On June 3, 2025, the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa (White Sisters) inaugurated a commemorative monument at the Munsel Municipal Cemetery in Boxtel, marking a historic milestone in their presence in the Netherlands.

A Solemn Tribute to 500 Missionaries Sent to Africa

In the presence of Mayor Ronald van Meygaarden and members of the General Council from Rome, the monument was unveiled with a drum roll, as African fabrics covering it were ceremoniously removed. This event paid tribute to the 500 missionary sisters who departed from Boxtel and Esch to serve in Africa—young, devoted, and unconditionally committed to their missionary calling.

The End of the White Sisters’ Active Mission in the Netherlands

Today, only seven White Sisters remain in the Netherlands. The unveiling of the monument also symbolizes the completion of their congregation’s active mission in the country, while preserving a legacy of faith, service, and missionary dedication.

A Ceremony Marked by Music and Poetry

Over 120 guests attended this moving event. The choir Capella Ducis from Den Bosch performed a special song based on a poem by Adriaan Roland Holst, a renowned Dutch poet. In 1946, Holst traveled by ship with several White Sisters to Africa and composed a heartfelt poem in their honor during the voyage.

A Symbolic Work of Art

The monument, created by artists Annelies van Rijn and Stephan van den Thillart (from Berghem), is made of 2 tons of steel and measures 5 meters in diameter. It stands in the section of the Munsel Cemetery where the White Sisters are buried, in the rear right area. This section was redesigned by landscape architect Anne Laansma (from Esch) to offer a place of memory and reflection.

Sr Leny Droogh explained the symbolism of the artwork, highlighting its deep connection to the spirituality and mission of the Sisters. An informational panel outlining the history of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa was also unveiled.

A Joyful Reception at the House of the World

The day concluded with a festive reception at the House of the World, a moment of sharing and gratitude to honor a century of missionary presence and devoted service in Africa.

The symbolism of the monument
The carved shape of the cross represents the charism of the Congregation and its complete devotion to the Christian ideal of working for God’s Kingdom. Be ‘All to All’. The sisters carry this cross on their hearts and connect them to the Source of all life. The cross in this monument opens its edges like petals that rise towards the sky. They connect heaven and earth, serving people and God, action and contemplation.
The white stones symbolize all the White Sisters who have gone before us. They light up in the moonlight as hopeful signs in the night and are protected by the cross above them.
This monument is located is surrounded by the graves of deceased sisters. Just like the sisters used to stand around the large palm tree in the motherhouse in Algiers for the closing of the day, while singing the Sancta Maria.