Our Lady Abbey, Oosterhout

Geschichte

The Benedictine nuns arrived first in 1901, with a contingent of monks a few years later, both on the run from the restrictive religious climate in France. When conditions improved, many of the French nuns returned to France. Those that stayed, however, and the generations of Dutch nuns ever since, have laid the groundwork for the large and vital community of nuns found in Oosterhout.

Essen & Getränke

In the refectory, you eat at a long table with fellow guests, apart from the nuns.

Grundstücke und Gärten

The neo-gothic church, guesthouse, and refectory were built in the 1970s, with a design and style inspired by the famous monk-architect, Hans van der Laan. 

Andere Einrichtungen

Guests are invited to participate in the daily rhythms of the abbey, including the six prayer services held daily. The nuns’ choir singing is a highlight of these services, and of special note, is the Eucharist service sung in Gregorian. The daily liturgy at Oosterhout is of particular importance to the nuns. A nun explained to me that "the order of the day creates a supportive structure that brings order to your life, and that brings you closer to yourself." In addition, several times a year, a program on the history and background of the liturgy is offered.