How about stepping back in time to 1258 when two Augsburg women founded a religious house? That humble beginning blossomed into what we know today as the Kloster der Franziskanerinnen von Maria Stern. This is a monastery of Franciscan sisters. It sits nestled in Augsburg’s old town.
The Kloster der Franziskanerinnen von Maria Stern stands between Sterngasse and the Mittleren Lech. The Vordere Lech flows beneath it. Imagine that hidden flow of water beneath this historic place.
Initially, the community was simply known as “zum Stern”. The name Maria was added later. The sisters sought a life devoted to God. They were deeply influenced by the Franciscans. In 1315, they officially adopted the Franciscan rule.
During the Reformation, the city council urged the sisters to convert to Lutheranism. Most sisters remained loyal to their faith. Anna Krölin led them. She helped the Kloster der Franziskanerinnen von Maria Stern experience a revival. The Sternkirche was built. It has a unique onion dome.
In 1803, secularization led to the Kloster der Franziskanerinnen von Maria Stern’s dissolution. But the sisters were allowed to stay until their death. King Ludwig I later restored the Kloster der Franziskanerinnen von Maria Stern. He wanted sisters to teach young girls. The Kloster der Franziskanerinnen von Maria Stern transformed. It became an active apostolic community.
Oberin M. Salesia Ellersdorfer started new branches across Bavaria in 1855. Sternschwestern assisted in various social fields. They worked in schools, orphanages, and hospitals. They aided girls.
During the Nazi era, the sisters faced challenges. Generaloberin M. Josefine Lederer sent teachers to Brazil in 1938. They cared for the poor there. Today, a province exists in Brazil.
In 1944, bombs destroyed the Kloster der Franziskanerinnen von Maria Stern. After World War II, the sisters helped refugees. The schools reopened. The community embraced Franciscan spirituality after the Second Vatican Council. They faced declining numbers. Some branches closed.
Today, the sisters serve in parishes. They pray in the Mutterhaus. They support the mission in Brazil. In 1998, a branch opened in Mosambik.
The Kloster der Franziskanerinnen von Maria Stern’s story is one of faith. It is a story of resilience. It began with two women. Their light continues to shine. The sisters persistently seek God like the star. They pray for the world. They embody the love. They share peace.