I loved my stay while in Belgique, or Belgium. Probably because it was also one of the more harder parts of my trip and where I felt completely out of my element, but it made everything that followed worth it.My first stop when in Bruxelles was to my hostel. I was a little worried because I hadn’t stayed in a hostel since first year of college. Overall, I was really impressed and I liked my hostel, CQGO4, as it was in the middle of the city center. What I found was that the hostel was fairly inexpensive and the locale for a LOT of young professionals; I had no idea. My room was mixed and I was nervous about this for obvious reasons, but it was the only room available with the price that matched my budget. Turns out my room of 6 had a Ph.D. student, two aspiring Ph.D. students, two non-profit professionals, and one Bollywood actor – they all had really cool personalities.
After checking in, I went to my meeting with my Bruxelles contact, Père De Clerck. He was the former director of l’Institut Supérieur de Liturgie (Higher Institute for Liturgy) at l’Institut Catholique de Paris (Catholic Institute of Paris), the former director of La Maison-Dieu, a professor and expert on various areas of the liturgy, and now the pastor of a parish in Bruxelles. After Mass, we had lunch with a family. I was so happy for this experience as I had not eaten with a family for about two months and missed being in this setting. It was a lovely, thoughtfully made lunch with Belgian cuisine and good conversation. Throughout the lunch, P. De Clerck provided some great resources, recommendations, and ideas for the rest of my journey, along with a hilarious sense of humor.
Afterwards, it was off to one parish and en route he talked a lot about parish life and active participation. Then, we went to a Romanian cultural center and church. He discussed the liturgical art found within the church, which was originally Roman Catholic but now serves as both a cultural center and Eastern Catholic place of worship. I enjoyed the afternoon listening and learning from these very simple, yet important little lessons on the liturgy.
It was awesome to listen to someone who truly loves the liturgy and has dedicated so much of his life to educating others on it. At one point, we ran into the organist of the parish, and I said, “I loved the music. It was so good!” And with a smile he said, “Praise God, not the music.” So I told him later he had inspired something in regards to our future pâtisseries, “Praise God, not the pâtisseries!” And he laughed.
Anyway, little lessons that I learned in the afternoon, which made me excited to continue my study of the liturgy and sacraments and also confirmed my decision to pursue my Ph.D.The next abbey visit was to Mont-César/ Abdij Keizersberg in Leuven, Belgium. There were only a few monks, but they actually stopped their prayer so one of them could come up to me and give me the prayers that were being said, so I could follow along. Despite that it was in Flemish, I greatly appreciated this and was able to decipher a little here and there, and it was good to pray with them. They also waited for me to finish taking my pictures before closing the church.
Belgium is uncontested when it comes to chocolates ...
The next abbey visit was to Chevetogne. I had the most difficulty trying to go here and almost canceled this part of my trip. Right before leaving, something happened to my right eye and because of its swelling, my left eye became affected as well. I was not able to see because they were so irritated that any light was too painful. So, most of the day was spent in dimly lit rooms, as it was too painful to go outside. Then, I had a lot of bumps in the road trying to get to Chevetogne, which had me do an overnight in Namur.
The next abbey visit was to Chevetogne. I had the most difficulty trying to go here and almost canceled this part of my trip. Right before leaving, something happened to my right eye and because of its swelling, my left eye became affected as well. I was not able to see because they were so irritated that any light was too painful. So, most of the day was spent in dimly lit rooms, as it was too painful to go outside. Then, I had a lot of bumps in the road trying to get to Chevetogne, which had me do an overnight in Namur. Truly, it felt like a pilgrimage as it was not an easy trek. For the next time, I will rent a car, but I want to return as it was unlike any place I’ve ever visited.
Chevetogne was probably one of the best parts of this journey. It is unlike any place I’ve ever visited. I left energized, joyful, and hopeful about the project and inspired with how those within the church have been radical with the faith and steadfast when it was difficult and not popular. I left Chevetogne surprised at how much of an impact it had had on me.
Neighbors ...
I was warmly received by one of the Benedictine monks who met me as I was wandering the grounds trying to find where check-in was. He showed me the grounds and then we took my things to the retreat house, Bethanie.
