Benedictines leave the Engelthal monastery: move to Bingen!

Benedictines leave the Engelthal monastery: move to Bingen!

The Benedictine Abbey Kloster Engelthal will close its doors in the coming years to move to the Rochusberg near Bingen. This significant step is followed by a year-long advisory process and is closely coordinated with the responsible church and religious committees in Rome. The owner of the monastery complex, the diocese of Mainz, has already signed a declaration of intent with the regional diakonia in Hesse and Nassau, which will lease the monastery system from 2026. It is planned to build a new “Hospiz Wetterau” and thus continue the legacy of Kloster Engelthal in a new form. This decision will have a significant impact on the community and the numerous volunteers who have been closely linked to the monastery over the years. As fnp will take place in autumn 2026, and until then, cultural events such as concerts, exhibitions and readings will continue to take place in the monastery.

Kloster Engelthal has a long history in which twenty Benedictines arrive there on May 1, 1962. Currently, 13 sisters still live in the monastery, the average age of which is 75 years. While two of the sisters live in a nursing home, in view of the invitation of the cross sisters, the community is ready to retire to the former retreat house of the diocese of Mainz. Abbess mother Elisabeth Kralemann has to understand that the community will not grow further and that the living space in the monastery has become too large, which also influenced the decision.

The monastery system and its importance

The historical monastery complex, which goes back to the 13th century, is partly received a new provision. The guest house, which used to serve as a abbess house, remains almost unchanged and is still used by the diocese of Mainz for events. The calm location of the monastery, surrounded by paddocks, orchards and fields, should continue to be attractive for guests. The spirituality of the rule of Benedict shapes life in the monastery every day. Guests have the opportunity to take part in the daily services and use the peaceful atmosphere for retreat and contemplation, so informed Bistum Mainz .

The monastery offers a wide range of premises that can be used for seminars, retreats and group events. This includes five conference rooms that enable flexible use. In addition, a total of 22 rooms, including several double rooms, are available to guests. The monastery kitchen supplies both the guests and the sisters and offers a varied meal.

A look into the future

The move of the Benedictines is an important turning point for the community and the region. In addition to the new use by the regional diakonia, the social and cultural perception of the Engelthal monastery also persists. Until their move, the sisters are still active in the community. Events that are preserved show the commitment and connection of the community with the broader public.

The sisters leave a lasting achievement that was both culturally and spiritually formative for the region. Their move will not only be a change in the physical space, but also represents a thought of changing traditions and places in an always changing world.