Invitation to meet Mary

In 2026, two significant events in the history of Mariastein Monastery will reach their 100th anniversary. On August 15, 1926, the monastery church was granted the honorary title of Papal Basilica Minor, and the painting of the Virgin Mary was solemnly crowned. A century later, the monastic community feels the need to reflect on these events. However, even more important than looking back is the process of self-assurance: What does Mary mean to us today, and how can we guide the pilgrimage site of Mariastein into the future?
The Benedictines have formed an organizing committee to plan and execute events in 2026 under the theme ‘Invited by Mary.’ The committee members include Philipp Staub from Kleinlützel, a technical consultant and church volunteer; Kilian Karrer, Mariastein pilgrimage employee; Annette Jäggi from Basel, legal service representative of the Basel church; Carole Imboden Deragisch from Riedholz, theologian and federal president of the youth organization Jungwacht Blauring; Mariano Tschuor, project manager for Mariastein 2025; and Father Ludwig Ziegerer, pilgrimage director. The committee is co-chaired by Carole Imboden Deragisch and Annette Jäggi.