Renovation of Monastery in Wettenhausen Completed

The renovation work at the monastery in Wettenhausen has been completed after three years. The repairs focused on the roof structure, water pipes, and stucco ceilings, which were necessary due to deteriorating roof parts and rotten beams. Augsburg's Bishop Bertram Meier celebrated a pontifical mass to mark the completion of the renovation, attended by the Dominican nuns.

The restoration efforts included significant improvements to the cloister building, which faced critical issues such as the risk of historical stucco ceilings collapsing. The renovations involved restoring the roof structure and covering, renewing all electrical and plumbing installations, and updating sanitary facilities. Historical wooden floors were restored from PVC coverings, windows were enhanced for energy efficiency, and extensive fire safety measures were implemented. The south tower was converted into a stair and escape tower.

The total cost of the renovation amounted to approximately twelve million euros. About ninety percent of this funding was provided through public and church subsidies. The federal government contributed more than five million euros, while the Diocese of Augsburg provided around three million euros. Additional funds were supplied by the Free State, the Swabian district, the Günzburg district, and the Kammeltal municipality. The religious community itself is responsible for approximately 1.2 million euros of the costs.

Bishop Meier emphasized the importance of keeping the monastery doors open to all interested individuals, encouraging the nuns to invite others into prayer and the understanding of God. He remarked on the need for personal faith testimonies to be complemented by catechesis for people of various ages who are newly engaging with faith.

The Wettenhausen Monastery has been documented since around 1130, although it was likely established in the late 10th century. It was transformed into a baroque complex in the 17th century and has been home to Dominican nuns since 1865. The Diocese of Augsburg is one of the largest in Germany, with just under 1.1 million Catholics, and is the second largest in Bavaria based on membership and financial strength, covering approximately 13,700 square kilometers.