Excitement in the Cistercian pencil: Apostolic visitation published!
Excitement in the Cistercian pencil: Apostolic visitation published!
Heiligenkreuz, Österreich - On June 19, 2025, it became known that an apostolic visitation was ordered in connection with the Heiligenkreuz Cistercian Abbey, located in the Baden district near Vienna. This measure was sent to Abbot Maximilian
The apostolic visitation aims to gain a detailed picture of the situation of monastic life and the management of the abbey. The Vatican will understand the visitation as an expression of benevolent support and hopes to promote the sustainable development of the monastery.
Investigations and allegations
As part of these developments, the pen filed criminal complaint for bad recovery and defamation after receiving anonymous writing. These letters raise serious allegations, including coercion, abuse and internal disputes in the reproduction of positions. The State Criminal Police Office Lower Austria has initiated the investigation in this complex case, with the manager, Stefan Pfandler, described the case as "very opaque".
The public prosecutor's office in Wiener Neustadt directed its investigation against unknown perpetrators for attempted coercion and defamation. General abbreviation Jeremias Schröder was commissioned by the Benedictines and Sr. Christine Rod for the apostolic visitation.
goals of the visitation
The apostolic visitation has several focuses, which include the examination of the management style and the leadership behavior of the abbot, among other things. The handling of the accusations of abuse and other serious misconduct is also examined. The aim is to evaluate procedures for distinguishing appeals as well as training and training within the community.
The Cistercian Abbey Heiligenkreuz, which has existed since it was founded in 1133, sees the visitation as a possibility of renewal and growth in order to be able to serve better for the church. The monks see the instructions of the Holy Chair as support and not as punishment.
transparency and outlook
The pen has guaranteed that it is fully transparent in the investigation and the visitation. Nevertheless, the exact background of the visitation are unclear at the current time. Archbishop Franz Lackner indicates the papal secret that applies in these cases.
The apostolic visitation is carried out as a routine examination in a time when the monastery has received numerous vocations and still plays an important role in the monastic life of Austria. In addition to the spiritual aspect, the Heiligenkreuz University of Applied Sciences, which acts as a conservative alternative to state theological faculties, tries to expand further academic offers.
Visits to the monastery as well as other activities, such as prayer and spiritual consultations, are available daily for the public. The monastery gate is open and it is possible to leave prayer concerns.
The situation around the Heiligenkreuz Abbey remains exciting and is still being observed closely by the police and the Roman Catholic Church.
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| Ort | Heiligenkreuz, Österreich |
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