David Steindl-Rast Colloquium

Secret of Life. Fascination with David Steindl-Rast OSB
Colloquium on the occasion of Brother David's 100th birthday on Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the Kremsmünster Abbey. On July 12, 2026, the birthday of the monk, spiritual teacher, and widely read author Brother David Steindl-Rast OSB will be celebrated for the 100th time. On this occasion, the colloquium "Secret of Life" on July 10 and 11 at Kremsmünster Abbey aims to honor his century of life and explore the inspiring fascination that Brother David exerts on many people through his books and thoughts. The event is held in cooperation with the European Monastery Gut Aich, where Brother David currently resides.

After the welcome at 4 PM, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Brigitte Kwizda-Gredler (Vienna) will present a biographical sketch of the jubilarian. P. Dr. Johannes Pausch OSB (Gut Aich Monastery) will share his experiences with Brother David. This will be followed by Vespers with the monastic community in the Abbey Church at 6 PM and dinner in the Prelate's Courtyard. A special auditory experience will be the recitation of poems by Rainer Maria Rilke—one of Brother David's favorite authors—by Stefan Wilkening (actor and reciter), alternating with songs performed by Gerard Demattio (British tenor) under the motto "I live my life in expanding circles" at 8 PM. After the evening blessing, the night will conclude with conversation and encounters over a glass of wine in the foyer.

On Saturday, July 11 (Feast of St. Benedict), prayer and music will begin in the Abbey Church at 8:30 AM. Univ.-Prof. DDr. Matthias Beck (Vienna) will speak at 9 AM on "Becoming Human" as an existential dimension of Christianity. Following this, a conversation with Brother David will be led by Dr. Paul Wuthe (editor-in-chief of Kathpress). Representatives of the international networks "Grateful Living" will make visible the reception of Brother David's thoughts that extends far beyond Europe. In the afternoon, various places within the Abbey can be visited and explored in the spirit of the honoree. At 4 PM, a panel discussion on the topic "Faith – for what?" will be held, led by Josef Bruckmoser (Salzburger Nachrichten), featuring theology professors Dr. Isabella Bruckner and Dr. Maura Zatonyi OSB from the Benedictine University Sant’Anselmo in Rome, former Chancellor Dr. Wolfgang Schüssel, and Abbot Dr. Bernhard Eckerstorfer. The solemn conclusion of the colloquium will be the festive mass with the new Archbishop of Vienna, Josef Grünwidl.

Prior registration is required to participate in the colloquium program, which can be done through the Kremsmünster Abbey website; the registration deadline is June 5, 2026. A conference fee of 15 euros per day will be charged, plus separately pre-ordered meals. Accommodation in Kremsmünster or the surrounding area must be booked independently; a list of overnight options can be found through the registration on the Abbey's website. The event can also be followed online on the Abbey's YouTube channel (@stiftkremsmunster7552).

The detailed program and links for registration can be found at: https://www.stift-kremsmuenster.at/aktuelles/geheimnis-des-lebens-faszination-david-steindl-rast-osb