Lecture ‘Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood in Aarle-Rixtel’

Sister Madeleine Bouman gives a fascinating lecture on the rich history of the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood. The lecture will take place at De Couwenberg in Aarle-Rixtel and is organised by Heemkundekring Barthold van Heessel. Members of the society have free admission, non-members pay a small contribution.

The Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood settled in Aarle-Rixtel in 1902 and built the Holy Blood Mission convent there. This monastery, located on the current Kloosterdreef, became the European mother house of the congregation, which was originally founded in South Africa in 1885 by the Austrian Trappist abbot Franz Pfanner. The monastery grew into an important centre for religious formation and missionary activities.

During the lecture, Sister Madeleine Bouman will discuss the significance of the congregation for Aarle-Rixtel and the surrounding region. The sisters played a major role in parish work, education and care for the sick and elderly. For instance, they were involved in institutions in Eindhoven, Rijkevoort, Hoorn, ‘s-Hertogenbosch and even in Croy Castle, where they took care of 30 elderly people between 1966 and 1977. 

In addition, the lecture highlights the many challenges the sisters endured over the years, such as the First World War, the reception of Belgian refugees and the Spanish flu. World War II also brought difficult times, during which the sisters helped people in hiding and the convent was searched several times by the occupying forces.

The story of the Missionary Sisters is interwoven with the history of Aarle-Rixtel and shows how, with the motto ‘That which is necessary, where it is needed’, they have always worked for the community. The lecture promises to be an interesting and inspiring evening for anyone with an interest in local history and religious heritage. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about this special chapter in Aarle-Rixtel's history!