Titus Brandsma spent his childhood on the family farm in Ugoklooster. The relationships in the family were exceedingly pleasant, so all the siblings kept in regular contact. In his native Ugoklooster, only one sister was married; the others chose a religious life. They were born in the following order: Baukje (*1873, later Sr. Maria), Apollonia (*1874, later Sr. Maria Barbara), Gatsche (*1878, married in 1901 to Michiel Boer), Siebrigje (*1880, later Sr. Willibrorda), Anno (*1881, later Fr. Titus) and Hendrik (*1882, later Fr. Henricus).
The telephone was definitely not a common part of life at that time; Titus's sister and brother-in-law could use it only from 1940, and even considering the cost of calls, they rarely called. Therefore, Titus often wrote letters, sometimes daily or at least once a week. Many letters are lost, but enough have survived for us to capture the atmosphere of everyday life. After the death of their parents (father passed away in 1920, mother in 1933), most letters were addressed to the married sister Gatsche and her family, occasionally to his younger brother Hendrik.
Here we present the full text of one of the first surviving letters. Titus is twenty-five, has completed nine months of priestly life, and is finishing his theology studies at the monastery in Oss.
[Oss, March 1906]
Maria!
Dear Michiel and Gatsche,
You are amazed by my letterhead, aren't you? Isn't it wonderful? I'm no expert, but I have it and I'll put it to use right away! A few days ago, I borrowed it from my esteemed neighbor; it was his, but he didn't use it anyway.
Enough with the jokes. I wanted to thank you for the birthday wishes. Yes, already for my twenty-fifth! Little children grow up. Tell Honzik (1) if he longs to be bigger than he is. Gatsche, remember how we rolled on the rug by the bed twenty years ago, rummaging around and playing everywhere?
I'm really getting older. I'm starting to act a bit "more dignified," but I haven't lost my zest for life. You should do the same. Although life is not – as it is for Honzik – a carefree, joyful time for play, I still believe you can lead a joyful life of faith in Ugoklooster, especially now that our dear Lord is blessing you so much! (2) I remember you every day in my prayers, right after my dad and mom, and I wish for your joy to be lasting and that you have everything you need – materially and spiritually – to achieve it.
I am doing well in every respect. Sure, my pancakes aren't always with butter and sugar, but they're tasty enough. (3) Have you noticed that when it comes to the taste of food, it greatly depends on the diner? A sick person enjoys nothing, but a person who can appreciate food savors everything. Therefore, take care of the things of this world so that you have a receptive heart. Well, look at that! I'm giving you a sermon now!
Thank Anna for the money and tell her that I will offer her intention next Sunday at half past seven and that I remember her at every Holy Mass.
I must conclude now. But I think that on March 13th, you'll be glad I reached out. (4) I send my warmest greetings to you both, and to Honzik, my little farmer with the broom, I send a cat's scratch, not a pat.
In Christ, your devoted brother
P. Titus
I almost forgot, I didn't receive that 'Beauty of Holland' calendar I asked for in January. Perhaps it couldn't be sent? Don't worry about it anymore. Does Honzik also play the piano? I hope all is well with you!! Titus
(1) Honzik, the firstborn son of his sister, is now two and a half years old.
(2) Titus is likely referring to his sister's pregnancy; niece Teresia will be born in May.
(3) Dutch proverb
(4) On March 13th, Gatsche celebrates her birthday; Titus will indeed write her another letter on March 11th.
(Processed according to volume 2 of the collected works of Titus: Titus Brandsma, Letters to the family, 2021)
