Abbot Pius Engelbert: A life between tradition and change in the monastery

Abbot Pius Engelbert: A life between tradition and change in the monastery

Pius Engelbert, who was abbot from the Benedictine monastery Gerleve in Münsterland from 1999 to 2006, died on October 6th at the age of 88. This message was officially announced by his community. Engelbert was not only abbot, but also an internationally recognized professor of church history, whose career and influence extended far beyond the borders of his monastery.

born in Cologne in 1936, he entered the Gerleve Abbey in 1956 and devoted himself intensively to study theology in Rome. After his ordination in 1962, Engelbert took various positions, including as a subprior in Gerleve, before taking over the chair for medieval and recent church history to Sant’anselmo in Rome in 1981. From there he worked until his election to the Abbot in 1999, which marked his third return to Gerleve.

important projects during his term

Engelbert's time as an abbot was characterized by significant changes, including the renovation of the abbey church, which he led in 2004. This redesign included the dismantling of a large Christ mosaic and the installation of a historic crucifixion group from the 13th century. In addition, in 2004 the Abbey celebrated its hundred years of existence and the anniversary of the Diocese of Münster the following year, as historical relics of the Bishop Liudger to Gerleve.

The initiative to redesign the abbey church shows Engelbert's commitment to traditional Catholic heritage, combined with the need to meet modern demands. His pragmatic approach was greatly appreciated by the monks. "He was a humorous and sometimes soulful Cologne man," his community is quoted in a statement. This speaks for the personal note that he brought into his leadership role.

an important scientist and reformer

After his emeritus in 2006, Engelbert continued to be active in academic circles. He once again competed in Rome, where he worked as an archivist of the Abbestprima until 2013. His scientific publications on Benedictine Order and Latin Paleography brought him a high reputation. Engelbert also became known broader when he visited the Benedictine Abbey of Ettal in 2010 on behalf of the Holy Chair.

Pius Engelbert leaves a strong heir that influenced both his monastery and the academic world. "Abbot Pius Engelbert was a lot at the same time," as his brothers describe it. His versatility and ability to make complex church -historical topics understandable will continue to be recognized. In addition to his time as an abbot, Engelbert's commitment to the viewing science and the rich tradition of the Benedictine order remain unforgettable.

His death in the Annenthal Senior Center in Coesfeld marks the end of a remarkable life that was dedicated to the church and science. Further information about his life and work can in a report by www.kirche-und-leben.de can be viewed.