A special record was set at this year’s summer staff party at Hegne Abbey: a total of 495 years of service were celebrated. The honorees have served the monastery for between 10 and 40 years and, through their hard work, dedication, and teamwork, have shaped the monastery’s facilities over many years.
“You are the salt of the earth”
The staff celebration began with a festive opening ceremony in the crypt of Hegne Monastery. It was organized by Laura Eisenhauer, Fridolin Roelcke, Nina Bürkle, and Kathrin Weber. The focus was on the symbol of salt. Even in ancient times, salt was considered a precious commodity that not only seasoned food but also purified it and preserved it.
Drawing on the Bible verse “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13), the importance of each individual employee to the community was emphasized. Just as a single grain of salt is not enough to give a dish the necessary flavor, so too in our daily work, true strength comes only through the collaboration of many people.
The spiritual reflection was accompanied by two songs: “Mutig, stark, beherzt” by Timo Böcking and Gloria Gogröf, and the Finnish folk song “Ilta pimenee” (choral). The Finnish canon, in particular, provided a moving, goosebump-inducing moment and visibly touched those in attendance. Afterward, Provincial Superior Sister Susanne expressed her gratitude to the staff and conveyed her personal appreciation for their daily dedication.
Honoring Employees Celebrating Work Anniversaries
This was followed by a ceremony honoring those celebrating anniversaries from the various institutions. Constanze Ott presented the awards on behalf of the Marianum; Christoph Kurt Strobel on behalf of Hotel St. Elisabeth; Florian Lowenberg on behalf of the Maria Hilf Nursing Home; and Prof. Dr. Florian Kluger on behalf of the Foundation (Theodosius Academy), the directly managed facilities, and the administration. As a token of appreciation for their many years of loyalty, the honorees received summer bouquets.
Afterward, all employees were invited to a get-together at the Marianum. Amid tropical temperatures, cold dishes and refreshing drinks provided the perfect refreshment. In keeping with the theme of the presentation, each employee received a small packet of salt as a symbol of community and solidarity.
A summery atmosphere and a spirit of sportsmanship
As the festively decorated schoolyard filled with summery palm trees, flamingos, and colorful accents, the lively atmosphere spilled right out from the crypt. A cocktail bar serving non-alcoholic drinks infused with rosemary from the Marianum garden created a vacation-like atmosphere. Colorful cocktail umbrellas rounded out the summery ambiance.
Before dinner, Constanze Ott introduced the evening’s program. In addition to team games and dancing, the highlight of the program was a table soccer tournament. In keeping with the current World Cup, numerous teams of two competed against each other.
The Marianum organizers showed up wearing Germany jerseys and invited the guests to form teams. Enthusiastic, competitive sisters and motivated staff members competed against each other with a twinkle in their eyes. The sisters cheered on their game pieces and fought their way through the rounds alongside their teammates. Others cheered on their teams and loudly kept score.
In the final, the “Eintracht Stuttgart” team, featuring Valentin Gairhos and Wolf Krüger, ultimately prevailed over the “Kickers Allensbach” team, featuring Theresa Rieple (FSJ) and Adrian Kaiser (student teacher). After a nail-biting final, Constanze Ott presented the championship trophy to Valentin Gairhos and Wolf Krüger of the “Eintracht Stuttgart” team amid thunderous applause. The thrilling final provided excellent entertainment and delighted participants and spectators alike.
A Community That Brings People Together
Well into the evening, everyone laughed, celebrated, and fostered a sense of community together. The staff party demonstrated once again just how much strength lies in a strong community—true to the theme of the keynote message: Many individual grains come together to form the salt that adds flavor to the whole.
