The Cistercian monks established in Neuzelle, in the German state of Brandenburg, have finally begun the works on their provisional monastery. On Monday, the symbolic act of laying the first stone took place at Bernhardshof, in the Treppeln neighborhood, after eight years of waiting marked by administrative and urban planning difficulties.
According to Katholisch.de, the old agricultural complex, now in a state of ruin, will be transformed into a provisional monastery with capacity for up to fourteen monks. The planned investment amounts to about six million euros.
A growing community
The prior of the convent, Father Simeon, ironically recalled the difficulties of the process: in Brandenburg —he stated— “the obstacles to overcome are especially tough.” The community was reestablished in Neuzelle in 2017 by the Bishop of Görlitz, Monsignor Wolfgang Ipolt, with the arrival of six monks from the Austrian abbey of Heiligenkreuz.
Since then, the community has grown. Currently, eight solemnly professed monks, one novice in training, and three candidates reside in Neuzelle, although the old presbytery where they lived has clearly become too small.
A provisional monastery for fourteen monks
The delay in the construction of the definitive monastery, planned under the patronage of Maria Friedenshort on land that belonged to the former Stasi, led the community to acquire Bernhardshof in 2023 as a provisional solution. This space will later serve as a guesthouse.
The subprior, Father Kilian, explained that the new building will have an enclosure for fourteen monks. An old agricultural shed will be converted into a chapel; the main house will house offices and guest rooms; and an old stable will be adapted as a kitchen and refectory. Although most of the costs are already covered, the project still partly depends on donations.
Liturgical life and pastoral care
If the deadlines are met, the works will be completed for the feast of Saint Bernard, next August 20. From then on, the monks will celebrate the prayer of the Divine Office there, receive visitors, and offer pastoral care.
The Baroque church of the Neuzelle monastery will continue to host the daily Mass, as well as celebrations for pilgrims and periodic meetings with young people. In addition, the Cistercian community provides pastoral care to the Catholic parish of Neuzelle and Eisenhüttenstadt and will soon also assume spiritual care in the town of Guben.