledge of the language led to your appointment in Tünsdorf as superior of this new community.

After two years back in Massabielle, you were sent for training to Trier in Germany to acquire the skills of a nursing assistant.

It was then that you were appointed to Bellerive from 1970 to 1986.

But, with the obligation of considering our withdrawal from Brasschaat, it was I who asked you in 1986 to return. Your knowledge of the Flemish language was precious and essential. It was a sacrifice for you, as it was for the Sisters of Bellerive to see you leave. But you never wavered, or even expressed your personal desire. What was asked of you was the will of the Lord lived through the voice of the superiors.

When Brasschaat closed, to everyone's joy you returned to Bellerive. Despite the accumulation of years, you continued to render many services there, always in peace and serenity. You were appointed superior. What strength of soul you have always shown, thank you again.

In 2000 you saw a new closure, that of Bellerive. You joined the community of Rue Sala where you stayed just for a year. Then you were sent to Gerland until its closure in 2009, and again Rue Sala for another year.

That is when you came to Bon Repos. Your entry to the Nursing Home was an important step. These 10 years have touched all the people with whom you have lived. Discreet, caring for others without ever complaining. Always a smile that says more than words ... you who knew several languages, you knew charity even more!

Though I command languages, both human and angelic
- if I speak without love -
I am no more than a gong booming, or a cymbal clashing. (Cor. 13)

May your example, dear Ludgardis, be a guide for each of us on the path as we follow the steps of the Virgin Mary. Like her at Cana, we want to be attentive to others, especially in this time of confinement.

Marie-Thérèse Terra

30 April 2020

Deceased Sisters

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