Le monastère avec l'église orientale et l'église latin
Founder: Dom Lambert Beauduin
Le Monastère du Chevetogne was founded by Dom Lambert Beauduin, o.s.b., a Benedictine monk and major contributor within the Liturgical Movement, who was responsible for founding yet another monastery. Chevetogne was the vision and hope to unite the different Catholics loyal to the papacy into community. The monastery today has on one end, a church with the Byzantine rite; and at the other end of the monastery, a church with the Latin or Roman rite. Both the East and West liturgies take place at the same hours; they live with each other; share meals; and when possible, pray together. It was AMAZING and cool. The laity are on retreat and are welcome to participate in the Liturgy of the Hours, there is a Latin Mass, and for dinner, we join in the same building the community but are in a separate room.
Bookstore
L'église orientale
The first liturgy I participated at was within the Byzantine rite for vespers. The chanting was so beautiful; it was such a blessing to experience such praise. The rest of my stay I alternated between the Byzantine rite and Roman rite. I walked the grounds, prayed, wrote, and read. I visited their bookstore, drooled at their extensive library (next time!) collection from a window, paid my respects and props to Dom Beauduin (he is buried on the grounds), and drank lots of espressos.
The Benedictine who had welcomed me also took interest in the project as I described it, so he recommended me connecting with one of their monks … who happened to originally be from Chicago!!! Again, go Chicago!
It was very last minute, but God is good and I was able to meet with an awesome Benedictine from the Chevetogne community, Père Thaddée Barnas, o.s.b. I’ve never met anyone who’s been so involved in ecumenical ministry to the extent as him. As he talked about the work he’s been involved in … in my mind, I was just praising God to be in the presence of someone who was so committed and on fire to unite Christians and dedicated to promoting ecumenism. I realized that he was a reflection of the larger community, and it only made me love the Benedictines from Chevetogne even more. He recommended many contacts across Europe, which I am thankful for and something I know that will greatly help the project’s apostolate.
I also had a very unusual afternoon … I think it was providential. I thought I was on retreat, and I was; but when God presents different opportunities you just have to seize them. One of the most important meetings I had was with a counselor from Flanders. She was also on retreat, and God was good to have us cross paths. As a counselor, she has worked a lot with victims of domestic/sexual abuse and those who commit abuse. We spent the entire afternoon talking, and we clearly made a woman-to-woman connection, as working with victims/survivors is something very important to us. She shared with me her work, her family, her children, her views, and I reciprocated about the project, my family, views, etc. She gave me also a very important contact of ministry being provided in a monastery in Flanders to help support victims of abuse. I look forward to following up with this contact and maintaining our friendship. We didn’t agree on some things, but we also found a lot of common ground, and our conversation helped me to think and implement further on the project. Thank you, Rita!
I cannot read Flemish, so I have not been able to follow the Belgian news. But during my stay, I was concerned as I kept seeing newspapers with clergy and headlines that seemed as if it was trying to make a statement. Apparently, news recently broke only a couple months ago regarding a Bishop who was removed from his position because of sexual abuse of a minor some 30-years ago. The conversations that I had with folks revealed their frustration, anger, sadness, want for something to be done/answers/some form of justice – all emotions to be expected.
It’s interesting … there’s a lot of interest in looking to the US for how the US Catholic Church has handled sexual abuse, as the US Catholic Church experienced what Europe is now experienced some 8 years ago. My visit to several countries in Europe has helped me to see the opportunity for collaboration, serving Christ in solidarity, and learning from the apostolates/ministries/work of others … praised be Jesus Christ!
On a funny note, I neglected to mention that before dinner on the first night of arrival … everyone knew that I was from America. The other 18-some retreatants were excited that I was there, and they were so friendly in coming up to me to tell me that. Apparently, most of the retreatants tend to be from Belgique, so they were excited that an American was there. I think this is hilarious because I actually was so excited that I’d be staying with Belgians, whereas they were excited to stay with an American. Everyone was really hospitable and it was a good experience. I was so sad to leave …
My final monastery was to Maredsous.It was very last minute, but God is good and I was able to meet with an awesome Benedictine from the Chevetogne community, Père Thaddée Barnas, o.s.b. I’ve never met anyone who’s been so involved in ecumenical ministry to the extent as him. As he talked about the work he’s been involved in … in my mind, I was just praising God to be in the presence of someone who was so committed and on fire to unite Christians and dedicated to promoting ecumenism. I realized that he was a reflection of the larger community, and it only made me love the Benedictines from Chevetogne even more. He recommended many contacts across Europe, which I am thankful for and something I know that will greatly help the project’s apostolate.
