Deep within Amsterdam West, the Augustinus church stands. The Augustinus is more than just a building. It is a testament to faith, community, and history.
Let’s step inside Nieuw Vredenburgh. This complex houses the Augustinus church. This offers a unique advantage. The reception provides oversight. The church is often open during the day. People from the neighborhood can pray. They can light a candle.
Notice something unique? The altar isn’t elevated. Father J. Bodaar wanted the altar amid the community. It should not be above them.
Now, cast your eyes upon the Cavaillé-Coll organ. This is the most striking feature. It was acquired in 1881. It originally served the De Star church. That church was located in the city center. When the Augustinus was built, the organ moved too. This happened between 1929 and 1931. The organ found a new home here.
Look around at the antique church benches. They are remnants of the old city parish. Admire the stained glass. It shows a beautiful image of Augustinus. Also, see the depiction of Mary. She is the Mother of Good Counsel. This image has always been important to the Augustinians.
But what about the Augustinians themselves? Their story in the Netherlands is long. It dates back centuries. In 1803, religious orders in Belgium were suppressed. This included the Augustinians. The Augustinians in Holland were no longer dependent on Belgium. In 1814, they elected Augustinus Naudts as their Superior.
In 1895, the Province of Holland was established. Before that, the Dutch Augustinians belonged to Belgium. The reasons? An increase in Dutch vocations. Also, there were political tensions between Belgium and Holland. The Province began with communities in Amsterdam. There were also communities in Utrecht and Eindhoven.
The Augustinians focused on pastoral work. They worked in parishes in Amsterdam and Utrecht. They also worked in Wirmarsum and Nieuwendam. They also served in Eindhoven.
Over time, the Dutch Province expanded. They founded communities in other cities. These included Venlo, Haarlem, and Nijmegen. They founded one in Culemborg. They later accepted responsibility for the homeless. This was in Utrecht, Nijmegen, and Eindhoven.
The Province ran many schools. At its peak, there were six. They also established a center for religious and cultural formation in Witmarsum. In 1930, they began a mission in Bolivia. In 1951, they started one in Papua, Indonesia.
Today, the Dutch Province has five communities. They continue pastoral work. They also run the Augustijns Instituut. It focuses on Augustinian studies. They continue their missions in Bolivia and Papua.
The Augustinus church stands as a beacon. It represents faith and community. It embodies the Augustinians’ rich history. This history stretches across Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and beyond. It connects to Bolivia and Papua. This is a story etched in stone and stained glass.