diff --git a/files/gitlab-cookbooks/gitlab/templates/default/gitlab.yml.erb b/files/gitlab-cookbooks/gitlab/templates/default/gitlab.yml.erb
index 001b7c9..5f99620 100644
--- a/files/gitlab-cookbooks/gitlab/templates/default/gitlab.yml.erb
+++ b/files/gitlab-cookbooks/gitlab/templates/default/gitlab.yml.erb
@@ -64,6 +64,9 @@ production: &base
     # When not specified the default issue_closing_pattern as specified below will be used.
     # Tip: you can test your closing pattern at http://rubular.com
     # issue_closing_pattern: '([Cc]lose[sd]|[Ff]ixe[sd]) +#\d+'
+    <% if !@gitlab_issue_closing_pattern.nil? %>
+    issue_closing_pattern: '<%= @gitlab_issue_closing_pattern %>'
+    <% end %>
 
     ## Default project features settings
     default_projects_features:
--
libgit2 0.21.2