Currently 34 monks are part of the benedictine community of Göttweig Abbey.

They see their vocation as following Christ, combined with life in a community. Under the leadership of Abbot Columban Luser, the monks are active in pastoral care (around 30 parishes, retreats, youth, guests, schools and much more), in science and culture and in the monastery's business operations.

The Benedictines see their first task in the daily praise of God.

The choir prayer, the daily Eucharist and the communal table structure the monastery's everyday life.
The abbey church as a place of prayer is also the architectural center of the monastery, which has been a spiritual and cultural center in its surroundings for over 900 years.

The life as a monk is a personal response to the call to follow Christ in a monastic community.

Our religious father, St. Benedict, guides us to a life according to the Gospel, which should lead to “life in abundance”.

Stages of monastic life:

After an initial acquaintance through guest stays in the monastery, first encounters with our community and after the personal decision to examine one's own vocation, the following stages are planned:

Search - Postulate

During the postulancy (about half a year), the postulant gets to know life in a monastery in a kind of “trial apprenticeship” and listen to your own vocation.

Choose - Novitiate

The novitiate is a kind of “probationary year” and begins with the habit. The name of the order and the habit are an expression of belonging to the community.
Life is shared with the community in prayer and work; whereby 
an introduction to the basic practices of monastic life takes place. The aim is to enable the novice to make a personal decision and clarify their vocation.

Stay - Vows

In a solemn act, a monk makes a public promise to live as a monk for a certain period of time (“temporary vows” - at least three years) and then for life (“solemn vows”). This commitment is intended to make life more mature and deeper. Staying should be fruitful.

The “temporary stay in a monastery” is an opportunity to spend a few days in a monastery away from the normal working day: This offer is aimed at men who would like to get to know and experience everyday life in a monastery.

The rhythm of the Benedictine “Ora et labora”, structured by prayer, meditation, work and communal meals, is a new experience for many guests and one that enriches their lives.

For those interested in the monastic path, a “temporary stay in a monastery” also offers the opportunity to “get a taste” of our everyday life for up to a week and to get to know our community.

Göttweig Abbey is enriched by women and men who live “in the world” in spiritual connection with our monastery. Anyone who feels called by God to follow Christ in the spirit of the Rule of St. Benedict in the world can join our Oblate community.

In principle, this offer is open to all Christians, married and unmarried. Admission is only not possible if you already belong to a third order or a similar association.

For further information please contact our Oblate Rector P. Johannes Paul.