Joyful Visit from Neuzelle
Where is Neuzelle, anyway? The town of Neuzelle, with a population of about 6,400, lies south of Eisenhüttenstadt in eastern Germany, near the Polish border. The Neuzelle Abbey is located here and it was re-founded in 2018 after a 200-year interruption, now as a daughter house of the Heiligenkreuz (Holy Cross) Abbey in Austria.
Following a request by the Cistercian monks, there are now also two sisters from the Thuine Franciscans who, since October 2024, have lived there to provide spiritual support through their presence and tounder take tasks in other areas as well.
A Holy Day in a Holy Year
It began in the Temple.
A child entered through a door in the arms of his parents.
They were met by an elderly man and woman.
It was the start of something new.
On Sunday, February 2, 2025, the Church celebrates the mystery of the Child Jesusbeing presented in the Temple by Mary and Joseph forty days after his birth. The storyis a familiar one. In ancient Israel, every first born son was dedicated in a special wayto the service of God.
High-ranking Visitor for the High Feast
Bishop Dr. Dominicus Meier, OSB, at his first official visit to Thuine
On December 9th, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bishop Dr. Dominicus Meier, OSB, visited our Motherhouse for the first time. Superior General Sister Maria Cordis Reiker and a reception committee of additional sisters stood at the entrance to the Motherhouse in the early morning, ready to welcome the bishop and to join him after that for the celebration of a Pontifical High Mass for the occasion of the special feastday in honor of the Mother of God.
“Quo Vadis, Domine?” – A Weekend of Reflection and Community
On October 26 and 27, 2024, eighteen sisters met in House St. Agnes in Thuine for a “Quo Vadis” weekend. The gathering was planned for sisters in Germany who made their perpetual profession of vows within the past twenty-five years. The weekend provided an opportunity to reflect upon Saints Peter and Paul and their significance for religious life.
Returning Home and a New Beginning: Sister M. Bernadette’s Spiritual Journey from Rome to Thuine
Farewells are often difficult (especially from one’s own homeland).
Our Sister M. Bernadette, from America, was able to participate in a year of postgraduate studies in spirituality in Rome in preparation for her new apostolate as Novice Director for our American Province.
Golden and Diamond Jubilees
On September 28, 2024, ten sisters of our Congregation celebrated their Golden or Diamond Jubilee. The celebration began with a festive Holy Mass in the Christ the King Church, celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Johannes Wübbe. Amongst the concelebrants were Fr. Heinz-Jürgen Reker, OFM, who had accompanied the sisters in the retreat leading up to this special day and Fr. Klemens M. Banse, OFM, rector of our Motherhouse church.
Visitation trip to Indonesia ends
On September 2, 2024 our Superior General, Sister Maria Cordis Reiker, returned from Visitation of our Province St. Joseph in Indonesia and Timor-Leste.
Following God’s Call
In the last few weeks, we have been able to share in the joy of our Provinces as many sisters took their next steps in religious life.
Festivities for the 150th Anniversary of the Death of Pastor Gerhard Dall
“God does nothing but provide.” With these words, Father Schöneich summarized what the parishioners and the sisters were able to experience with great joy and deep gratitude during the anniversary celebrations on the 150th anniversary of Father Gerhard Dall's death. At the same time, it captures the essence of what profoundly shaped Mother M. Anselma Bopp, the foundress of our Congregation, and Father Gerhard Dall in their thoughts and actions, even in the most difficult times: unconditional trust in God's fatherly care in everything. Those celebrating were able to experience this in many different ways during the jubilee days.
We bid farewell to Sister Margaretha Maria
On 15 June 2024, our former Superior General, Sister Margaretha Maria Brand, passed away after a serious illness, accompanied by the prayers of her fellow sisters. She was 80 years old and in the 55th year of her religious profession. She led the congregation as Superior General for 24 years and served as a General Council Sister for a further six years.