Heiligenkreuz visitation: visitors are planning to revisit. Campaign against the Abbot.

Church historian: Criticism of course and structure of Heiligenkreuz

According to a Viennese church historian, unsuitable candidates have been admitted to the monastery of Heiligenkreuz under the current abbot – including some who had been excluded from monastic life elsewhere.

The Viennese church historian Rupert Klieber sees a problem in the structure of the monastic community at Heiligenkreuz. In an interview following the conclusion of the visitation at the abbey near Vienna, the theologian spoke of discernible problems behind an initially positive portrayal of the visitation process. Klieber said on Saturday on ORF (Austrian Broadcasting Corporation) that the monastery's statement at the end of the visitation initially conveyed "the impression of a very favorable evaluation of this abbey." However, closer examination revealed "very clear points of criticism."

He thinks he should run the place

According to Klieber, the focus is on the monastery's previous practices regarding the admission and development of new members. He stated that "perhaps too much emphasis has been placed on quantity rather than quality," which has led to problems. In this context, he said, the monastery has been "perhaps too generous and uncritical" in accepting traditionalists from various countries. This has resulted in a large community that includes individuals "who, for good reason, would have been excluded from the religious path elsewhere."

Cathcon:  Heiligenkreuz is a conservative not a traditionalist Abbey. 

The Vatican is therefore demanding action. In addition to a clearer strategic direction, stricter standards are also required for the selection and training of young members. The Abbey must do more than simply "celebrate beautiful services."

Cathcon: I am sure it does do more but worshiping the Lord in the beauty of holiness gives humanity its highest dignity.   The priests who the modernists rejected have become cornerstones and models of piety./

Leadership problem at the abbey?

Referring to the leadership of Abbot Maximilian Heim, Klieber said that if an evaluation team determines "that my communication was flawed, that I was too lenient in selecting new monks, or that I lack a vision for the future," then one must consider "whether this process should be placed in someone else's hands."

According to the Vatican, the visitation of the Cistercian monastery was ordered following indications of structural problems. Discussions with 90 monks and external individuals have taken place over the past few months. Further meetings of the visitors at the monastery are planned for August, according to an ORF report.