Life in the convent: the religious community

in the 17th century the convent of St. Gerlach had about 37 noble clerics or canonesses according to the monastic or rule of life of St. Norbert (''virgines primae''). This was more than the medieval numerus clausus of 30. Each of the ladies had her own duties in the convent. In addition to the prioress (superior), there was a sub-prioress, an economist, a sextoness, etc. 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 possession of property and the choice of confessor. The ladies of St. Gerlach were 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 positioned at the convent.

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