In addition to a life of prayer and work, monks provide an important service to the community. Anyone who is of good will can contemplate and reflect in an atmosphere of prayer, beauty and silence.
Join in prayer
The monks' moments of prayer are open to all. Many choose to attend the Eucharist or Compline, and some do so every day. Others also attend morning, noon or evening prayer. You can find an overview of all the liturgical services here.
For those who wish to experience the full rhythm of prayer in the Abbey, it is possible to spend a few days and nights in the Abbey to see and take part in the entire Liturgy of the Hours.
Guest accommodation accommodation for silence and calm
Anyone wishing to reflect personally on the monks' liturgical rhythms can stay in the guesthouse for a few days.
We offer accommodation for visitors. Anyone who finds silence and tranquillity beneficial is welcome to stay for a few days of contemplation and prayer. Participating in a few moments of daily prayer with the monks is an essential part of any stay.
Groups are occasionally welcome. In principle, groups provide their own support and guidance, but they can ask a monk for assistance.
PRACTICAL
If you would like to stay at the guest house or would like more information, please contact the guest brother using the details below.
Reservations can only be made by e-mail and should be made two to three weeks in advance. Please be sure to provide the following information when making your reservation:
- Your name and address
- The total number of people and rooms you are booking
- Your preferred room type
- Arrival time
- Whether you would like lunch on the day of departure
Room types
- 35 €/day for a standard room with shared shower and toilet
- 50 €/day for a comfort room with private shower and toilet
- 80 €/day for a double room with private shower and toilet
- Bed linen is available for € 6 and towels for € 4.
Money should not be a reason for not coming and can be discussed discreetly with the person in charge of the guesthouse.
DAYS OF CLOSURE
On the first Sunday of every month, the monks observe a day of silence and the guesthouse is closed from 4pm on the previous Saturday until 9am on the following Monday. There are also a number of other days when the guesthouse is closed. See below for the full schedule.
CLOSING DAYS IN 2023
- 8 January
- 5 February
- 5 March
- 9 April (Easter): closed from 13.30 until the afternoon of 10 April
- 7 May
- 4 June
- 2 July
- 6 August
- 3 September - 17 September: maintenance shutdown
- 1 October
- 5 November
- 3 December - 10 December: brothers' retreat week
- 25 December (Christmas): closed from 13.30 until the afternoon of 26 December
GUEST HOUSE CONTACT DETAILS
Abbey of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart
Antwerpsesteenweg 496
B-2390 Westmalle
E-mail guesthouse: gastenhuis@abdijwestmalle.be
ACCESIBILITY
The abbey is located on the bus route 410 Antwerp - Turnhout, near the bus stop "Westmalle Abdij". More information on the website of De Lijn.
The abbey is also easily accessible from the E19 and E34 motorways.
