Berne Abbey - Heeswijk-Dinther

Berne Abbey is not located in Berne itself, but owes its name to the original monastic community that was founded in 1134 in the hamlet of Bern on the Meuse. The Norbertines cultivated the land, settled in villages such as Berlicum and Heeswijk, and provided pastoral care in the wider area. During the Reformation, the abbey on the Meuse was destroyed and the monks had to go into hiding in their parishes, causing the community to disperse. Around 1857, monastic life was restored in the old castle in Heeswijk, a building that was probably once a hunting lodge of the Duke of Brabant.

After this restart, the Abbey of Berne grew considerably. Between 1880 and 1925, four Norbertines devoted themselves to social issues: Gerlacus van den Elsen, Josephus Nouwens, Julius van Beurden and Pius van Aken. Gerlacus van den Elsen, known as the “Apostle of the Farmers”, was particularly committed to helping farmers in need. Thanks to his work, the North Brabant Christian Farmers' Union, now known as ZLTO, was established. He also founded the Boerenleenbank, which later became part of Rabobank. A plaque with his image can be found on the chapel wall. Although the monastic community is now smaller, the abbey remains open to everyone and organises programmes on faith, spirituality, liturgy and society.

The old monastery soon proved to be too small. In 1859, a new building was completed, which is still part of the abbey complex. In 1879, construction began on a new abbey church, and around 1900, the gymnasium was built.

Unlike many other monastic communities, the Norbertines reach out to the outside world and maintain contact with it. Their motto is Berna ut lucerna, which means “May Berne spread the light”. This is reflected in the open character of the abbey complex, which has no high walls but a wide driveway with a gate without doors. They call this attitude to life Vita Mixta.

The Norbertines are also active in the community, for example by selling their own abbey beers. In the Proeflokaal, you can enjoy Norbertijn Blond, Prior Dubbel and Abt Tripel, as well as coffee, tea and soft drinks. Delicious snacks such as apple pie, toasted sandwiches, cheese cubes, sausage and olives are also served. The Proeflokaal is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and has a spacious terrace. On Mondays, the Proeflokaal is only open by appointment for guided tours. A beer tour also starts here.

If you walk to the right of the abbey buildings, you will enter the monastery garden, where you can take a lovely walk and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Photo: ©Brabant Partners