I also had a very unusual afternoon … I think it was providential. I thought I was on retreat, and I was; but when God presents different opportunities you just have to seize them. One of the most important meetings I had was with a counselor from Flanders. She was also on retreat, and God was good to have us cross paths. As a counselor, she has worked a lot with victims of domestic/sexual abuse and those who commit abuse. We spent the entire afternoon talking, and we clearly made a woman-to-woman connection, as working with victims/survivors is something very important to us. She shared with me her work, her family, her children, her views, and I reciprocated about the project, my family, views, etc. She gave me also a very important contact of ministry being provided in a monastery in Flanders to help support victims of abuse. I look forward to following up with this contact and maintaining our friendship. We didn’t agree on some things, but we also found a lot of common ground, and our conversation helped me to think and implement further on the project. Thank you, Rita!
I cannot read Flemish, so I have not been able to follow the Belgian news. But during my stay, I was concerned as I kept seeing newspapers with clergy and headlines that seemed as if it was trying to make a statement. Apparently, news recently broke only a couple months ago regarding a Bishop who was removed from his position because of sexual abuse of a minor some 30-years ago. The conversations that I had with folks revealed their frustration, anger, sadness, want for something to be done/answers/some form of justice – all emotions to be expected.
It’s interesting … there’s a lot of interest in looking to the US for how the US Catholic Church has handled sexual abuse, as the US Catholic Church experienced what Europe is now experienced some 8 years ago. My visit to several countries in Europe has helped me to see the opportunity for collaboration, serving Christ in solidarity, and learning from the apostolates/ministries/work of others … praised be Jesus Christ!
On a funny note, I neglected to mention that before dinner on the first night of arrival … everyone knew that I was from America. The other 18-some retreatants were excited that I was there, and they were so friendly in coming up to me to tell me that. Apparently, most of the retreatants tend to be from Belgique, so they were excited that an American was there. I think this is hilarious because I actually was so excited that I’d be staying with Belgians, whereas they were excited to stay with an American. Everyone was really hospitable and it was a good experience. I was so sad to leave …
I returned to Namur and then took a bus (which I almost missed!) to Maredsous. The website felt more geared towards the tourism aspect, which I would later find out is really ¼ of the monastery. They have also what I think is a grammar school, a professional culinary school primarily for cheese, and are known for their cheese and their amazing beer. Maredsous’ Triple is officially my favorite beer ... yum.
I confess I knew more about Maredsous’ reputation for beer more than their present-day liturgical contributions.I was accepted warmly by the Benedictine community. I asked the père if there were books I could look at since I was not able to at Chevetogne. I think he had a lot to do but he agreed to take me to their massive library with an impressive collection of 450,000 books. I nearly fell over when he said this and could not contain my excitement, so I camped out for a couple hours in the section on the liturgy. It was really cool to find original copies of liturgical works and reviews, to have in my hands writings of people I had read about that had been put out during the time of the liturgical movement, to see the works that had been put out by the monasteries I had visited … it was really memorable. My time in the library and seeing the volume of works produced enabled me to have a glimpse of why it was a movement.
That evening I prayed vespers with the Benedictines in the crypt … who kept looking at me. I wonder if it was because I was American? Anyway, the church was massive and had been modernized. It definitely had presence with its towering marble columns. I was also able to visit Blessed Dom Columba Marmion, o.s.b.’s grave (note: third abbot of Maredsous and prolific writer on spirituality – this is an insufficient description of him) and make intentions.
I walked the grounds, had a tour, was able to pray, and ended up having an extensive conversation with one of the monks who teaches on canon law and African Catholicism in Louvain. He also told me more about the Benedictine review Maredsous puts out on the liturgy – hehe, that would be the room I walked through en route to the library.Also, Maredsous is putting out a series of catechetical discussions over the course of the year. It’s very exciting to see the spirit is alive here. I tried to connect with the main priest who is organizing the discussions, but unfortunately, he was out of town.
My stay in Maredsous was brief, as I had to meet up with my sister and cousins in Rome – a trip we had planned over a year ago. After a long day of traveling, I wrapped up Belgium with a Blue Chimay, my liturgy/ethics book, and a chocolate bar. Yum, all the comforts to help me relax in the airport prior to my red-eye flight the next morning.
Love your photo of the "neighbors" :)
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