[1] Arthur Luysterman was born in Meerbeke, a village in the intensively developed countryside between Ghent and Brussels.

However, over the years the number of candidates coming forward for training reduced, and in the end the institution was closed.

After this, on 1 February 1973 he became chief chaplain to the Belgian armed forces,[2] a post he retained till 13 July 1990.

[3] On 13 July 1990 (a Friday[2]) Pope John Paul II appointed Luysterman coadjutor bishop of Ghent.

[4] During his time the number of seminarians declined and the episcopal seminary was closed, but he insisted that the quality of candidates for ordination was more important than their quantity.