Fr. Cor Hendriks, O.Carm.
February 17, 1991
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
On this day we remember Fr. Cor Hendriks, O.Carm. whose life was a gift to the church in the Philippines.
Fr. Cor was one of the early Dutch Carmelite missionaries to the Philippines. In his stay in the Philippines, he was one of those who was sent to start new foundations.
On April 18, 1963, together with Fr. Jan Lansink, he was sent to Agusan del Sur to take over from the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart the parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the schools attached to it.
Later he was sent to Iligan City with Fr. Arnold Van Vugt to establish Iligan Carmel.
In 1981, Fr. Cor, together with Fr. Paul Medina and Fr. Anton Korterik, went to the Diocese of Ilagan in Isabela to establish the presence of the Carmelites in the Diocese. Fr. Cor was assigned in San Mariano, Isabela with Fr. Paul.
On June 1990, Fr. Cor was assigned as parish priest in Escalante, but had to transfer to Manila because of his failing health. It was later decided that he return to the Netherlands for further treatment. Fr. Cor was diagnosed with cancer and spent the remainder of his life with his family in Oploo. His body is buried in Boxmeer.
With gratitude, let us remember Fr. Cor in our prayers today. (Ritche T. Salgado, O.Carm.)
Photos courtesy of Fr. Gilbert Sabado, O.Carm. and Fr. Sirenio Jaranilla, O.Carm.