Mehrerau Monastery

Mehrerau Monastery is a historical and religious site located near Lake Constance in Austria. It was founded by Saint Columbanus in the 7th century and later reformed by the Cistercian order in the 11th century. The monastery has a rich history of supporting Catholicism, hosting refugees, and surviving threats of suppression and destruction. It is currently a territorial abbey and cathedral that is directly subordinate to the Holy See.

The Origins of Mehrerau Monastery

The first monastery at Mehrerau was founded by Saint Columbanus, an Irish missionary who traveled across Europe to spread Christianity. He arrived at Lake Constance around 611 and built a monastery after the model of Luxeuil, his previous foundation in France. He also established a convent for nuns nearby. Saint Columbanus died in 615 and was buried at Bobbio, Italy, where he founded his last monastery.

Little information survives on the history of Mehrerau until 1079, when the monastery was reformed by the monk Gottfried, sent by abbot William of Hirsau, a leader of the Cluniac reform movement. Gottfried introduced the Rule of St. Benedict, which emphasized obedience, stability, and community life. He also rebuilt the monastery and the church, which were in a state of decay.

The Cistercian Reform and Expansion

In 1097-98, the monastery was re-settled by monks from Petershausen Abbey near Konstanz, who brought with them the Cistercian reform. The Cistercians were a branch of the Benedictines who followed a stricter interpretation of the rule, focusing on simplicity, austerity, and manual labor. They also wore white habits instead of black, earning them the nickname of “White Monks”.

Under the Cistercian influence, Mehrerau Monastery flourished and acquired much land and property. By the middle of the 16th century, it had the right of patronage for 65 parishes. The monastery also became a center of learning and culture, with a renowned library and scriptorium. Some of the famous manuscripts produced at Mehrerau include the Mehrerau Psalter, the Mehrerau Sacramentary, and the Mehrerau Chronicle.

The Challenges and Crises of Mehrerau Monastery

Mehrerau Monastery faced many challenges and crises throughout its history, especially during the Reformation and the Thirty Years’ War. The monastery was a strong supporter of Catholicism in Vorarlberg, a region that was largely Protestant. In particular, Ulrich Mötz, later abbot, exerted much influence in the Bregenz Forest by his preaching against the spread of religious innovations while he was provost of Lingenau (1515–33).

During the Thirty Years’ War, the monastery suffered from the devastation inflicted by the Swedish troops, who billeted soldiers here and exacted forced contributions. They also robbed the abbey of nearly all its revenues. Nevertheless, the monastery often offered a free refuge to religious expelled from Germany and Switzerland.

The monastery also faced the threat of suppression by the Emperor Joseph II, who launched a series of reforms that aimed to rationalize and secularize the church. In 1786, he issued a decree that ordered the dissolution of Mehrerau and other monasteries that he deemed unproductive or unnecessary. However, Abbot Benedict was able to obtain the withdrawal of the decree, although it had already been signed.

The Modern Era of Mehrerau Monastery

In the 19th century, Mehrerau Monastery entered a new era of revival and expansion. In 1803, the monastery was elevated to a territorial abbey, meaning that it was directly subordinate to the Holy See and not to any local bishop. The abbot of Mehrerau also became a member of the Austrian Bishops’ Conference. In 1804, the monastery received the relics of Saint Verena, a 4th-century Egyptian saint who was venerated in Switzerland.

In 1854, the monastery founded a secondary school for boys, which still operates today. The school is known for its high academic standards and its musical and artistic activities. The monastery also established several daughter houses in Austria, Switzerland, and Hungary. In 1925, the monastery took over the administration of Wettingen Abbey in Switzerland, which had been suppressed in 1841. The combined abbey is officially called Wettingen-Mehrerau.

During World War II, Mehrerau Monastery was used as a prison camp for Polish and Soviet prisoners of war, who were forced to work in the nearby farms and factories. Many of them died from hunger, disease, or execution. After the war, the monastery was investigated for its role in the atrocities, but no charges were brought against the monks. The monastery also hosted many refugees and displaced persons after the war.

The monastery continues to be a vibrant and active community of Cistercian monks, who dedicate their lives to prayer, contemplation, and hospitality. The monastery also engages in various pastoral, educational, and cultural activities, such as hosting Gregorian chant workshops, organ recitals, and choral performances. The monastery also produces its own beer, cheese, and honey, which are sold in the abbey shop.

The Attractions of Mehrerau Monastery

Mehrerau Monastery is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims, who can admire its stunning architecture and artwork, as well as enjoy its tranquil gardens and surroundings. Some of the main attractions of the monastery include:

The Baroque basilica, which was rebuilt in 1738 by the architect Peter Thumb. The basilica features a magnificent facade, a dome, and two towers. The interior is decorated with frescoes, stucco, and paintings by famous artists such as Paul Troger, Franz Anton Maulbertsch, and Johann Georg Bergmüller. The basilica also houses the relics of Saint Verena and the tombs of several abbots.
The library, which contains a vast collection of rare manuscripts, historical texts, and scholarly works. The library dates back to the 12th century and has survived several fires and wars. Some of the highlights of the library include the Mehrerau Psalter, a 12th-century illuminated manuscript of the Psalms; the Mehrerau Sacramentary, a 13th-century liturgical book; and the Mehrerau Chronicle, a 15th-century history of the monastery.
The cloister, which connects the basilica with the monastic buildings. The cloister is a peaceful place where visitors can walk and meditate. The cloister features a fountain, a well, and a sundial. The walls of the cloister are adorned with paintings of the abbots and the saints of the Cistercian order.
The gardens, which surround the monastery and offer a serene and natural setting. The gardens include a rose garden, a herb garden, a fruit orchard, and a bee garden. The gardens also provide a scenic view of Lake Constance and the Alps.

Bregenz, Austria