Ex caritate

Name: Ex caritate
ISBN: 9789087041533

kloosterleven, apostolaat en nieuwe spirit van actieve vrouwelijke religieuzen in Nederland in de 19e en 20e eeuw

By Annelies van Heijst

In the Netherlands, the sight of nuns has gradually disappeared from public life, yet for two centuries, tens of thousands of women chose the convent path while actively serving in the wider world. This comprehensive study explores the profound spiritual movement that drew these women to dedicate their lives to service guided by the principle "ex caritate" - out of love.

Author Annelies van Heijst presents the first complete history of over ninety different sister congregations in the Netherlands, spanning from around 1800 to the early twenty-first century. The work examines both the inner spiritual dimensions and external social impact of this religious calling, revealing how these women shaped healthcare, education, and missionary work while living according to their deepest convictions.

The book illuminates the complex relationship between religious idealism and practical service, acknowledging both the profound admiration these sisters inspired and the criticisms they faced. Van Heijst weaves together multiple perspectives, exploring monastic customs, spirituality, and the ways this movement was portrayed in art and media throughout different eras.

For readers interested in understanding how spiritual commitment translates into worldly action, this study offers rich insights into a form of religious life that bridged contemplation and service. The work reveals how personal spiritual calling can manifest as dedicated service to others, providing a window into the motivations and experiences of women who chose this distinctive path of faith-based living.

What You'll Discover