Westvleteren Abbey

St. Sixtus' Abbey, Westvleteren

St. Sixtus' Abbey, known in Dutch as Sint-Sixtusabdij Westvleteren, is a Roman Catholic monastery located in Westvleteren, within the province of West Flanders, Belgium. It belongs to the Cistercians of Strict Observance, commonly referred to as Trappists. The abbey is distinguished by its profound spiritual life, which is structured around the three fundamental elements of Trappist existence: prayer, reading, and manual labor. This dedication to spiritual discipline and communal work forms the core of its identity.

History and Development

The monastic presence at the abbey's current location can be traced back to 1260, although earlier historical mentions of a settlement named Cella Beborna in the region of Fletrinio exist from 806. Between 1260 and 1355, a small community of nuns resided on the Catsberg site. Later, from 1610 to 1784, a monastery of the Bridgettines occupied what is known as "Fathers' Corner."

The modern Trappist foundation began in 1831 when the hermit Jan-Baptist Victoor was joined by a prior and several monks in the woods of Saint Sixtus. This group gradually developed into the Trappist abbey we know today. The 19th century saw significant growth and establishment of key abbey functions: the Westvleteren Brewery was founded within the abbey precinct in 1838, a primary school was established in 1839, and the old church of the priory was constructed in 1840. In 1850, a contingent of monks from Westvleteren established Scourmont Abbey. The priory achieved the status of an abbey in 1871, granted by Pope Pius IX. A model farm was also developed between 1875 and 1878 to serve as an example for the surrounding region.

The 20th century brought both challenges and developments. During World War I, the abbey served as a sanctuary for numerous refugees and housed nearly 400,000 allied soldiers. World War II presented a period of considerable difficulty for the monastery. Post-war, in 1945, the abbot made the decision to limit the brewery's production to 4,800 hectoliters annually. The abbey continued to evolve with the construction of a guesthouse in 1964 and a new abbey church in 1968.

Significance

St. Sixtus' Abbey is particularly renowned for its brewery, which is one of the few producers of authentic Trappist beer in Belgium. The beer's quality and limited production contribute to its international fame. Beyond its commercial output, the abbey remains a vital center of spiritual life, embodying the contemplative ideals of the Trappist order through its enduring commitment to prayer, study, and work.