Imagine thirteen sisters. These sisters left Tegelen in Holland. They sought to establish a new home. That home became the Benediktinerinnen Köln.
The Benediktinerinnen Köln is more than just a building. It is a testament to faith. It is also a legacy of dedication. Let’s step back in time. We will uncover the story of this unique place.
In 1890, Josefine Karoline von Fürstenberg-Stammheim led these sisters. She was a Benedictine nun. She had a vision. She first served as Priorin in Bonn. Then, she served in Viersen. Returning from exile in Tegelen she sought to establish a monastery in Cologne.
Initially, the sisters rented a house. It was on Domstraße in Cologne. By 1895, they had enough money to construct their own monastery. This was the Herz-Jesu-Kloster. It was located on Brühler Straße 74 in Raderberg. Sadly, Josefine died three weeks after the move. She was buried within the monastery. Her dream lived on.
Around 1925, the Benediktinerinnen Köln reached its peak. There were about 70 nuns at that time. The monastery became a vibrant hub of religious life. In August 2022, the community numbered 30 sisters.
Leadership changed over the years. From 2010 to 2022, Emmanuela Kohlhaas served as Priorin. On July 2, 2022, Sister Veronica Krienen OSB was elected as her successor. This change occurred during the regular Priorin election held every six years.
The Benediktinerinnen Köln also extended its reach. On August 8, 2022, five sisters were sent to Düsseldorf-Angermund. Their mission was to populate a new monastery. This new monastery had been founded by the Cologne monastery. Currently, six sisters from the Benediktinerinnen Köln are in Düsseldorf-Angermund.
The buildings of the Benediktinerinnen Köln have been under monument protection since 1982. This recognition highlights their architectural and historical importance. They are an integral part of Cologne’s heritage.
The Benediktinerinnen follow the Rule of St. Benedict. This rule emphasizes a life of prayer. It also emphasizes work and community. They dedicate themselves to a contemplative existence. This includes enclosure, humility, and silence.
Their origins lie in the female monasticism of late antiquity. Their traditions spread widely in the early medieval church. The order is legally autonomous. It has no external branches.
In the 17th century, Mechthilde de Bar founded the order branch. It is known as the Benedictine Nuns of the Blessed Sacrament. In 1890, the first thirteen sisters arrived from Tegelen/Holland. They rented a private house on Domstraße. This served as their first provisional monastery.
In 1895, the newly built monastery in Cologne-Raderberg was consecrated. The sisters moved there. On September 17, 1895, the founder Mother Josephine von Fürstenberg-Stammheim died. During the Second World War, the sisters were evacuated in 1944. In 1998, the community consisted of 28 sisters with solemn vows. There were also two novices, one postulant, and eleven oblates.
The sisters’ tasks include divine service. They also include service in the community. This involves work in the house, kitchen, garden, gate, administration, library, and infirmary. They also serve the wider community. This involves a host bakery, paraments and flag embroidery, and a workshop for textile restoration. Their apostolate includes spiritual guidance. This involves accompanying individual guests. It also includes retreats, discussion groups, and meditation groups. The monastery offers a temporary home. They also provide lectures, publications, and correspondence.
The Benediktinerinnen Köln is part of the German Federation. This federation includes the Benedictine Nuns of the Blessed Sacrament.
As we conclude our visit to the Benediktinerinnen Köln, remember the story of devotion and resilience. This monastery stands as a beacon of faith. It reflects centuries of tradition.