On July 16, 2021: Brother Roland Scheid, SVD, Rector of St. Michael Mission House, informs Father Superior General Paulus Budi Kleden about the situation of the rising Maas River and the situation of the three communities: The Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS), The Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration (SSpSAp) and the Divine Word Missionaries SVD). According to the rector, the water level of the Maas River is rising and is expected to reach the highest level this midnight. However, it has not caused damage, human and material losses so far.
July 17, 2021.
The water level has reached its highest point at 3:00 AM. The water level is expected to be higher than it was in 1995. If necessary, confreres and SSpSAP Sisters will be asked to relocate to the SSpS convent. For the time being, everyone is safe and there is no immediate threat to the Mission House. The new wall protects the house from rising waters. The lower areas of the Mission House, including the church, are protected until now. But with the latest water level forecasts, it remains to be seen. The Adoration Sisters, too, are safe and their convent has so far not been affected by the rising waters.
To appreciate the current situation of the Maas River there is a drone shot that you can see at this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5X5B_gScG0&t=18s
Please include in your prayers the members of the Arnoldus family and the people living in the affected areas.
Communications Department-SVD Generalate/Rome