It was very early on for Martijn Derks from Vlijmen: helping in the church. As a little boy he was an altar boy. During his medical studies he got a taste of spiritual life in Rome and from this Saturday he can officially call himself a priest. Then Bishop Gerard de Korte ordains the inspired 33-year-old deacon in St. John’s Cathedral in Den Bosch as a priest. “God loves people dearly and I want to convey his eternal love.”
At a young age, Martijn was already attracted to the church. Nevertheless, he initially chose to study medicine at Radboud University in Nijmegen. It was not for nothing that he took a gap year after the third year of study to investigate, especially in Rome, what role God plays for him in his life. And vice versa.
“I came back with a desire to do more with my faith, but had no idea about the priesthood yet. I still thought about becoming a general practitioner. It was only during the last two years of my medical studies that that question slowly started to arise.”
“Transferring the love of God for eternity.”
According to him, these were far from wasted years in Nijmegen: “I think both courses complement each other well. You learn to look at people and interact with people in different ways. Medically, scientifically, physically, but also spiritually. I am very happy that I was able to complete both studies. They shaped me as a person. I enjoy talking to others, especially in my new phase of life, where I try to transfer the love for eternity that God feels to others.”
Derks realizes that he is an exception, that priests are scarce in Brabant and that the two dioceses are forced to look for supplements in Asia and Africa. On average, two men are ordained as priests in our province each year. Derks thinks it is a shame that so few people feel called to this profession. “There is a skewed image as if there is no life besides being a priest. I also have time for friends, to have something to eat or to do sports.”
“Life does not end with death.”
Derks realizes that tough tasks also await him. Visiting critically ill, unhappy or dead parishioners. Or conduct a funeral. He goes in with an open mind. “Life does not end with death. I am convinced that I can convey that hope can also be drawn from these situations. But I will also experience a lot of happy things.”
Over the past week, Derks has withdrawn to prepare in peace. He went into retreat in a monastery. “I have let go of all the fixed things to fully open myself to what is to come.”
“I’m sure I’ll be well rested.”
Derks wants to consciously experience every minute of the festive gathering in the monumental church this Saturday. His parents, brother, sister and sister-in-law will witness the ordination. The next morning he will preside as a priest for the first time in a church of parish De Goede Herder in Tilburg. Derks has been living and working here for a year and a half.
For Monday, according to tradition, a visit is planned to the seminar in Den Bosch, where he received his training. It is then up to Derks to give his new life color and right to exist. He is very interested in it.
