Servite Order leaves the monastery: Future of the Karlskirche uncertain!

Servite Order leaves the monastery: Future of the Karlskirche uncertain!

Volders, Österreich - In a surprising turn, the Servite Order gives up its centuries of branch in Volders, Tyrol. The Tyrolean daily newspaper reported on Friday that the entire property, including the historical monastery and the Karlskirche, was transferred to the Institute of Austrian Order (IÖO). This organization will take over the management of the facilities in the future. The monastery is home to the Real- and High school in Volders (Porg), which has been known as a Catholic private school since its foundation in 1961.

The reduction of the presence of the Servite Order is not only explained for administrative reasons. According to Servite Father Martin M. Lintner, the Tyrolean province of the order only counts 20 religious brothers, which makes it impossible to get a convention on site. Four years ago, a brother had left the monastery for health reasons. Now the former monastery rooms are integrated into school. "The last monastery rooms are converted in summer so that we can gain the necessary classrooms," said Porg director Gerhard Waldner.

The Karlskirche - an architectural jewel

The Karlskirche in Volders, consecrated to St. Karl Borromäus, is one of the outstanding Rococa bouks of the region and has a eventful history. The foundation stone was laid in 1620, but the church was only completed in 1654 due to various adversities, including the Thirty Years' War. The structure was characterized by its unique shape with six domes and a striking, semicircular tower, which reflects an oriental influence in architecture, as wikipedia reported.

After extensive renovation work in the 1970s, which became necessary to preserve the church, the Karlskirche was inaugurated in 1988. Despite the painful dissolution of the monastery, the church remains a central place of faith. The pastoral area of Volders continues to take over the services in the Karlskirche. The voluntary support of the former members of the Servite Order remains as long as they are able to do so.