A documentary maker has followed Michael John Devanesan, the Indian priest who has been working as a vicar in several parishes in Limburg since 2023, for a year. The film is the graduation project of Dutch student Stan Bakker, a student at the Luca School of Arts. He noticed how difficult it was to integrate in Flanders and wondered what it must be like for the priest facing the same challenge.
Religion & Philosophy
Dutch filmmaker showcases Indian priest’s challenge to integrate in Flanders
Colin Clapson
Published:
For Bakker, the story was inspired by his own experience. “A Dutchman, I came to Belgium to study, but I already noticed that it took quite an effort to integrate. I hadn't expected the language, culture, and way of interacting to be so different. That feeling lingered for four years.”
When the Dutch student started his graduation project, the feeling resurfaced in an unexpected context. “I was researching a documentary about the church and discovered that the diocese of Hasselt brings missionaries from other parts of the world to lead parishes here. That's how I came across the story of Michael, who came from India. In his case the culture clash must have been so much greater than in my case.”
The busy life of a parish priest
Vicar Devanesan was not immediately convinced when he was asked to take part in the documentary. “I had to think about it for a while, because I had only recently become a priest here,” he says.
In the end, he agreed. “I found it very difficult at first, but then it went smoothly. Stan and I talked about my mission and my life an awful lot. He was also very friendly.”
Bakker also accompanied the priest on visits to museums, where he learned about Flemish culture and during daily tasks including cooking and washing. He also took several language lessons together with Devanesan.
“Language proficiency is the most important step. As a priest, he visits people at home to get to know them. I was also present during these visits, as well as during Eucharistic celebrations. I was surprised at how busy a priest's life is, especially now that there are fewer and fewer volunteers. His profession dominates his life. His family is still in India.”
“The language is very difficult, but I'm doing my best,” says Devanesan. “I already have a lot of friends, who give me the energy to keep working and with whom I can also practise Dutch.”