Dependant priory of Heiligenkreuz not under threat according to Bishop
Görlitz/Neuzelle ‐ The Cistercian monastery in Neuzelle, as a priory, is dependent on the Heiligenkreuz Abbey. Nevertheless, Görlitz Bishop Wolfgang Ipolt does not believe that the announced Apostolic Visitation in Heiligenkreuz will have any consequences for Neuzelle.
Görlitz Bishop Wolfgang Ipolt does not believe that the announced Apostolic Visitation in the Austrian Heiligenkreuz Abbey will have any negative effects on the Cistercian monastery in Neuzelle, Brandenburg, which was rebuilt only a few years ago. "At the moment, I do not see any impact of the planned visitation on the priory in Neuzelle," Ipolt said on Sunday in response to a query from katholisch.de. The Neuzelle monks have "taken note" of the news of the visitation and will continue with their daily lives.
The Cistercian monastery of Maria Friedenshort in Neuzelle was established in 2018 as a priory of the Heiligenkreuz Abbey. As a dependent branch, the monastery continues to belong to the Austrian mother monastery, and the Neuzell monks are therefore also subordinate to the Abbot of Heiligenkreuz. According to the monastery's own information, nine members currently belong to the convent.
Visitation "as an expression of benevolent support"
In mid-June, it became known that the Vatican had ordered an Apostolic Visitation of Heiligenkreuz Abbey. The order's Dicastery wanted to "obtain an accurate picture of the situation of monastic life and the leadership of the abbey," it stated. The Holy See requests that the visitation be understood "as an expression of benevolent support aimed at promoting the sustainable development of this flourishing abbey and protecting it from possible internal and external threats." The visitation will be conducted by the Abbot Primate of the Benedictines, Jeremias Schröder, and the Secretary General of the Austrian religious orders, Christine Rod.chive image)
Görlitz Bishop Wolfgang Ipolt says he was informed in advance by Abbot Maximilian Heim about the upcoming Apostolic Visitation at Heiligenkreuz Abbey.
The decree regarding the visitation states, among other things, that the visitors are to "thoroughly examine the leadership style of the abbey as a whole, as well as the personal leadership behavior of the abbot." In addition to observing and implementing canon law, they should examine "the extent to which spiritual authority is translated into responsible and serving action, and how criticism, suggestions, and feedback are handled within the community, particularly with regard to openness, the capacity for dialogue, and a constructive culture of conflict." The visitation is reportedly scheduled to take place this fall.
Ipolt emphasized to katholisch.de that he himself had been informed in advance by Heiligenkreuz Abbot Maximilian Heim about the upcoming visitation. However, he did not know any more about the background of the investigation than what had been revealed in the press. "Perhaps people in Rome have become aware of Heiligenkreuz because the monastery has had so many vocations for many years and is particularly attractive to young people," the Bishop of Görlitz speculated.
Positive development of Neuzelle Monastery since 2018
Ipolt assessed the development of the Neuzelle monastery since its reconstruction in 2018 positively. He said the monks have been well received and the entire diocese has welcomed them. The Cistercians have already made some important contributions to pastoral care for young people and adults. "For example, they offer regular evening prayer times for young people and adults, which are well received. Young people and adults gather, similar to 'Nightfever,' hear a catechesis, and pray before the Blessed Sacrament. We haven't had this in this form before in the diocese," said Ipolt.
Ipolt described only the monks' living situation as "challenging." Since their arrival, they have lived in the Catholic rectory on the grounds of the historic monastery in Neuzelle. However, the house is too small for the long term, so the Cistercians plan to build a new monastery near Neuzelle in the coming years.
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