The Antwerp Foundation

Abstract

Ana arrived in Antwerp at the beginning of the Twelve Years’ Truce. She was involved in every detail of the Antwerp foundation, from the purchase of the land to the acquisition of construction materials. Unlike her earlier foundations, those in the Low Countries were pluralistic centers that recruited from French-, Flemish-, Spanish-, and English-speaking populations. Around 1606, the English recusant Mary Lovel decided to found an English convent in Antwerp. After complicated negotiations, an English Carmel opened in May 1619, with Anne of the Ascension (Worsley) as its prioress. However, conflicts about confessors soon arose. Fearing a rupture in the order, Ana wrote to Anne repeatedly, trying to convince her to remain under the umbrella of the Discalced Carmelites.