News from Mariawald

Mariawald Abbey, the German Trappist abbey which last year had received the privilege conceded by the Holy Father of a complete return to the Liturgy and the Observance in use in the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (Trappists) until 1963/64, announces that this Wednesday 23 September took place the first clothing of a novice according to the old use:

Clothing of Brother Maria Dominicus

One of our three postulants was clothed on 23 September in the traditional rite "Ordo ad recipiendum Novitias".

For him, now begins the two-year novitiate, during which he shall grow more and more into the monastic life.

For the many graces of God, which the Mary the Mother of Sorrows deals out to us at this time, we are very grateful, and we feel confirmed on our path of Tradition, which our Pope Benedict XVI has encouraged us to pursue.

We continue to trust in the Divine assistance, and ask you for your zealous prayer for Brother M. Dominicus and for our other candidates and enquirers so that they may walk honestly and humbly towards the Lord.

The abbot and the monks of Mariawald

Mariawald presently celebrates the centenary of its erection as a Trappist abbey. The celebrations begin on Sunday and culminate on the anniversary proper, this coming Tuesday, Feast of St. Michael the Archangel, with a Pontifical Mass celebrated by the abbot, Dom Josef Vollberg.