On almost all building parts of the Bavarian monastery complex, the respective west-facing facades and roofs were severely damaged. Entire rows of windows were pushed in by the storm, and the buildings were exposed to heavy rain without any protection. The basilica and the Zentrum für Umwelt und Kultur (Center for Environment and Culture, ZUK) in the eastern part of the monastery complex were also severely affected. Trees were uprooted and access points were blocked.
"The hail and the storm have caused great damage in the monastery. It will take years to repair everything. The monastery faces a huge task here. We are very grateful for all the help we have received so far," says Fr. Claudius Amann. The former director of the monastery was on site when the storm hit Benediktbeuern on Saturday at around 4:30 pm.
Fr. Heinz Menz, who has been the director of the Salesian community in the Benediktbeuern monastery only since August 15th of this year, is shocked by what happened but glad that nobody was seriously harmed: "As a place of youth, the monastery is naturally also home to many young people who are here to further their education, take a vacation or complete their year of voluntary service. About 45 of them, together with some of our confreres and staff, have been working tirelessly since the last two days to seal windows, sweep up broken glass, clear paths and repair water damage. I have the highest respect for their willingness to help and would like to thank these energetic youth and young adults as well as the employees with all my heart."
Benediktbeuern Monastery looks back on a long history. Benedictines founded the monastery in the 8th century. From 1699, the monastery complex, which still exists today, was built and was acquired by the Salesians of Don Bosco in 1930. Today it unites numerous facilities for theoretical and practical work with young people under one roof.
