Life in the convent: the religious community

In the 17th century, the Convent of St. Gerlach had about 37 noble clerics or canonesses, in accordance with the monastic rule of St. Norbert (“virgines primae”). This exceeded the medieval numerus clausus of 30. Each of the ladies had her own duties within the convent. In addition to the prioress (superior), there was a sub-prioress, an economist, a sextoness, and so on. There were also some non-noble nuns in the convent. All followed the daily prayers and strict daily schedule. Between Holy Masses, housework had to be done as well as work in the kitchen or gardens. In addition to being a convent, St. Gerlach was also a place of pilgrimage. As early as the death of St. Gerlach in the 12th century, there were pilgrims who came to visit his grave. That traffic never stopped.

The canonesses were bound by convent rules regarding contact with the outside world, the start of morning prayers, the ownership of property, and the choice of confessor. The ladies of St. Gerlach came from the noble families of the Land of Valkenburg and the surrounding hilly countryside, such as Van Tzevel (4x), Van Schaesberg (2x), Van Hulsberg (5x), Van Houthem (4x), Van Horion (2x), Hoen van Cartils (2x), Hoen van Hoensbroek (3x), Van Haren (4x), Van Eijnatten (6x), Cortenbach (3x), Van Beusdael (3x), and Huyn van Amstenrade (2x). They renounced their inheritances upon entering the monastery. In their place, they contributed a sum of money or goods as a dowry and received an annual interest in return. In addition to the canonesses and non-noble nuns, a steward and a chaplain were stationed at the convent.

The power and prestige of the nobility in the hilly Limburg countryside are evident in the tombstones and coats of arms of the canonesses that were installed in new buildings. In noble monasteries, at least eight generations of noble ancestry (proof of noble descent from both father and mother) were usually required for admission as a cleric. In the 18th century, the bar was often set even higher, and at least sixteen generations of noble ancestry were required. The noble ladies of St. Gerlach were very conscious of their status. Their coats of arms are on display in the monastery church of St. Gerlach: