Klaarland Priory

Klaarland Priory, also known by its Dutch name Priorij Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Klaarland, is a Trappistine monastery situated in Lozen, Bocholt, within the Belgian province of Limburg. The foundation of this religious community dates back to 1970, when six nuns departed from the Abbey of Our Lady of Nazareth at Brecht to establish a new foundation. Initially located in the Kiewit district of Hasselt, the community found its permanent home on the current site in Bocholt by 1975. Klaarland Priory maintains its subordinate status to Brecht Abbey, adhering to the strictures of the Trappist way of life.

Daily Life and Operations

The daily routine at Klaarland Priory is structured around the core elements of Trappist existence: prayer, reading, and manual work. The rhythm of the monastic day is punctuated by the seven services of the Liturgy of the Hours, which are open to guests and visitors seeking spiritual engagement. Significant time is also dedicated to mental reading, known as Lectio Divina, a practice central to monastic contemplation. To sustain themselves, the nuns engage in manual labor, having developed several small enterprises over the years. These include the production of brewer's yeast, hand-woven ornaments, candles, herb salve, massage oil, and greeting cards. The priory also offers a small guesthouse, providing accommodation for women who are seeking a retreat for silence and prayer. However, casual visits to the priory are not permitted, reflecting the enclosed nature of monastic life.