The Abbey of Saint-Sixte (Saint Sixtus) in West-Vleteren, still a priory at the time, founded the monastery of Notre-Dame de Scourmont (Our Lady of Scourmont) in Forges. The first monks arrived on 25 July 1850 on land given by Prince Joseph II of Chimay. The Trappists, Cistercian monks following strict observances, were dedicated to prayer but also work, transforming the inhospitable lands into pastures and agricultural land. Starting from 48 hectares in 1851, the abbey had reached 130 hectares by 1862. The abbey later contributed to the region's development and founded 2 abbeys, in Wales and Goma (Zaire).
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