The alterations

The brothers of Westvleteren are building their future.

In 2008, our abbey is going to be radically renovated.
This project is a huge challenge for our community and it will require serious investments.

NECESSITY- We are faced with large cracks and subsidences in some parts of the buildings. Within a couple of years, these will be uninhabitable.
The buildings have already been declared unsafe by the fire brigade.

PLANS- What is going to be changed?
The current church will remain and will become a wing of the new monastery quadrangle. Together with the architects we have chosen for austerity, simplicity, durability and an ecological approach. This fully corresponds to a good Cistercian tradition. The former church will have a new purpose: it will be used as refectory and library. The ground floor will accommodate the chapter-house, the scriptorium, the novitiate, a common room, a couple of offices and the sickbay. The rooms of the brothers will be on the first floor.
The basements can be used for several workshops.

RESOURCES- Our financial means alone are not enough.
We are also counting on donations to raise the amount of money that is necessary. ‘For us, the solidarity and the aid that we are allowed to experience are indispensable. Moreover, they create a real alliance.’
We are not afraid to ask for your contribution because we experience that this real alliance does exist.
Many people find comfort, peace, reflection and prayer in our abbey.
What is more, we ourselves feel that we are supported by many.

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT US FINANCIALLY?
By means of tax certificate:
Donations of more than 30 euros per calendar year may be paid into account no.:
745-0182034-34 Forum voor Erfgoedverenigingen vzw Antwerpen.

Without tax certificate:
You can deposit your donations into account no.: 467-3352701-80 with mention: kloosterbouw.
Our address: Abdij Sint-Sixtus vzw, Donkerstraat 12, B-8640 Westvleteren.
When depositing from foreign countries, you will need our IBAN and BIC code:
IBAN: BE47 4673 3527 0180. BIC:KREDBEBB

Important: We have the intention on a later moment on this web site and in a planned book about the alterations to mention (only) the name of every benefactor. If you do not want this emphatically, please mention on your transfer form “no mention”.

Thank you very much!
Father Abbot and the brothers of Westvleteren.

Contact and info: kloosterbouw@sintsixtus.be