There are few friars left in Holland, but they nevertheless remain faithful to their long-standing traditions. For a long time now, our friars from the Provincial Delegation in Holland, of the Province of St. Elizabeth in Germany, have been gathering once a year at the Conventual Franciscan friary in Denekamp, Holland. The last such gathering was held on September 14-17, 2025, at the invitation of the Delegate, Friar Thijs MOONS.
One highlight during this year’s gathering was a trip to Urmond, Holland, the site of important friary that was active from the mid-19th century until the friary closed in 1970. The Minderbroeders Conventuelen (Friars Minor Conventual) used to live in that village, which is located in the Dutch province of Limburg. The village has 5,500 residents and many of them still remember the friars.
Another highlight was the presentation of a recently completed book on the artistic work of Friar Matthaeus VAN KAMPEN. Now eighty-seven, Friar Matthaeus entered the Order in 1959, and completed his training at the Academy of Fine Arts in Maastricht from 1966 to 1971. The new book documents a small selection of his extensive artistic output from recent decades.
The gathering program also included a conversation with the Minister Provincial, Friar Andreas MURK, who addressed various topics such as legal issues related to the Delegation and, of course, concerns about aging. Despite all the difficulties, the friars remained in a serene and confident mood. Having this attitude made the closing banquet even more enjoyable.
Friar Andreas MURK
