The International Chapter is a meeting of the Pilgrims which takes place, annually, at Pentecost. It is a weekend of workshops, discussions, worship, walks – exploring a theme in a variety of ways.
St Francis himself introduced the idea of holding Chapters at Pentecost when he spoke of the rules by which they should live and the importance of travelling throughout Europe. So it is fitting that that custom should continue and now, each Pentecost, at a gathering of Pilgrims of St Francis, a new annual theme is introduced. In 2025 it will be: –
‘Love your neighbour as yourself, love your enemy – and how do we manage the conflicts?’
International Chapter 2025 at Geldrop near Eindhoven
from June 7 – 9
The Dutch Pilgrims invite us to join with them at the International Chapter 2025.
Venue
The meeting will be at Kampeerboerderij ’t Uilenest (The Owls Nest), Gijzenrooi 7, 5661 PA Geldrop
Phone 06 – 55 858 822 www.uilenest.nl
This is where the International Chapter was held in 2014.
The location is ideal for our requirements – in beautiful surroundings, with opportunities to walk, with playgrounds for children, and, of course, with radiant summer (we hope) weather!
The main building can accommodate around 50 people in bunk beds mostly on the first floor – but 4 rooms on the ground floor for people with mobility problems.
Showers, toilets and sinks are on the ground floor and there is a kitchen with sufficient equipment and space to prepare meals.
In addition, there are some Tipi tents on the site where 4/6 people can sleep per tent, (depending on the size of the tent). The toilets are approx. 50m. distance from the tents.
Bookings for tents will be in order of application.
There are camping beds in the tents and some insulated sleeping mats are provided but you need to bring a pillow, bed-linen and blanket or sleeping bag (and a torch!).
In the house there are beds but you need to bring a pillow, bed-linen and blanket or sleeping bag (and torch!).
The Theme
The annual theme 2025 is ‘Love your neighbour as yourself, love your enemy – and how do we manage the conflicts?’ – this theme will be introduced through presentations, workshops and talks.
As usual with the Pilgrims of St Francis, there will be ample opportunity for quiet moments, conversations and walks through the green surroundings, as well as music and entertainment.
How to get there.
Public transport
The airport, closest to Geldrop is Eindhoven Airport. From there a shuttle service goes to the main railway and bus station in Eindhoven. There are also international Bus and train services to Eindhoven Station
From there you can take a bus to Geldrop (from the bus stop it’s a 20 minutes walk to Kampeerboerderij ‘t Uilenest.) More details, will be published later.
By Car
A route description will follow later
Programme
You will be able to arrive from 5pm on Friday 6 June (extra cost) but no meals are served until Saturday evening. The programme starts in the early afternoon on Saturday and ends after lunch on Monday
Costs
Meals, from Saturday evening until Monday lunchtime, are included in the price.
| 7/9 June | 6 June (the night before) extra | |
| Adult | €100 | €20 |
| Youth/unemployed | €45 | €15 |
| Child 4-12 year | €20, | €10 |
| Children under 5 | Free |
Please pay in cash in Euros on arrival
Application
Please complete the accompanying inscription form (Coming later) and the Data protection form (below) and send it before 20 April 2025 to the UK National Guardian:- ianmason@talktalk.net
or by post Ian Mason 92 Bodmin Ave. Stafford ST17 0EQ.
If you are registering several people at the same time, please use one form for each adult (you can make copies of the original)
For late registrations or cancellations , we ask you to contact the NL planning group matpenningdevries@kpnplanet.nl tel. 0031 (06) 5047 1390;
NB There are only a limited number of beds available, so should you, for whatever reason, decide not to come after registering, please let us know ASAP.
Further Information from :-
Marianne Penning de Vries: tel. 0031 (06) 5047 1390 matpenningdevries@kpnplanet.nl
Johny van Hoeve: 0031 (06) 3822 3463 joh.hoeve@planet.nl