October 2, 2025

The Merciful Father Petrus Donders Pilgrimage to Batavia – St. Michael’s Day, 29 September 2025 “On St. Michael’s Day, 29 September 2025, representatives of the Pro-Humanity Foundation joined a pilgrimage to Batavia, the historic leprosy pilgrimage site in Suriname where Father Petrus Donders gave his life for the least among us. Here, amid wounds he cared for persons affected by leprosy and placed human dignity at the center. Beatified in 1982, Father Donders remains today an icon of care, justice, and charity. This is the story of mercy that transcends time and borders. Among the pilgrims were devout faithful from the Caribbean and Guyana, on an official visit to the Diocese of Paramaribo. They joined together in prayer and in service to those at the margins. Father Petrus Norbertus Donders, a Redemptorist, worked for decades among the sick and the marginalized. He gave himself completely, not from a distance, but in closeness. He cared for the sick, including those with contagious illnesses, brought comfort to the soul, and safeguarded the unwavering dignity of every person. Father Donders died in 1887. In 1982 he was beatified; the process toward canonization continues. His life remains an invitation to us all: choose mercy, justice, and service. Welcome to Batavia. Welcome to the footsteps of Father Petrus Donders.” Surinamese Pilgrims Esteban Kross Gerard Lo Tam Loi Roy van Ommeren Jim Karijodrono Dimitri Wijngaarde Toetie Tjon Sen Nandoe Henk Doelwijt Pilgrims from Abroad Lucy Gabriel (Grenada) Saskia Woody (Barbados) Deborah De Rosia (Trinidad & Tobago) Ronald Kiban (Curaçao) Johance Gibson (St. Vincent & the Grenadines) Laurent Vestris (Martinique) Andy Sukhai (Guyana) Wojciech Szpylma (Jamaica) Nathan Arokiadas Arumai (Jamaica) https://youtu.be/XzJcfWVhCDQ