At the beginning of the 11th century, a childless couple took care of poor and needy pilgrims. Their example led to the founding of the community of the "De Gasthuiszusters van Antwerpen" in 1233.
However, on June 7, 1803, de Gasthuiszusters were expelled from the "Sint-Elisabethgasthuis" by the French occupiers. Without any possessions, they left their birthplace and continued to care for the sick in their homes. The liberator, Willem van Oranje, asked them to return to Antwerp on August 17, 1824.
2024 marks the 200th anniversary of their return. (Belgium, 2024)
