The challenge is significant: monumental buildings, gardens, stories, and traditions require care and renewal. The seven parties share one common ambition for further development: to keep Steyl sustainable and vibrant.
The signing took place in the Holy Spirit Monastery, home to the Pink Sisters. This closed community opened its doors especially for this moment. After signing, all parties together lit a candle in the chapel; a small but symbolic gesture of connection and reflection.
Heritage Gold
Mayor Antoin Scholten emphasized in his speech the special significance of this covenant: “Steyl is a place where past, future, and meaning continue to meet in a unique way. With this covenant, we choose together not only to preserve our heritage but to breathe new life into it. This way, we truly turn our heritage into heritage gold.”
Arno Boon, director of BOEi, also pointed to the power of collaboration: “The art is to preserve the meaning of Steyl and give it new meaning. This is not simple with the largest monastery complex in the Netherlands, with many buildings, park forest, and gardens; that is why collaboration is so important.”
New Generations
The monastery village of Steyl houses a rich collection of monumental buildings, gardens, and museums. The village is recognized by the Province of Limburg as regional cultural heritage. With the covenant, an important step is taken not only to preserve this heritage but also to develop it into a source of inspiration and meaning for new generations.
Deputy Jasper Kuntzelaers (Culture and Heritage): “Our cultural heritage tells us who we are and where we come from. By working together in Steyl, we make room for renewal without losing sight of our past. It is very special that we do this together with so many parties for this unique monastery village.”