Franciscan Monastery of Graz

The Franciscan Monastery of Graz is a Roman Catholic male monastery located in the center of the Austrian city of Graz, specifically on the banks of the Mur River in Styria.The organization, known as the Franciscans or the Order of the Minor Friars (Ordo fratrum minorum), was established during the early 13th century.The religious establishment in the city of Graz was the first of its kind.

In the 16th century, following the division of the order, the monastery came under the ownership of the branch known as the Franciscan Observants (OFM). They have maintained ownership of the monastery ever since.The Franziskanerkirche Graz, which is the parish church Graz-Mariä Himmelfahrt today, is located next to the convent building.The parish church of Graz-Mariae Himmelfahrt, located in the deanery of Graz-Mitte, is a monastery church with a remarkable tower. It is also affiliated with the city church of Graz.

The Franciscan Church, located at Franziskanerplatz 16 and Neutorgasse 5, is listed as a historical site. It is accompanied by the Franciscan Monastery and sections of the former city wall.On both sides of the portal, to the north and west, there are small buildings attached to the church. These buildings serve as bars and shops.

History

The initial members of the Franciscan order, who were the first brothers, established in 1210, arrived in Graz approximately between 1230 and 1239.These two brothers, Albert and Marchward, are mentioned in historical documents.In 1241, two years later, the Austrian Friars Minor held their first documented provincial chapter.

In 1517, the main order split into two groups known as conventuals (now called “minorites”) and observants due to a dispute over poverty. As a result, the Graz monastery came under the control of the observant Franciscan reformers from the Viennese order province during the 16th century. The conventuals relocated to Murvorstadt and established a new monastery there between 1607 and 1636, known as the Minoritenkloster, along with the Mariahilferkirche.In 1617, craftsmen and butchers established a neighborhood called the “Kälberne Viertel” (Calf Quarter) near the Franciscan monastery. This historical event took place at the end of the 16th century.

During the 18th century, the monastery successfully avoided dissolution under Emperor Joseph II, who reigned around 1785. They managed to achieve this by assuming responsibility for pastoral care.

The brothers in the community hold daily services in their monastery church, which was designated as a parish church in 1783.The church community in Graz is responsible for the smallest area and number of members. With approximately 1,300 members, their focus is on pastoral care and the training of young Franciscans. Additionally, they oversee the impressive inventory of the central library of the Vienna Franciscan Province.