Abbot Pius Engelbert: Heritage of a life full of dedication and wisdom

Abbot Pius Engelbert: Heritage of a life full of dedication and wisdom

The death of Abbot Pius Engelbert, an outstanding representative of the Benedictine Abbey Gerleve, caused grief in the religious community and beyond. The 87-year-old spiritual died on Sunday, October 6th, in the care station of the Annenthal monastery. Engelbert was a central figure in the abbey and shaped the religious and academic life for many decades.

Pius Engelbert, born in Cologne, joined the Benedictine Abbey Gerleve after graduating from high school in 1946. His religious career started seriously with the celebration of his monksprofess on August 4, 1957. The training in philosophy and theology in Gerleve and Rome was crucial for his later role as a teacher and researcher. The professors Jean Leclercq and Kassius Hallinger particularly shaped him there. Engelbert was ordained a priest in 1962 and continued his academic career by completing a two -year training course at the Vatican Archives School.

influential years in Gerleve and Rome

From 1999 to 2006, the Abbot headed the Gerleve Benedictine Abbey. Significant renovation work of the Abbey Church took place during his term in office, under the direction of the Aachen architect Ulrich Hahn, and the crucifixion group from the 13th century was acquired. These events fell together with the 100th anniversary of the abbey survey. Abt Engelbert was also instrumental in organizing the diocese anniversary in 2005, where the relics of the Holy Liudger, the first bishop of Münster, were exhibited in Gerleve for a short time.

Engelbert continued his academic career after completing his 70th year of life in 2006 and ending his term as an abbot. He returned to the Pontifical University of Sant’anselmo, where he worked as an archivist of the Abbestprima until 2013. After returning to the Gerleve Abbey, he continued to devote himself to research and published numerous works on the history of the Benedictine Order and Latin Paleography, which brought him a high reputation for colleagues.

Pius Engelbert was therefore not only a committed priest, but also an estimated historian who significantly shaped the scientific and religious concerns of the Benedictine Ordinance. His humorous character and his artistic streak were inspiration for many and remember warm impressions. His extensive education and deep knowledge in church -historical topics made him a valuable personality within the Benedictine community.

For more detailed information about the life and work of Abbot Pius Engelbert, we refer to the reporting of www.bistum-muenster.de .