“You cannot buy a vocation for a million dollars,” our Abbess Mother Franziska says. Yes, it is first and foremost a precious gift of God to an individual. The Lord calls at different ages and at different times.

I personally heard His call in my soul first when I was twelve years old. Then again when I was 17. A faithful family and the example of devoted religious sisters and priests in my parish had an inspiring influence. After completing my education and teaching three years I was sure that the longing in my heart to devote my life in a special way to God was real. At the age of 26, I entered Abtei St. Walburg, Eichstaett, the Motherhouse of St. Emma Monastery. It was the best decision I ever made and I never regretted it.

In September 1999, I came to St. Emma Monastery to be novice mistress (formation director) – that means to introduce “newcomers” into the monastic way of life. St. Benedict simply says in his Rule: “A senior chosen for his skill in winning souls should be appointed to look after them with careful attention” (RB 58,6). Winning souls – for whom? For the monastic life? For St. Emma Monastery? I think first of all for Jesus Christ. He should be the only motivation for an entrance, the focus and center of all those who feel drawn to religious life. Then the “narrow way” with all its challenges, difficulties and hardships one experiences at the beginning will become wide. St. Benedict encourages the newcomer in the Prologue of his Rule: “As we progress in this way of life and in faith, we shall run on the paths of God’s commandments, our hearts overflowing with the inexpressible delight of love” (49).

Before a woman enters our monastery, we invite her to spend time with us in prayer, work and community life to discern whether God is calling her to the monastic way of life at our monastery and if she herself is truly seeking God.

The time of formation includes postulancy (one year), novitiate (two years), and temporary vows (three years). It takes about six years to be admitted to solemn vows.

At the end of this time the Sister consecrates herself by solemn vows to God and unites herself forever to her community.

As Benedictines we seek God in prayer, in work and in community. It is truly a wonderful life “to prefer nothing whatever to Christ” (RB72,11) that “in all things God may be glorified” (RB 57,9).