RIP: 21/12/2022 - Genk
Fr. André Keppens was born on 6 March 1948 at Kaulille, near to Hamont into a numerous farming family. After having finished primary school in his hometown, he went to the boarding school of the Salvatorians in Hamont. Feeling the call in his heart to become a Salvatorian, he went for novitiate to Passau, in Germany, and professed his first vows in the Society one year later, in Heverlee (BE) on 8 September 1968. Having finished his Philosophy and Theology studies at CKS in Louvain and two years of regency in Congo, he was ordained a priest on 11 April 1976. He immediately got assignments with young people, mainly as a facilitator of youth reflection days, but also as a religion teacher. He accompanied many young people through the process of their vocational discernment. The world of agriculture was Fr. André’s world. Not surprisingly, he would make a pastoral commitment to young farmers. First, he became provincial provost of the KLJ, the Green Circle and the Rural Riders. Later, he would also become their national provost. From 1995 Fr. André was involved in pilgrimage activities in Scherpenheuvel. Together with confreres and many volunteers, he knew how to warmly welcome the many pilgrims so that they immediately felt at home. Fr. André was also many years parish administrator in Schoonderbuken, near to Scherpenheuvel. The last period of his life, Fr. André spent in a rest and care centre “De bonenput” in Bree. Shortly before his final passing, he suffered a cerebral haemorrhage and was admitted to St. John’s Hospital in Genk. There he died on 21 December 2022. He was 74 years old and had been a Salvatorian for 54 years.
