When Sera got to the Netherlands from Indonesia, a colleague once judgmentally asked her why she was religious. What could religion possibly add to one’s life?
Sera always has been a practicing catholic, but she admits she can be tested in her faith. “I strongly believe that God has a bigger plan for me. However, during hard times in my life, it’s hard to keep trusting that believe.”
In times like that, she turns to both people who are religious and to those who aren’t. “That reminds me again that God has a bigger plan for me and gives me a balance between what I feel and what I think,” she says.
“Eventually I always trust Gods plan. He’s proven to me to always take care of me. In the meantime, I remind myself that as humans, we should not strive to control everything in life. And you’ll be fine when you’re surrounded by good-hearted people.”
The English community of Parochie Maria is like that for Sera. “Everyone is welcoming as part of their character. I’ve been to communities where the welcome felt superficial, ingenuine even. This community is truly non-judgmental and welcoming, no matter how you personally experience your religion.”
Feel free to join us for English mass, every Saturday at 17.15 h. St. Catharine's church is located at Kruisbroedershof 4 5211 GX 's-Hertogenbosch.