Matters continue behind closed doors as veil of secrecy descends on Heiligenkreuz. Progressive nun remains on their case

Investigations “Behind closed doors”

Theologian Paul Zulehner believes that not all allegations surrounding the Apostolic Visitation at Heiligenkreuz Abbey (Baden district) have been fully clarified. Speaking to noe.ORF.at, he suspects that matters are being discussed “behind closed doors.”

After ten months, the Vatican-ordered Apostolic Visitation at Heiligenkreuz Abbey has officially concluded. The visitation aimed to investigate potential misconduct within the abbey, particularly regarding its leadership style and the abbot's personal conduct. Two visitors were appointed to conduct the visit and reportedly held numerous interviews over the past few months.

Heiligenkreuz Abbey stated that the instructions included, among other things, improving the community's internal and external communication. Furthermore, “strategic considerations regarding the future of the abbey,” reflection on its theological and spiritual orientation, improved introduction of young people to monastic life, and a sharpening of the identity and self-image of Heiligenkreuz Abbey were cited as directives.

The allegations themselves were not addressed in detail in a press release issued on Wednesday. Meanwhile, investigations by the public prosecutor's office are ongoing in connection with an anonymous letter containing serious accusations.

Such a visitation is certainly a “serious undertaking,” says theologian Paul Zulehner in an interview. Of course, there is the possibility that “nothing immediately conspicuous under canon law” was found. However, he also has the impression that some matters are likely being discussed “behind closed doors.” At the same time, Zulehner expressed confidence that the abbey will restore its good reputation and be able to dispel all the accusations.

noe.ORF.at: Mr. Zulehner, the Apostolic Visitation has been completed. What is your impression? What were the results?

Paul Zulehner: An Apostolic Visitation is always a serious undertaking. Something truly grave must have occurred, such as issues with leadership, as was mentioned beforehand, perhaps even male-dominated behavior within the all-male society of the monastery.

And now the official letter has come back, suggesting that these very discreet matters weren't even discussed, or that there was nothing immediately conspicuous from a canonical perspective. Or, which is also a possibility, some things were dealt with or resolved behind closed doors. In theology, they very politely refer to it as the "Camera Caritatis," the House of Love. But the things contained therein are indeed very serious.

noe.ORF.at: It was stated that they wanted to examine leadership behavior, management style, and also how allegations of abuse are handled. Have these allegations now been substantiated, or have they not? How do you interpret this?

Zulehner: Well, I interpret it as meaning that strong moral warnings were issued internally here at the Abbey. The matter was to be thoroughly investigated and rectified. None of this information from the letter – at least not filtered through the abbey itself – has reached the public. Apparently, the public prosecutor's office is also supposed to be involved. So, there are possibly still some issues in the works.

But I have the impression that Rome, in what is already a precarious situation for the Church, has decided to discuss these matters behind closed doors rather than go public. Or, the other possibility is that Heiligenkreuz itself filtered out what it had released to the public in its own statement. Both are fundamentally possible, but if something happened, it needs to be addressed. And if nothing happened, then that's how it should be accepted.

noe.ORF.at: Now there are various directives. Will these directives be sufficient to restore trust?

Zulehner: Yes, I believe so. There will likely be further consultations. I hear that Christine Rod, who was one of the visitors, will also remain in contact. There will certainly need to be a report detailing what has been done based on these instructions. An evaluation must take place. And I think Rome is relatively experienced in these matters, in the restoration of monasteries, because this isn't the first such monastery.

And so I believe that Heiligenkreuz, if it is courageous and wishes to uphold the good reputation it deserves and enjoys – given all that has been achieved – will be able to restore that reputation in the future and clear up all the allegations that have been made. I have every confidence in the monastery, and the abbot now seems to have learnt new lessons in his leadership role and will certainly conduct himself appropriately in his leadership duties.

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