Franziskanerkloster Attendorn

The Franziskanerkloster Attendorn, nestled in the charming town of Attendorn in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a historical gem that invites visitors to step back in time and experience the rich tapestry of its past. Founded in the 17th century by Franciscan Observants, this monastery has witnessed centuries of change, survival, and transformation, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike.

The Foundation and Early Years

The story of the Franziskanerkloster Attendorn begins on September 5, 1636, when the Archbishop of Cologne, Ferdinand of Bavaria, granted the Franciscans of the Thuringian Province permission to establish a monastery in Attendorn. This was a significant development, especially considering the recent re-establishment of the Thuringian Province in 1633 following the Reformation. The local town council agreed to the establishment two years later, with the stipulation that the friars would educate the youth in the liberal arts and Catholic doctrine.

Initially, the Franciscans rented a house within the town, where they set up a chapel and began their educational and religious activities. The construction of a dedicated church and monastery building commenced in 1648 and was completed by 1656. However, due to construction errors, the original church had to be demolished and rebuilt. The new church, designed by the Capuchin brother Ambrosius von Oelde, was consecrated in 1682 by the Auxiliary Bishop of Cologne, Johann Heinrich von Anethan.

Trials and Tribulations

The monastery complex faced numerous challenges over the years. Two devastating fires in 1742 and 1783 destroyed significant portions of the buildings, including the church, monastery, and school. The church was rebuilt between 1784 and 1790 and became the final resting place for many members of the von Fürstenberg family. Despite these hardships, the monastery continued to function, albeit in a reduced capacity, and was reoccupied in 1804.

The secularization of monasteries in the early 19th century brought further changes. In 1822, the city of Attendorn took over the monastery buildings, utilizing them for the municipal Progymnasium, which later evolved into the Rivius-Gymnasium, the town's highest school. The church stood empty until 1838, when it was repurposed as an armory by a Landwehr battalion. It remained without a specific function from 1888 to 1898, until it was rented by Franciscans from the Saxon Province (Saxonia).

Destruction and Rebirth

The 20th century brought new trials for the Franziskanerkloster Attendorn. During World War II, the church was damaged by an air raid in 1945 and subsequently destroyed by a munitions explosion at the end of the war. Despite protests from some citizens, the church was demolished in 1951, and the site was later developed to house the town hall and the headquarters of the Sparkasse Attendorn. Notably, the church portal was preserved and is slated to be reconstructed on the Klosterplatz by 2022.

In 1898, Franciscans from the Saxon Province established a new monastery a few hundred meters north of the original site. This community was elevated to a convent under the leadership of a Guardian in 1931. However, in 1998, the Franciscans left Attendorn due to the declining number of members in the province, marking the end of an era.

The Legacy of the Franciscans

The Franciscans who inhabited the monastery primarily came from families of citizens and farmers from regions such as Sauerland, Eifel, Westerwald, Limburg, Fulda, Utrecht, and the Diocese of Mainz. At its peak in 1783, the convent housed up to 41 individuals. By the time of its dissolution in 1822, the community had dwindled to four priests and four lay brothers.

Education was a central mission of the Franciscans. They provided instruction in the humanities at the Gymnasium Marianum Seraphicum, which they established in 1639. This school offered philosophy and theology studies for students aspiring to join the order from 1647 to 1783. Although the school relocated to the lower rooms of the town hall in 1784, the fratres studentes had already moved to Marienthal the previous year. At its height, the school had up to 60 students, although this number had decreased to 25 by 1803. The new Hessian authorities transformed the Gymnasium into a Bürgerschule (citizens' school) after 1803.

The Modern Era and the Franziskuskreis

With the departure of the Franciscan brothers in 1998, the Franziskuskreis was formed by numerous members of the former Franciscan community. This group continues to promote Franciscan spirituality in Attendorn and beyond through Bible discussions, spiritual weekends, and religious services. They also ensured that the monastery church, built in 1969, remained open initially. However, it was eventually demolished to make way for the Franziskanerhof, a senior citizens' home. To commemorate the church, the 1.5-ton, 8.25-meter-high church spire was placed in the center of a roundabout in the town.

The Franziskanerkloster Attendorn stands as a testament to resilience and adaptation through centuries of change. Its rich history, marked by trials and triumphs, continues to inspire and captivate those who visit this historical site in Attendorn.