Meeting House
The Admont Monastery’s Meeting House in Graz was ceremoniously opened on 6 October 2002 after only one year’s building time.
Diocesan Bishop Dr. Egon Capellari blessed the house and expressed his delight that the Monastery had once more strengthened its presence in Graz through the construction of this “Admont Estate II”, as he called it. Former Provincial Governor Waltraud Klasnic and the Mayor of Graz Siegfried Nagl also greeted the many guests present. The house in Johann-Fux-Gasse is intended as a meeting centre in Graz and as a link between the foundation and the city.
The Monastery began construction of the Graz meeting centre in October 2001. Planners were the Graz architect firm Wallner and Scgemitsch. “This house was set up as a place for meetings between our house and the Provincial capital,” as Abbot Bruno Hubl expressed it. These times of change make new demands on pastoral care. The Meeting House should represent a new, adequate form of the service to one’s fellowmen practised by the Admont Benedictines for over 900 years.
In addition, the demands of art and culture should also be served by this house. For hundreds of years the Benedictines have had a special place in cultural life. Following this tradition, this meeting centre will be used for exhibitions, concerts, lectures and readings. Moreover, it should also serve as a link to Admont Monastery and offer information about the presentations and activities of the foundation.
Student lodgings
The new building complex also offers lodgings for 8 students, situated in the lower area of the house. One of Admont Monastery’s concerns is the pastoral care of those studying in Graz and to help them on the way in their search for God.
History
For over 900 years there has been a close relationship between the Upper Styrian foundation and the Provincial capital. A few dates: at its foundation in 1074 Admont Monastery received possessions in the present area of the city (St. Martin). The Admont estate lying in the Graz town centre was first mentioned in documents in 1303, but it had been acquired about 1280. In 1935 the Admont estate had to be sold for economic reasons. A close contact between Graz and Admont has once again been set up with the meeting centre.
The head of the house, the Admont monk P. Egon Homann OSB, is available for talks and serves as contact person between the foundation and the city.
contact:
Begegnungszentrum Benediktinerstift Admont
Verein zur Förderung der studierenden Jugend
Johann-Fux-Gasse 16
A-8010 Graz
rektorat@hausderbegegnung.or.at
Tel.: +43 (0) 316/32 54 31-0
Fax: +43 (0) 316/32 54 31-50
P. Egon Homann O.S.B.
p.egon@hausderbegegnung.or.at
mobil: +43 (0) 664/34 28 705
http://www.hausderbegegnung.or.at/
