Klosterkirche Mehrerau: Monks and relics return after renovation!

Klosterkirche Mehrerau: Monks and relics return after renovation!

The Cistercian's monastery church in the Mehrerau shines again in new splendor after one year of renovation. With an investment volume of around three million euros, not only the structure and acoustics of the church, which was opened in 1964, were improved, but also recruited historical relics of significant saints. Father Maurus describes relics as "lively testimonies of faith". These central spiritual objects are considered role models that show the believers how they can lead their lives to achieve their goals, said Father Prior Henrik. On March 23, 2025, the result of this extensive rehabilitation work was ceremoniously inaugurated, which is a big moment for Abbot Vinzenz Wohlwend: "I am very happy that we did this stage."

A new beginning for Father Prior Henrik

The story of Father Prior Henrik is inextricably linked to the Mehrerau. After a long journey from Croatia, he first came to the monastery in 1998, where he was introduced to the monastic community by Abbot Kassian. Despite a promising career as director of the Croatian Historical Institute, the longing for a life of simple and spiritual belonging in the monastery increasingly strengthened. According to Mehrerau.at he found his destiny at the tomb of St. Antonius in Padua, which led to his return to Bregenz in 2016. There he took on responsible tasks in the monastery and was finally elected prior in 2018.

Father Henrik feels his task as a prior not only as responsibility towards his brothers, but also as an opportunity for inner change. "For the needs of interpersonal relationships and spirituality, I need the space of silence that the monastery offers me," he says. The monastery Mehrerau, now revitalized and reinforced by the return of its monks and the important relics, is ready to face new challenges and to open up for future generations.