Mayor of Grave Lex Roolvink ambassador

The mayor of Grave, Lex Roolvink, has become an ambassador – ‘symbolic forerunner’ – of the Walk of Wisdom. He is the sixth mayor of the eleven municipalities on the route to become an ambassador. A great recognition for our pilgrimage route, which is born on 21 June as the contemplative brother of the Four Days Marches.

Grave is about halfway along the 136-kilometre route of the Walk of Wisdom. An old garrison town directly on the Meuse with a monastery village (Velp). Velp is home to the oldest Capuchin monastery in the Netherlands. The monastery is located directly on the route and is worth a visit, not only because of its cultural history but also because of the philosophy of Francis, the inspirer of the Capuchins.

Francis preached peace in the Middle Ages at a time when Europe was at war with Islam. He even went on a pilgrimage to the sultan to recognize him as a brother, just as he sang of all creatures in his Canticle of the Sun as brothers and sisters. The mayor probably doesn’t have time for such a trip. We will ask him if he has any sympathy for it during our opening ceremony on 21 June. Mr Roolvink has indicated that he will probably be present. 

Photo Marc Pluim.

Read an interview with the mayor in the Gelderlander here