Kloster Werl

Kloster Werl, also known as Kapuzinerkloster Werl in the local language, is a historic monastic site nestled in the picturesque town of Werl in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. This venerable institution has a rich history that spans several centuries, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts, architecture aficionados, and spiritual seekers alike.

The Origins of Kloster Werl

The story of Kloster Werl begins in the mid-17th century. Founded in 1645 by Elector Ferdinand, the original Capuchin monastery was established to bolster Catholic life in the region. The monastery quickly became a significant religious center, especially after Elector Maximilian Heinrich handed over the revered image of the Consoler of the Afflicted to the Capuchins in 1661. This sacred image, originally from the Soester Wiesenkirche, drew countless pilgrims to Werl, bringing not only spiritual significance but also economic prosperity to the town. The Capuchins, who lived a humble life sustained by alms, found their convent thriving with a community of 28 members by 1802, including several French refugees fleeing the French Revolution.

Transformation through the Centuries

The monastery's journey through the 19th and 20th centuries is a tale of resilience and adaptation. Despite the upheavals of the Hessian takeover of the Duchy of Westphalia, the monastery continued to operate, even providing refuge to monks from dissolved Capuchin monasteries in Rüthen and Marsberg. However, the tides turned in 1834 when the Prussian government dissolved Kloster Werl, leading to the departure of the last Capuchins in 1836.

A new chapter began in 1848 when the Franciscans re-established the monastery. The church and monastery buildings, owned by the parish, were maintained by the Franciscans under an agreement that allowed them to use the facilities without paying rent. The Franciscans faced their own trials during the Kulturkampf of the 1870s, when anti-Catholic laws led to their expulsion in 1875. They returned in 1887, resuming their guardianship of the sacred image and the pilgrimage basilica until their departure in 2019.

Architectural Marvels and Modern Developments

The architectural landscape of Kloster Werl has evolved significantly over the years. The original Capuchin monastery buildings were replaced in the early 20th century to make way for the new pilgrimage basilica. By 1904, the new monastery buildings were completed, showcasing a blend of historical and contemporary architectural styles.

In 1908, the Franciscans expanded their facilities by establishing a retreat house in a former residence of the artist Hoffmann, located south of the church. Due to its popularity, a new building was constructed in 1912, designed by the Franciscan brother Quintilian Borren. This retreat house served the community until its closure in 2001, after which it was converted into a residential complex for assisted living in 2005/2006.

Kloster Werl during the Nazi Era

The Nazi period was a challenging time for Kloster Werl. Pilgrimages were increasingly restricted and eventually banned. Despite these oppressive measures, Father Lambert Fester, the pilgrimage leader at the time, managed to keep the pilgrimage activities alive, albeit under difficult circumstances. One poignant story from this era is that of Father Kilian Kirchhoff, whose ashes rest in the crypt of the Franciscan monastery in the Werl Park Cemetery. Denounced by a woman from Kassel, Father Kirchhoff was arrested, tried, and executed by the Nazis in 1944.

A New Era under the Archdiocese of Paderborn

In 2015, the Franciscans announced their intention to leave Kloster Werl by 2019. This early announcement allowed the Archdiocese of Paderborn to plan for the future of the pilgrimage ministry in Werl. The Archdiocese purchased the monastery in 2017, and on September 1, 2019, a new pilgrimage team comprising priests and lay pilgrimage pastoral workers took over. The monastery buildings were transformed into a pilgrimage center between October 2019 and December 2021, housing the administration of church institutions, a pilgrim hostel with about 80 beds, two priest apartments, and the convent of the Ursuline Sisters of Werl.

The Simultaneum of the Monastery Church

Kloster Werl also played a unique role in the religious life of the town's Protestant community. In the early 19th century, Werl was home to about 100 Protestants, primarily Prussian officials. They initially held their services in a chapel on the Gänsevöhde. In 1831, the monastery church was designated for simultaneous use by both Catholic and Protestant congregations. This arrangement, however, led to frequent conflicts over church usage. The Simultaneum was formally dissolved in 1851, and the Protestant community continued their services in the town hall until their own church was completed in 1854.

Today, Kloster Werl stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of faith and community. Its rich history, architectural beauty, and continued role as a pilgrimage center make it a captivating destination for visitors from near and far. Whether you are drawn by its spiritual significance, historical intrigue, or architectural charm, Kloster Werl offers a unique and enriching experience for all who visit.