To become a Benedictine monk, you don’t need to have accomplished anything extraordinary. What matters most is being open to God and willing to serve Him in the community through prayer and work. A fundamental aspect of Benedictine life is the willingness to listen, to make space for the Gospel of Jesus, and to respond generously and consistently to it. The call to monastic life is preceded by the call to be both human and Christian, and it is on this foundation that monastic life is built. In the preface to his Rule, Benedict invites us:
“Behold, in His kindness, the Lord shows us the way of life. So now I address these words to you, whoever you are…”
(RB Prologue 20 and 3)
Those interested in joining our Benedictine community will first experience monastic life as a guest and engage in conversations with experienced monks about both the fulfillment and challenges of monastic life. This is followed by various phases of mutual discernment and getting to know each other.
Search – first as a guest and then as a candidate (for at least 1 year)
By staying here several times as a guest and then for a year as a candidate, you get to know life in the monastery as if you were on a ‘taster course’.
Choose – Novitiate (1 year)
The novitiate is a kind of “apprenticeship and probationary year,” where you gain your first experiences of monastic life and the community gets to know you. During this time, you reflect on whether you are ready to follow God’s calling. Choosing to live in a monastic community also means sharing in its prayer and work, as well as its joys and sorrows.
Stay – profession
In a solemn act of profession, you publicly promise to live as a monk, initially for three years (known as the “temporary profession”) and then for life (the “perpetual profession”). This commitment entails a continual deepening of your life and the pursuit of greater maturity in prayer, work, and engagement with the Word of God.
Requirements for life as a Monk
To enter the convent, you must be at least 20 years old and have completed a vocational training programme or school (specialist secondary school, grammar school or vocational baccalaureate).
Mental, spiritual and physical stability and health and human maturity are further prerequisites for beginning a life as a monk.
Initial contact and further information
If you feel a vocation for life in a monastery, please contact Fr. Ludwig Ziegerer.
Benedictine Monastery
Klosterplatz 2
4115 Mariastein
061 735 11 11
E-mail (Fr. Ludwig Ziegerer)