WMU: Monasticism in Europe- Germany and Austria (Faculty-led)

Program OverviewThe program will be based in three locations:  Heiligenkreuz Abbey, outside of Vienna, Austria; Passau and Marienrode Abbey near Hildesheim, Germany.  Students will have the opportunity to live on the monastery grounds at Heiligenkreuz (Cistercian men’s foundation) and Marienrode (Benedictine women’s foundation) and attend holy hours. In Passau, the group is planned to be hosted in the former monastic quarters of the Cathedral.  In each case, the location offers the opportunity to observe how masses are performed, hear a variety of interpretations of religious music, observe the way in which the buildings and environment contribute to the life of the community, and see artwork from various periods in the history of each institution. 

Interested? Start by sending Professor Susan Steuer an email and telling her that.  Her email is [email protected]
She will put you on the list for trip information and updates.

Accommodation for Disabilities/Special Needs:
Any student with a documented disability (e.g., physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact Disability Services for Students at (269) 387-2116 at the beginning of the semester.  A disability determination must be made by this office before any accommodations are provided by the instructor.  For more information, go tohttp://www.wmich.edu/disabilityservices/. 

Notes:

• This course involves interacting and living with professed Catholic religious.  Participants should be open-minded toward this religious perspective and prepared to engage in respectful and thoughtful conversations related to Christianity and Catholicism.


• Students will be staying in and visiting buildings which were originally constructed as early as the twelfth century.  These buildings are historic and have not been altered for increased accessibility for individuals with limited mobility.  Students will need to be able to climb stairs and hills, as well as walk and stand for periods of time.  


• Dietary restrictions are difficult to accommodate. Flexibility is required for vegetarian and vegan diets. Students with allergies to soy, peanuts, wheat, or seafood must discuss options with the faculty director.


• Internet access and access to laundry facilities inside monastery grounds may be limited.