Abbot Gregor Henckel-Donnersmarck: A life for faith and culture

Abbot Gregor Henckel-Donnersmarck: A life for faith and culture

On the evening of Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, Gregor Henckel-Donnersmarck, the altar of the Heiligenkreuz Abbey, died at the age of 82. His death took place as a result of a long -term cancer that he had endured bravely. In his last hours he was in the circle of his brothers and had previously received the holy sacraments, as Stift-heiligenkreuz.org.

Henckel-Donnersmarck was born on January 16, 1943 in Wroclaw, Silesia, as Ulrich Henckel-Donnersmarck. After the Second World War, he grew up in Franconia and Carinthia after his family had fled. Before he entered the Heiligenkreuz Abbey in 1977, he had a successful career in the private sector at the Great Spediteer Schenker, whereby he developed the ability to master organizational and human-leading tasks in his later life path, such as [the press] (https://www.diepresse.com/19600063/Altstegor-henckel-donnersmarck- died) Notice.

spiritual leadership and influence

After his ordination in 1982, Henckel-Donnersmarck took over various significant offices, including as a prior in the pen and as the national director of the papal mission works in Austria. In 1999 he was elected 67th Abbot of the Heiligenkreuz Abbey and had this office until his resignation in February 2011 for reasons of age, which noe.gv.at is shown in detail.

His term of office was shaped by numerous important events. A highlight was the visit of Pope Benedict XVI. In 2007. Likewise, the Heiligenkreuz University of Applied Sciences was raised to a University of Applied Sciences Papal Right, which is an important step for the educational institution. In addition, the popular Chant CDs, which presented Gregorian music, ensured a great popularity of the abbey.

a legacy of charity

The Governor of Lower Austria, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, praised Henckel-Donnersmarck as a "great personality and man of faith", who significantly shaped both the Heiligenkreuz Abbey and the country. She praised his tireless work for the community and the faith that will live on in the hearts of many people. He was elected Abbot on his baptism and died on the evening of Easter Sunday, which is to be interpreted as a significant sign for many.

The burial of Gregor Henckel-Donnersmarck will take place on April 30, 2025 at 2 p.m. at the local cemetery. Previously, on April 29 at 8 a.m., his coffin will be welcomed to the "old gate" in the courtyard of the pen and laid out there. A condolence book is launched for its mourners, and the monastery gate will be open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. to enable people to say goodbye.