The Diocese of Ghent is preparing to welcome a new priest this Sunday, June 29, 2025. At 3 p.m., Bishop Lode Van Hecke will ordain Hylco Meirlaen in the iconic Saint Bavo Cathedral, marking an important moment for the local Catholic community. This event follows Meirlaen’s diaconal ordination on October 27 last year.
- Bisdom Gent ontvangt nieuwe priester zondag
- Hylco Meirlaen volgt handels- en marketingopleiding
- Priesterroeping versterkt na Medjugorje-bezoek
- Volgt opleiding aan Johannes XXIII-seminarie Leuven
- Doet stages in zorg en parochies
- Verbindt zich aan dekenaat Zottegem pastorale team
Hylco Meirlaen, 28, hails from Ninove-Okegem and has an educational background in business and marketing. His calling to the priesthood grew stronger after attending the Youth Days at the famous pilgrimage site of Medjugorje in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Since then, he has trained at the Johannes XXIII Seminary in Leuven and completed various pastoral internships across East Flanders.
With the ordination scheduled for 2025-06-28 11:05:00, many are wondering what impact this new priest will have on the diocese. Let’s explore what this means for the Ghent community and beyond.
What does this ordination signify for the Diocese of Ghent? Could it inspire more young Belgians to consider religious vocations? Meirlaen’s journey highlights several key points:
- His background combines secular education with deep spiritual formation, reflecting modern clergy development.
- His pastoral experience in care homes and parishes shows a commitment to community service.
- Connections with local clergy and the dekenaat Zottegem suggest ongoing support and integration in regional ministry.
Looking ahead, Hylco Meirlaen’s ordination could energize the diocese’s pastoral efforts and encourage youth involvement. Will his example attract others to follow this path? The coming months will reveal how this new priest shapes the spiritual landscape in Ghent and beyond.
