Visiting Stoutenburg

A Christian Eco-Community in the Netherlands

A reflection on my visit - Br. Cathal

It is impossible to sum up the Franciscan ecology project at Stoutenburg in the space available here because it is necessary to experience it oneself over a number of days to understand what it is about. The Stoutenburg project is an encounter with people who are committed to caring for the earth through community living, and an opportunity to become part of the community for a short period. The core community is diverse with people from different backgrounds and hens who wander freely about the place during the day. As a participating visitor, I became very conscious that we humans belong to a larger community of God's creation.

Living in a beautiful harmony with Sister Mother Earth, with one another and with the local community, Stoutenburg is an oasis of peace and brother/sisterhood. It is about welcome & hospitality, acceptance & inclusion, gentleness, fun, participation, contemplation, and Franciscan values lived daily in community. As one who is not vegetarian myself, the vegetarian food here was excellent and an eye-opener to the richness & variety of vegetarian possibilities. Also, most of the fruit, vegetables and herbal tea prepared comes from the garden and environs, and it is delicious!

During my five full days stay, I joined in the morning and evening prayers and reflections led by members of the community and which often incorporated meditative walks through the woods. These walks were powerful experiences - listening to the birds, smelling the fragrances, absorbing the freshness of the morning air etc.

I worked in the organic garden by watering the greenhouse vegetables, weeding the vegetable plots, picking fruit & blossoms for teas, preparing fruit & vegetables for eating, and cleaning the house. The meals were a feast of garden produce and a celebration of all present including regular visitors and helpers from the local area.

Stoutenburg is a short distance from Amersfoort which in turn, is about half an hour south-east of Amsterdam by train.  Eco-friendly or curious people, retreatants and woofers are all welcome at Stoutenburg. To visit and spend some time there was indeed a blessing for me, and I thank God and also the community there for this gift.

Check out Stoutenburg at www.stoutenburg.nl