Dutch nuns transform historic convent into a refuge for Ukrainian families, offering hope and community amid war, continuing their mission of service.
Newsroom (02/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) In a quiet corner of the Netherlands, a centuries-old castle in Aarle-Rixtel, once home to hundreds of Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood, now shelters families fleeing the horrors of war. As Europe grapples with a decline in religious vocations, these nuns have transformed their historic convent into a sanctuary of hope for Ukrainian refugees, breathing new life into their mission of service.
Across Europe, dwindling vocations have forced many religious congregations to sell or downsize their convents. Yet, the Sisters of the Precious Blood have chosen a different path. Guided by the words of their founder, Abbot Francis Pfanner, to “read the signs of the times,” they have repurposed their sprawling Mother House into a haven for those displaced by conflict.
This act of hospitality echoes their storied past. In 1914, during World War I, the sisters partnered with the Red Cross to shelter Belgian and Croatian refugees. Today, with only 15 nuns remaining in the convent—a vibrant international community—they have revived that legacy of compassion.
When news of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine broke in February 2022, the sisters turned to prayer for guidance. With support from the local community and the Laarbeek municipality, they welcomed their first group of 40 refugees. Now, 60 Ukrainians reside in two wings of the convent, where the sisters ensure families are settled and comfortable.
Privacy is paramount. Each family has its own living space and cooking facilities. Mothers assist with household chores, and the convent’s garden has become a shared space where refugees and nuns cultivate vegetables together. Young residents are encouraged to explore talents in art, music, baking, and cooking, fostering a sense of purpose.
At 83, Sister Ingeborg Müller plays a pivotal role, teaching refugees English to aid their integration. “It’s not easy, but many are improving,” she says. Skill-building and shared responsibilities restore dignity to those uprooted from their homes.
The convent, once filled with prayers and hymns, now resonates with laughter and gratitude. Ukrainians join the sisters in daily prayers for peace, forging a community bound by faith and resilience. “This house, once a place of prayer, is now a place of survival and hope—a place they call home,” Sister Müller reflects.
Challenges remain. The aging convent requires repairs, and transportation is a persistent hurdle. Adjusting to communal life can be difficult for some families. Yet, gratitude prevails. The refugees’ appreciation fuels the sisters’ mission, proving that love in action keeps their calling alive.
In an era when the relevance of religious life in Europe is questioned, the Sisters of the Precious Blood stand as a testament: a mission thrives when it serves. Their convent, now a beacon of hope, echoes with the sounds of shared faith, resilience, and a new beginning.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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