On December 30, 2013 the Sisters Adorers of the Royal Heart of Jesus officially took possession of Kloster Maria Engelport in southwestern Germany. The monastery, which had been in the possession of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, had been threatened with closure, as it was no longer able to be supported by the aging Order which had occupied the buildings for 110 years.
Average age under 30
In sharp contrast, the Sisters Adorers are a young community, based in Gricigliano, in the Provence of Florence, Italy. Today their Sisters are present in Germany, France, Ireland, Sweden, the U.S. and other countries. The average age in the Order is far below thirty; the Sisterhood has many vocations. Their Motto is In Corde Regis (‘In the Heart of the King’).
Kloster Maria Engelport has also been established as a temporary novitiate for the fast-growing Order, where young women can spend time discerning their vocation.
Kloster Maria Engelport has also been established as a temporary novitiate for the fast-growing Order, where young women can spend time discerning their vocation.
Celebrating Mass in the Extraordinary Form
The Sisters’ spiritual needs are attended by a Chaplain from their brother Order, the The Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest (ICKSP) or in German, Institut Christus Köenig und Hoherpriester. They are spiritually and materially supported by the Institute and Canon Karl Lenhardt take care of the liturgy and the administration, with oblates of the Institute available for help with practical work.
As of January 2, 2014 the Mass in the Extraordinary Form is being celebrated at Kloster Maria Engelport, and the Mass is open to all. The Sisters also maintain the daily adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from morning until evening, to which all are invited. The Church’s Liturgy of the Hours is sung daily with Lauds (Morning prayers) and Vespers (Evening Prayer) in Latin. With the permission of the Bishop of Trier, the Sisters at the monastery of Maria Engelport will maintain it as a place of worship and pilgrimage.
Rich history of Engelport
The coming of the Sisters Adorers is another chapter in the rich history of this Monastery. In 1794, it was a refuge for the Premonstratensian Fathers (Norbertines) fleeing before the wrath of Napoleon’s troops.
The Sisters are taking possession of the monastery at a critical juncture in German Catholic history. At a time when many German monasteries are being closed, without the Sisters Adorers Engelport had also been threatened with closure. Now the Sisters Adorers are keeping this place of pilgrimage alive for all.
Mother Marie-Caroline Says: “We look forward to working with the people of the Mosel and Hunsrück.” There are already more plans for the future, because the sisters want to be there for the people. (citation?)
Open to all
Mass times at Engelport remain largely unchanged: Church, church services and holy images are also open in the future for all. Similarly, the monastery shop will remain open.
For inquiries, the telephone number is country code 49, then 02672 / 915 750 and you can view their website here
