Velp, Reek, Haren

In the northeast of Brabant, along the Meuse, lay the Land of Ravenstein, a region with a remarkably rich religious history. Even before the Reformation, small monastic communities of beguines and Franciscans emerged here, living by prayer, education and care.

During the sixteenth century, as the Reformation spread across the Low Countries, the religious landscape changed dramatically. In many places, churches were stripped of their images and monasteries were forced to close. But the Land of Ravenstein remained under the rule of Catholic princes from the German Palatinate of Neuburg. As a result, the Catholic faith was still permitted here and monasteries could remain or re-establish themselves.

While faith was under pressure elsewhere, this region became a refuge for religious communities. In the nineteenth century, monastic life here entered a new period of growth.

The monasteries in the Land of Ravenstein were home to a variety of orders and congregations, each with its own way of life and faith.
The Capuchins emphasised simplicity and service; they lived modestly and close to the people.
The Redemptoristines chose a contemplative life of silence and prayer, focused on inner redemption.
The Jesuits were an order of education and reflection; they combined study with pastoral and missionary work and founded their novitiate Mariëndaal in Velp.
The Franciscan and Augustinian sisters followed a rule based on simplicity, work and dedication to the community, rooted in the Devotio Moderna, which focused on personal faith and study.
Despite their differences, their goal was the same: a life in service of God and of the people around them.

From the 1960s onwards, monastic life changed rapidly. Few new vocations arose, and many of the religious’ roles were taken over by laypeople. Many monasteries found new purposes as schools, care facilities or residential buildings. While the monasteries mostly disappeared from daily life, their buildings and stories remain part of the identity of this region.

This Premium Cycling Route was created by our editor: Désirée van Uffelen