Brialmont Abbey, Belgium

What it is

Trappistine nuns have lived at Brialmont, in the diocese of Liège, since 5 August 1961, receiving thousands of retreatants over the decades.

What it needs

Faced with aging and no new vocations, the community decided with the Trappist order to close. A Mass of thanksgiving was held on 25 July 2026 and the six sisters are to move to other Cistercian monasteries of their choice in the following months. The diocese said a new ecological, social and spiritual project for the site was being finalized with partners.

Before you act. No appeal for money accompanies the announcement.

Sources

Last checked 9 November 2026. Responsible body: Diocese of Liège; Orval Abbey, whose superior accompanies the community.

Other houses to consider

Denée, Belgium

Maredsous Abbey

The basilica has never had a major renovation: its 3,500 m² of roofs carry slates nearly 150 years old, and the cornices, downpipes and zinc and lead work are worn out, with damp and cracks reported. The monks' 'Basilique 2030' project restores the whole exterior (134,000 slates to replace, 6,000 m² of façade) before a later interior phase. Donations go through a dedicated King Baudouin Foundation fund or a 5-euro 'sponsor a slate' page.

Status: Appeal open
Works budget: €2.5m
Community: In residence
Order: Benedictine
Founded: 1872

Ghent, Belgium

Discalced Carmelite Monastery, Ghent

The 'Patersgang', the private wing where the friars live, is outdated and its electrical installation was recently condemned. The friars want to turn the old cells into nine modern rooms with their own sanitation so the house can receive novices and theology students. They are raising 800,000 euros through a heritage account managed by Herita.

Status: Appeal open
Campaign target: €800k
Community: In residence
Order: Discalced Carmelite
Founded: 1653