Archdiocese confirmed the move

Due to allegations of abuse: Belgian abbey temporarily dissolved

Leuven - Four Benedictine monks last lived in Keizersberg Abbey in Leuven, Belgium. They now have to move for the time being: The community has been dissolved for the time being due to reports of border crossings by the monks.

Published  on 21.11.2024 at 12:01  – 

The Benedictine community at Keizersberg Abbey in Leuven, Belgium, has been temporarily dissolved. This was reported by the Flemish broadcaster VRT on Wednesday. According to the report, the four Benedictines currently living in the abbey will have to move to other abbeys. The reason for the dissolution is said to be reports of transgressive behaviour by some of the monks.

According to the media report, the responsible archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels also confirmed that the religious community on the Keizersberg has been temporarily dissolved. This step was the result of an "investigation carried out by the highest level of the Benedictine community ".

The Benedictine abbey was established in the 19th century. Following the resignation of the last abbot in 2017, it was no longer possible to elect a new abbot due to the small number of monks. Four monks currently live in a separate wing of Keizersberg Abbey. The rest of the building is used by companies, self-employed people and artists. There are also rooms for students at the University of Leuven. (cbr)