Dongen honors Franciscan Sisters with historic walking trail for 225 years of service
Residents of Dongen can soon explore the legacy of the Franciscan Sisters through a new walking trail. The initiative celebrates 225 years of their contributions to education, healthcare, and community spirit, ensuring their impact remains visible for future generations.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Anniversary | 225 years of service by the Franciscan Sisters in Dongen |
| Honor Presented | Sister Trail, a walking route through significant locations in Dongen |
| Contributions | Education (1,000+ teachers trained), community nursing, social services |
| Collaboration | Developed with Heemkundekring De Heerlyckheit |
| Expected Completion | 2027 |
| Mayor | Hans Slagboom |
| Province | Noord-Brabant |
The municipality of Dongen plays a key role in preserving local heritage and fostering community identity. By initiating projects like the Sister Trail, the local government ensures that the historical contributions of institutions like the Franciscan Sisters are recognized and celebrated for future generations.
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Sisters presented with Sister Trail
The congregation of the Franciscan Sisters is celebrating its 225th anniversary in Dongen. During the special celebration for this jubilee on March 26, Mayor Hans Slagboom presented the sisters with the Sister Trail. This honor recognizes their 225 years of service and significant contributions to education, community nursing, and the history of Dongen.
The Franciscan Sisters in Dongen have played a major role in education and community nursing in the town. For example, their teacher training college educated more than 1,000 teachers. They also contributed to social and cultural services, including teaching Vietnamese refugees, collecting aid supplies, and supporting the "Tafeltje-dek-je" initiative.
The Sisters' Legacy is a Great Gift to Dongen
In his speech, Mayor Hans Slagboom highlighted the impact of the Franciscan Sisters' ideals on the municipality. With their compassion and care for the vulnerable, they laid the foundation for how we work together in Dongen today. “We are a true community-focused municipality, and we are proud of that—and we are still very grateful to you. The values of the Franciscans—simplicity, community spirit, and looking out for one another—are your legacy to Dongen. And that is the greatest gift you have given us,” Mayor Slagboom said.
Giving Something Beautiful in Return
The Sisters were presented with the Sister Trail, a route that will take walkers past locations that highlight the importance of the Sisters' presence in Dongen over the past 225 years. “I am pleased that we can give something beautiful in return—something that will ensure your story and the history of the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters live on in Dongen forever,” the mayor concluded.
The Sister Trail: a Collaboration with Heemkundekring De Heerlyckheit
The Sister Trail is a walking route through the municipality of Dongen, passing places where the Sisters have made a significant impact. The route and information boards are being developed in close collaboration with Heemkundekring De Heerlyckheit. The Sister Trail is expected to be completed in 2027. This initiative builds on efforts to make Dongen’s history visible, such as the Brother Trail, which highlights the history of the Brothers in Dongen. The signage for the Brother Trail will also be updated in due course. The Sister Trail is a valuable addition. These initiatives align with the municipality’s Future Vision: “We are proud of our identity, and we make it visible in our municipality. In this way, we never lose sight of where we come from.”