After serving for 53 years with the church fabric of Popuelles, René Dubart, who celebrated his 90th birthday in early October, was honored at a reception organized in his name. He had joined the organization in 1973, at the invitation of the priest of Velaines, who also served Popuelles.
René Dubart became treasurer three years after joining. He witnessed the evolution of the church fabric's role, moving from a management style where the priest handled everything to a deeper involvement in accounts and budgets, following the grouping of villages into parishes.
Originally from Velaines, René Dubart was a farmer in Popuelles for many years, on the farm now managed by his children. Deeply attached to his church, he regularly attended mass, which now takes place once a month in the village of less than 200 inhabitants. He notes a decline in the number of faithful but believes that between 20 and 30 people attending on Sunday mornings is still a good figure for such a small village.
The handover of responsibilities is explained by his difficulty in adapting to digital technology, as he uses neither a PC nor a mobile phone, and by his declining eyesight. He preferred to step down in favor of someone better equipped to handle the IT aspects, acknowledging that it was time to pass the torch after more than 50 years of commitment.
In recognition of his services, René Dubart received the silver medal of diocesan merit from the Bishopric in September. He now aims for his centenary, while continuing to attend mass as much as possible.
