Modern Beguines2

Religious and political turmoil, revolutions, wars, new economic systems, social and cultural advances, and expanded options in business and the professions resulted in greater freedom and opportunity for women. Relaxed restrictions on nuns allowed new religious communities to develop for serving the poor, teaching, and nursing the sick and infirm.  Weary from defending their “middle way” and seeking greater support and approval from church authorities, some beguine groups merged with the newly established vowed communities [13, 14, 18].

With these changes, challenges, and crises, membership steadily declined until the traditional Beguine Movement ended in 2013 with the death of Marcella Pattyn, the last beguine of the Courtrai beguinage in Belgium [19].

Several buildings that had been built as beguinages still exist in Belgium and the Netherlands. Some serve as convents, museums, offices, college buildings, and UNESCO World Culture Sites. Of a recent visit to Belgium beguinages,  Graham Keen notes that “Each beguinage [in Lier and Turnhout] had one or more ‘convents’, community houses for novices and poorer beguines. The convent in Turnhout, built for 8 people, was converted in 1953 into a museum. Today it consists of 10 rooms that show the life of the beguines and contain many masterpieces. For example, a ‘processionale’ (leather-bound parchment book) dating from 1550 … was recently found in the attic of the infirmary.  In front of the convent is a small modern statue (“lady in street”): it is a tribute to the last beguine of Turnhout, Anna de Boer, who died in 2002.” [17]

Even though the traditional beguine vocation has faded into history, elements of the beguine way of life have recently re-emerged and are spreading throughout Europe [20]. Men and women are rediscovering the benefits of adapting the common-sense values and practices of the beguines to modern life.

Today, more than 100 beguine-inspired groups exist in Europe. Spiritually-oriented beguine groups commit to the original beguine spirit, motivated by the compassion and humanity of Jesus. Most function as independent religious associations that emphasize spiritual growth, self-sufficiency, simplicity, and charitable activities; others are  associated with religious groups [18, 20, 21].  Spiritually-oriented groups represent a range of denominations – several are Catholic or evangelical, but many are ecumenical, reflecting the local population. 

Secular beguine-inspired groups have organized in Europe with a goal of adapting the shared housing ideals of traditional beguinages to co-housing projects. Several of these programs in Germany and France have been established for single mothers with their children; others are designed for older adults. Their aim is to create models that conserve resources while supporting a sense of community. Similar projects are being planned in other European countries. Although a few co-housing communities motivated by beguine living arrangements involve a spiritual orientation, most are secular [20, 21].

In North America, several spiritually-oriented beguine groups have arisen with the aim of adopting beguine ideals of prayer and service adapted for modern conditions. Several contemporary beguine groups have members across North America who live independently and meet in person and online at regular intervals. One residential beguine community within the Franciscan family has been established in the United States [22]. As the beguine movement grows in North America, information and group listings will be added to this website.