Pilgrimage for the 900th anniversary: ​​In the footsteps of St. Norbert!

Pilgrimage for the 900th anniversary: ​​In the footsteps of St. Norbert!

ROT AN DER ROT - In 2026 there will be a very special anniversary in Rot am der Rot: then it will be the 900th anniversary of the founding of the Premonstratensian monastery by St. Norbert. In order to work towards this event, 45 pilgrims from the Rot-Iller pastoral care unit went on a pilgrimage that led them in the footsteps of the Premonstratensians.

The trip began with a visit to the magnificent Asam Basilica in Osterhofen, a former Premonstratensian monastery church. Here the pilgrims celebrated a moving service and had the opportunity to admire the artistic frescoes depicting the life of St. Norbert. The artistic design of the basilica impressed everyone present and created a spiritual atmosphere.

Stations of the pilgrimage

After this first stage, the path continued to the Mühlviertel in Upper Austria, where the Schlägl Premonstratensian Canons' Monastery was on the program. The group moved into their quarters in the monastery's own seminar center and had the privilege of visiting the collegiate church with Abbot Lukas. The treasury and the monastery library were also visited, which provided valuable insights into the history and cultural heritage of the order.

The first day ended with vespers, celebrated together with the monastery convent, and a tasty dinner. The next day, the pilgrims made a detour to the beautiful baroque city of Passau, where they celebrated Holy Mass under the famous image of grace in the “Maria Hilf” pilgrimage church. It was interesting to learn that a copy of this picture can be found in Schwendi.

The city tour and a boat trip on the three rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz gave the pilgrims impressive views and lasting memories. Back in Schlägl there was the opportunity to explore the in-house brewery and take part in a beer tasting. A beer menu in the Stiftskeller rounded off the second day perfectly.

The farewell and the destination Altötting

After a strengthening breakfast, Abbot Lukas said goodbye to the group with moving words: “Let your soul and body be well!” True to this motto, the pilgrims set off for the next and final pilgrimage destination: Altötting. Here the pilgrims had plenty of opportunity to explore the various churches and pause at the miraculous image of the Black Madonna. A visit to the grave of St. Brother Conrad was also part of the program.

The devotion in the Chapel of Grace, accompanied by the wonderful singing of Susanne Nestel, left a lasting impression on the pilgrims. The final mass then took place in the Church of St. Magdalena before the participants began their journey home with many beautiful impressions and, as Abbot Lukas wished, strengthened in soul and body.

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