19-01-07

Herkenrode Abbey

Christian Recollection Centre

Kuringen – Hasselt

Belgium

Letter from the Herkenrode Community

Dear friends,

For the last 32 years, the Sisters of the Holy –Sepulchre have totally dedicated themselves to our Meditation Centre in the Herkenrode Abbey - Herkenrodeabdij nr.1 Kuringen 3511 Hasselt. Many came here to enjoy some days of rest and quiet in nature, to meditate in a rich background, to attend some training or to pray with our community. Our secretary’s office is open every working day from 10 to 12 a.m and from 2 to 4 p.m. You can reach it through our phone/answering machine at number 011/ 22 12 33 - fax 011/ 21 31 13 or at

herkenrode.abdij.bezinningscentrum@skynet.be

http://herkenrode-abdij-bezinningscentrum.skynetblogs.be

For many years already, we have been organizing retreats and recollections. The bishopric and other Christian movements do it as well. You can ask for these programs.

All those who come for individual recollection or retreat are welcome as well as institutions, congregations and associations wanting to organize meditation meetings or trainings in our home; our abbey provides numerous and excellent possibilities for the organisation of a successful retreat, recollection or training.

Sister Patricia, prioress, the Community of the Canoness Sisters of the Holy Sepulchre of Herkenrode, the staff, voluntary helpers and Ivonne Jansen – co-ordinator.

The days at the Abbey

For the last past years, we have received more and more requests from groups wishing to spend one or more days at the Herkenrode abbey in order to share, as much as possible the community life of the Sisters of the Holy Sepulchre.

This program can be sent to institutions, associations and groups. Reservations in advance are important. The fee can vary according to what is requested. Please contact us.

What can such program look like?

Example of a day at the Abbey: account and talk with a sister – noon meal- noon prayer – visit of the cloister – coffee.

Mid- week at the Abbey: arriving for the evening meal – end of the day – stay in nice rooms – breakfast – account and talk with a sister –noon meal –noon prayer –visit of the cloister and the museum – walk in the park - coffee – vespers.

Introduction

Contact:

Ivonne Jansen, Coordinator

Sister Patricia Froyen, Prioress

Monastery of the Holy Sepulchre

Next to the meditation centre is the convent house, home of the Canoness Sisters of the Holy Sepulchre; the contiguous building is the nice church containing the “Empty Tomb”

“The church of the Empty Tomb” where the sisters meet daily for prayer is the very heart of the cloister and of the meditation centre.

Prayer and searching for God are the very centre of their lives. Caring for one another, helping one another and encouraging one another is the fruit of their mutual allegiance.

This is the reason for their wish to share the joy of friendship and hope of eternal life with all those they meet and of listening compassionately to every distressed heart.

Accommodation:

Individually or in groups (also for institutions, associations, schools and students)

Availabilities:

33 single rooms – 8 double rooms

1 meeting room for 60 persons – 3 for 20 persons – 3 for 10 persons – 3 for young people.

blauwe zaal blog Herkenrode-grijze zaal blog2

1 dining-room for 60 persons – prayer chapel – 1 chapel in the crypt – 1 conventual church for 120 people.

Facilities:

Our own staff and modern kitchen fulfil all conditions.Delicious and healthy meals are served daily to our guests; diets can be considered on request and under some conditions (please check!)

Activities:

Meditation, meetings, gatherings, lectures, workshops, parties, training sessions.

Guided visits and testimonies on request.

Sharing the Community’s prayer.

Accessibility:

A lift is available and part of the centre is accessible to people in wheel-chairs

Fee:

Special fees can be applied to young or underprivileged people

Our conditions are available to institutions or groups wanting to organize a recollection or a workshop.

The Convent House as well as the centre stand in the heart of a 105 ha domain and are surrounded by a” landscaped English park” A permanent exhibition about the history of Herkenrode can be seen on request in the basement of the Convent House.

How to reach the place

E 313: Antwerp -Liège - exit n. 27, Hasselt -West

N2 direction Herk- de- Stad.

Just before the Kuringen crossing, follow the signs to the right - Heusden – Zolder;

After 500m., near the bend, to the right

Public means of conveyance

NMBS Hasselt Station –every 20 minutes on weekdays – less on weekends and holidays

Bus line H1 and L 23 from the station

Herkenrode Abbey

Christian Recollection Centre

Since 1974

Sisters Canoness of the Holy Sepulchre