Hendrik Laenen Obituary

LAENEN
Rev. Hendrik Laenen, O.M.I., born in Nijlen, Belgium on June 7, 1926, died at Oblate Madonna Residence in San Antonio, Texas on October 5, 2013, at the age of 87 years. Fr. Laenen entered Novitiate on September 8, 1946, in Corbeek-Loo, Leuven, Belgium and professed vows as a member of the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate on September 8, 1947. Fr. Laenen completed his studies in philosophy and theology at the Oblate Scholasticates in Gijzegem, Belgium and San Antonio, Texas. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 8, 1952, in San Antonio, by Bishop Gérard Mongeau, O.M.I. His first assignment was as Assistant Pastor in Kingsville, Texas. He also served as Assistant Pastor at San Alfonso Parish in San Antonio, Texas; in Tehuantepec, Oaxaco, Mexico; and at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Laredo, Texas. Fr. Laenen served as Pastor at Our Lady of Refuge in Roma, Texas; Sacred Heart Parish in Menard, Texas; Holy Family Parish in Grulla, Texas; Our Lady of Refuge in Eagle Pass, Texas; St. Joseph Parish in Eagle Pass, Texas; San Juan de los Lagos Parish in San Antonio, Texas; St. Theresa Parish in San Benito, Texas; St. Benedict Parish in San Benito, Texas; Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Sweetwater, Texas; and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Ozona, Texas. In 2003, Fr. Laenen semi-retired and ministered at St. John the Baptist Parish in Alvin, Texas. In 2012 - the 60th anniversary of his priestly ordination - Fr. Laenen retired and moved to Oblate Madonna Residence in San Antonio, Texas. In addition to his Oblate family, Fr. Laenen is survived by his sister, Lily, of Belgium. Fr. Laenen will be remembered with respect and esteem by his Oblate brothers and all the people who knew him. Funeral services will be held at Oblate Madonna Residence Chapel at 5722 Blanco Road, San Antonio, Texas, 78216. A Vigil will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2013 at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at the Oblate Cemetery. Arrangements by:

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Published by San Antonio Express-News on Oct. 8, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Hendrik Laenen

6 Entries

Lupita Hinojosa

October 2, 2025

Dear Father Hendrik! On your anniversary I am saying a little prayer for you on behalf of my mother and father. Mom is 87 years old and her Alzheimer's disease is progressing. Dad is now 89 years old and today he should be getting his dentures after almost of year of going "toothless". :) My brother who is 63 is suffering of Lewy Body Dementia and has deteriorated drastically since June. He is currently in the hospital with other complications. And as you know, we lost Tia Pola in May 2023, Tia Cleme in January 2024, and Jose in September 2024. Please continue to pray and advocate for my family and me as we are definitely going through some trials.
Also, I want you to know, well you probably are listening in all the time, I continue to tell the story of when you came to stay with us during the Hurricane and how you said having a TV in every room was a sin! ;)
As I close my eyes, I can see you at church, in my house, at the retirement center, and in my heart. I love you and miss you . . .

Lupita Hinojosa

October 10, 2020

Thinking of you on your anniversary . . . . you are always in my heart and memories. Please continue to advocate for us . . .

Lupita Hinojosa

October 27, 2013

Father Henry, please know that you are our special friend and spiritual leader who brought guidance, peace, and love to the many communities that you served. My family will always be indebted to you for your continual spiritual guidance. You taught us so much. . . You will always live in our hearts and prayers. I am praying Santa Maria and singing the last song you sung to us in August:
Una lagrima por tu amor, una lagrina llorare. We miss you!

Jose Hernandez

October 22, 2013

Father Henry, my short acquaintance of you is worth a life time. You are truly a great person even though you may not be on this earth anymore, you are very much alive in our home where you spent a great time with us. I hope you are singing your corridos where you landed this month.

Cindy Cantu

October 8, 2013

Father Laenen,
We will miss you at daily mass at the Madonna residence. You are in our prayers. Rejoice in Heaven with Jesus and Our Lady!

Deborah Anderson

October 8, 2013

Rest in Peace Father-you are now seeing the Kingdom of God as we are promised.

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