To Become a Monk - Kloster Einsiedeln

To Become a Monk

It is not sufficient to slip into a monk's habit and to sing "Gloria Patri." He who wants to live as a monk has to renounce possession and family, must be able to integrate himself into a community of persons who did not choose one another. Above all he must "truly seek God," as St. Benedict says. He has to examine himself and to allow himself to be examined.

A Long Way

The person who is interested comes first as a guest. He writes to the guest master, and afterwards he gets into contact with the novice master.

The monastic life is a way of "Seeking God." Anyone who feels religiously motivated and considers joining monastic life can get in contact with the abbey, first for weekends, later for a stay of several weeks, and finally by becoming a candidate for a year. In this way he becomes acquainted with daily monastic life, especially with prayer and work. If the candidate and the abbey think that entrance into the abbey is possible, then a novitiate year will follow. During this year, introductions to the Rule of St. Benedict, to monastic spirituality, to prayer (psalms and meditation), and to community life are offered. If the novice wishes to continue with monastic life, he then takes vows, first for three years. During these years the young monk will either study philosophy and theology or he will work in his craft. If he definitely wants to join the monastic family, he will then take his final vows. Many of the young monks will continue their studies in theology and

pastoral care and will become deacons and priests. Sometimes they will even further their studies or work in a new craft or trade. In community life priests and nonordained monks are considered as equals, apart from sacramental ordination. In a monastery, established by St. Benedict as "a school for the Lord's service," one is always on the way to God, and one never stops learning.
Taking monastic vows means becoming a perpetual member of the community of Einsiedeln. "Stability" is typical of Benedictine monasticism. The monk promises to live a monastic life. He renounces all personal possessions, but the community provides him with all necessities. He renounces marriage and family but is called to a deeper love of God and neighbor. He promises to integrate himself into community life and all its obligations. A Benedictine is characterized by a predilection for times of stillness and tranquillity and a behavior which is cheerful, simple, and discreet. In our century, the servant of God Brother Meinrad Eugster (+1925) led an exemplary Benedictine life; the cause of his beatification is in process.



Guest master: P. Jean-Sébastien Charrière Tel. 055 / 418 62 40 Fax 055 / 418 62 39 E-Mail: Gastpater Novice master: Father Dr. Gregor Jäggi Tel +41 / 55 418 65 22 Mail: Father Dr. Gregor Jäggi