If you read the texts about the restoration on this website, you will see that a great deal of work has already been carried out on the building, and that much more is planned in the coming years. From October 2026 stability work will be carried out on several pillars in the church and everything will be prepared for installing a heating system. For that reason the church will unfortunately have to be closed for public worship for six months. During that time our faith community is kindly hosted by the Assumptionist fathers, close to our church in Halve Straat. Throughout that period we can gather for Sunday services together in the monastery chapel.

11 a.m. solemn ringing-in of our renewed St Gertrude carillon (twelve bells, new keyboard); Eucharistic celebration led by Father Arnold Castro. 12–12.30 p.m.: first official sounds by titular carillonneur Marc Van Eyck. Then short addresses and reception with snacks and drinks; guest carillonneurs afterwards. Listen from the abbey park, Geertruihof corridor and Klein Begijnhof; seating in the garden by the Scouts and Guides Museum. RSVP reception before 6 July: geertruifeesten@gmail.com or +32 474 72 83 60.

11 a.m. during our closing and thanksgiving celebration at St Gertrude’s Church: Dean Patrick Maervoet solemnly blesses our twelve new carillon bells. Opportunity to view the bells up close. After the service: drinks at the back of the church.

After the 11 a.m. service we close the pastoral year with an auberge espagnole (potluck) in Geertruihof: bring dishes from 10 a.m. (stored in the fridge). Sign up: geertruifeesten@gmail.com or +32 474 72 83 60. After the meal: Geertrui meeting for those who wish; taken forward to the team day on Saturday 27 June.