Beyond the Walls: Life as a Protestant Abbess in Germany
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A centuries-old institution is redefining expectations, as the director of a German monastery revealed the surprisingly modern realities of her role during a recent public lecture. Around 20 attendees gathered for coffee and cake at the Celle City Library on Lauensteinplatz to hear Simone Dannenfeld, the abbess of the Wienhausen monastery, discuss her work.
Dispelling Monastery Myths
“Forget everything you have seen about monasteries on television!” Dannenfeld reportedly told the audience at the “Common Round – Exciting Hour” event. The expectation of a mystical, cloistered existence was quickly replaced with a picture of a busy administrator. While the former Cistercian monastery, founded in the 13th century, remains a place for reflection, the abbess’s daily life is largely focused on practical matters.
According to event organizer Daniela Schultz, attendees initially anticipated “something mystical.” However, Dannenfeld’s experience is far removed from the popular image. Her responsibilities include managing emails, negotiating employment contracts, and overseeing the monastery’s land and forestry business. “The day never looks the way you planned it,” she explained, a stark contrast to her previous 16 years as a teacher at the Lachendorf high school. “But it’s very varied, and that’s very nice!”
A Community Seeking New Members
The Wienhausen monastery, a legally independent institution supported by the Hanover Monastery Chamber established after the Reformation in the 16th century, is actively seeking new residents. A lighthearted question from the audience – “Is there a gym in the monastery?” – underscored the modern expectations some have for communal living. (The answer, unsurprisingly, was no.)
Currently, Dannenfeld lives with five other women in the historic Vienna building. Prospective residents should be aware that accommodations are spacious – “not a little room,” the abbess emphasized – and applicants must be Protestant, single, and under the age of 65. Interestingly, a recent application from an individual seeking to become a nun demonstrated a misunderstanding of life within a Protestant monastery.
Preserving History and Welcoming Visitors
The Protestant Women’s Convention plays a vital role in showcasing the monastery’s rich artistic heritage, including a renowned collection of 14th and 15th-century Gothic tapestries, through guided tours.
Upcoming Event at Celle City Library
The Celle City Library will host another “Joint Round” event on Thursday, March 5th, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Local author Dagmar Westphal, a Celle native, will present readings from her poetry collections. The event is free and open to the public; registration is available by phone at (05141) 12 42 00 or via email at [email protected].
