Bornem Abbey
Cistercian·Belgium·Active, but with a small community
Bornem Abbey is the sole Cistercian abbey of Common Observance within the Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels, serving as the successor to St. Bernard's Abbey, Hemiksem, which was destroyed during the French Revolution. Founded by Don Pedro Coloma as a convent for Canons Regular, the current structures largely date from the 18th and 19th centuries, and it is renowned for its library holding 30,000 books and manuscripts, including valuable works on Cistercian history.
Key Facts
- ›Successor to St. Bernard's Abbey, Hemiksem, destroyed in the French Revolution.
- ›Founded by Don Pedro Coloma as a convent for Canons Regular of the Order of the Holy Cross.
- ›Current buildings primarily date from the 18th to 19th centuries.
- ›Its historical library contains 3,000 salvaged books from Hemiksem Abbey.
- ›The abbey is famous for its collection of 30,000 books and manuscripts on Cistercian history.
- ›The abbey was bought by the city of Bornem in 2014.
18th Century, 19th Century
- Library With 30,000 Books and Manuscripts On Cistercian History
- Successor To St. Bernard's Abbey, Hemiksem
- Abbey Beer Named Bornem
St. Bernard's Abbey, Hemiksem
Don Pedro Coloma, Cardinal Mauro Cappellari, Mgr Corselis, Robertus Van Ommeren, Amadeus De Bie, Henricus Smeulders, Benedictus Van Doninck, Abbot Van Schaverbeeck
- French Revolution
- Resurrection of Monastic Life In the 19th Century
- Refounding of Val-Dieu Abbey In 1844
- Strategic Point In the Defense of Klein-Brabant During Wwi
- Abbey Church Tower Used As A Lookout and Target In Wwi
About Bornem Abbey
Bornem Abbey stands as the sole Cistercian abbey of Common Observance within the Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels. It serves as the successor to the former St. Bernard's Abbey in Hemiksem, which was destroyed during the French Revolution, with both foundations honoring Saint Bernard of Clairvaux.
History and Foundation
The site's original establishment was initiated by Don Pedro Coloma, Baron of Bornhem, who founded a convent for the Canons Regular of the Order of the Holy Cross. The abbey experienced significant disruption during the French Revolution, leading to the destruction of Hemiksem and the sale of its buildings. However, monastic life was revived in the 19th century with the support of Cardinal Mauro Cappellari, who later became Pope Gregory XVI. The old monks from Hemiksem returned to Bornem, and in 1835, Mgr Corselis granted the new monastic community the same rights as the former Abbey of Hemiksem. The first abbot, Robertus van Ommeren, was ordained in Rome, and the community flourished, even refounding Val-Dieu Abbey in 1844.
During the First World War, Bornem Abbey played a strategic role in the defense of Klein-Brabant. The abbey church tower was utilized as a lookout point and became a target for German artillery, ultimately standing as the last major strategic point in Bornem at the battle's conclusion.
Renovation and Modern Era
The current abbey buildings largely date from the 18th to the 19th centuries and are protected heritage sites. In 1998, a monument was erected in front of the main entrance to commemorate Pedro Coloma. The community remains actively involved in the local parish of Bornem and plays a significant role in local cultural life, notably producing an abbey beer named Bornem, brewed by Brouwerij Van Steenberge. Despite its historical and cultural importance, the number of monks decreased drastically towards the end of the 20th century, with only two monks, including Abbot van Schaverbeeck, residing in the conventual buildings today. In 2014, the city of Bornem purchased the abbey.
Library and Collections
Bornem Abbey is distinguished by its historical library, which houses 3,000 books that were salvaged from the old library of Hemiksem Abbey. Dom Henri served as librarian between 1858 and 1865, meticulously caring for this collection. The abbey continues to be renowned for its extensive collection of valuable books concerning Cistercian history, with the current holdings comprising 30,000 books, manuscripts, and other significant valuable works dating back to the 14th century.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Bornem Abbey founded?
The original foundation of the site was made by Don Pedro Coloma, Baron of Bornhem, who established a convent of the Canons Regular of the Order of the Holy Cross. The current buildings date from the 18th to the 19th century, and the abbey resurrected in the 19th century after being destroyed during the French Revolution.
What is Bornem Abbey known for?
Bornem Abbey is known as the only Cistercian abbey of Common Observance in its archdiocese and is the successor to St. Bernard's Abbey, Hemiksem. It is particularly famous for its extensive library, which holds 30,000 books and manuscripts related to Cistercian history, including valuable works from the 14th century.
What is the history of the buildings at Bornem Abbey?
The current buildings of Bornem Abbey primarily date from the 18th to the 19th centuries. While the original foundation was made earlier, the structures were rebuilt and established during this period, especially after the monastic life was destroyed during the French Revolution and then resurrected in the 19th century.
What is the status of monks at Bornem Abbey today?
The number of monks at Bornem Abbey decreased drastically at the end of the 20th century. Today, only two monks, including Abbot van Schaverbeeck, are living in the conventual buildings.
Is Bornem Abbey open to the public?
The article mentions that the abbey and church are protected heritage and that the community is active in the local parish and cultural life. However, it does not explicitly state whether the abbey is open to the public for visits, though it was purchased by the city of Bornem in 2014.
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