Perhaps you seek a place of quiet reflection? The Benediktinerinnenkloster Osnabrück stands before you. It is a sanctuary of peace in the heart of the city.
For over 160 years, the Benediktinerinnenkloster Osnabrück has been a spiritual center. The sisters follow the teachings of Saint Benedict and Mother Mechtilde de Bar. They live a life of prayer and work. Their days are filled with “Lectio Divina”. This is the prayerful reading of scripture.
The history of the Benediktinerinnenkloster Osnabrück is quite interesting. The Kloster der Ewigen Anbetung was originally founded in 1841. It was in Saint-Omer, near Lille. In 1854, the sisters came to Osnabrück at the invitation of Weihbischof Carl Anton Lüpke. They first resided at Kamp Nr. 5 and then at Neuer Graben Nr. 10. By 1859, the Kloster was elevated to a priory.
From 1854 to 1865, the sisters ran a school for girls. King Georg V of Hanover visited it in 1862. He was known to be quite fond of France.
However, the Kloster’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. In 1869, they settled in Eisleben. They occupied the medieval Kloster Neu-Helfta. During the Kulturkampf, both Klöster were forced to leave Germany in 1875. They went into exile in Oldenzaal, Netherlands. The Kloster in Oldenzaal existed until 1967.
After the Kulturkampf, some sisters returned to Osnabrück. They did not go back to Eisleben. They built a new Kloster on the site of the former “Nobbenburg”. The new Benediktinerinnenkloster Osnabrück was occupied in 1899. An extension was added in 1910. In 1904, three sisters from the Kloster Boulogne-sur-Mer chose Osnabrück as their place of exile. They never returned to Boulogne.
During the years 1942 to 1944, bombings rendered the Kloster uninhabitable. Sadly, two sisters lost their lives. Thanks to the support of Bishop Wilhelm Berning and Kaplan Helmut Hermann Wittler, the Kloster was rebuilt.
Today, the sisters support themselves through various crafts. They bake Hostien and create artistic candles. They also have a Paramentenwerkstatt. Currently, there are 16 nuns living at the Benediktinerinnenkloster Osnabrück.
The Benediktinerinnenkloster Osnabrück also supports people in need. They provide food to those facing financial hardship. They rely on donations to continue this important work.
If you are a woman considering a life as a nun, the sisters offer support. You can live with them for a time. You could participate in courses such as “Jesus ruft – Benediktinisches Leben im Stadtkloster”. There is also the “Die eigene Lebensaufgabe finden” course.
The Benediktinerinnenkloster Osnabrück stands as a testament to faith. It shows resilience and dedication. As you leave this place, carry with you the spirit of peace. Remember the enduring power of prayer and community.