De Bron vzw
The Pastoral Centre De Bron has already more than conquered its place in the pastoral landscape of South-West Flanders. The Centre is built around four pillars. Apart from a general library, the Bibdoc Library is mainly specialised in religion and practical theology. The Religio Shop offers a wide choice of religious books, objects, cards, art and much more. You will find a unique personal gift. The Formation House guarantees education for children and adults who wish to deepen their faith. The Cafeteria is the perfect place for meeting and talking in a pleasant setting.
The De Bron Pastoral Centre was opened on 6 September 1996. It is situated in a part of the adjacent monastery of the Sisters Augustinessen of Harelbeke.
According to legend, the monastery/hospital of Harelbeke was founded in the 11th century by Countess Adelheid (Alix of France), the wife of Count Baudouin V of Flanders. A foundation certificate is not available. The source material about the Medieval period of the monastery is scarce. Many charitable institutions in the Middle Ages have grown spontaneously and hence further developed. The monastery was probably created somewhere between the end of the 13th and the middle of the 14th century, based on the documents known today. In 1277 Pieter van Harelbeke gives the fief 'Ter Coudenborgh' in Otegem to the hospital in Kortrijk with the demand to keep five beds available for poor people from Harelbeke. One could conclude that there was no hospital in Harelbeke himself at the time. The document of 8 June 1359, which is known as "Harelbeke's Hospital," dates back to June 1359.
