Fr. Jan Mulder, O.Carm.
September 26, 1940 – May 27, 1992
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
Jan Mulder was born in Nijverdal on September 26, 1940, son of baker Mulder.
He was gifted with intelligence and a fabulous memory and so he completed his education as a priest rather easily, first in Zenderen and Dordrecht and later in Rome.
He was ordained on July 9, 1966, after which he pursued Biblical studies at the Catholic University of Nijmegen and at the French School of Biblical and Archeological Research in Jerusalem. He completed this study with a thesis on Psalm 45, verse 7a.
Jan left for the Philippines in January 1972. He was a sought after lecturer in various institution in and around Manila
He knew how to transfer his love for the Scriptures to others in vivid terms. He especially affirmed his fellow friars in their commitment to justice and liberation as an action brought about by a deep understanding of scriptures. This is also his expression on making the scriptures alive, by spending time and devoting himself with the underprivileged, the oppressed and the people in the slums.
In 1977, however, Jan’s life took a different turn. A tumor was found in his brain. He was treated for the tumor but the treatment would gradually break his body and limit his capabilities. But his great desire to live and his indestructible optimism got him through this difficult period.
Jan was again able to go back to his beloved Philippines. He resumed his work as a teacher, but after some years it turned out that the tumor was still active. After various medical treatments, Jan finally returned to the Netherlands in 1989. He needed to be looked after and became confined to a wheelchair and in the end lost his speech.
Jan died in the nursing house of St. Elizabeth in Delden, The Netherlands, on May 27, 1992.
Let us remember Fr. Jan in our prayers.
Article (with minor edits) and picture taken from Jan Mulder Memorial Fund.
