On October 19, 2022, 21 employees of the Hegne Monastery Foundation, the monastery, and its affiliated institutions set out for Ingenbohl, the motherhouse of the sisters’ community. The main purpose of the trip was to give new employees, in particular, the opportunity to broaden their horizons beyond their immediate surroundings and national borders, to learn more about the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross, and to gain a deeper understanding of the founders firsthand.
Here’s how a new employee at the Theodosius Academy describes this eventful day:
“I’d heard time and again from the sisters at Haus Ulrika just how beautiful this place is, and ever since I found out I’d be going there, I’d been imagining what it would be like.
When we arrived in Ingenbohl, we were warmly welcomed by a sister with coffee and croissants.
Through a slideshow and stories shared by Sister Christian of the Ingenbohl Cross Sisters, we learned a great deal about the founder, Mother Maria Theresia, and the founder, Father Theodosius Florentini. A truly impressive woman and an impressive man with great visions!
One of the highlights of the day was the view of all of Ingenbohl from the rooftop terrace! As beautiful as the view of Lake Constance is from where we are, the mountains have their own charm too! The whole day was also one long culinary highlight: we were treated to a delicious lunch, coffee, and cake throughout the day.
After an interesting guided tour of the school, the Theresianum, and the grounds, we concluded our excursion in the crypt.
Each participant had the opportunity to light a candle, place their wishes and thoughts into it, and then set it down at any spot in the crypt. The idea was to pass the light on, so that the wish carried by the light would continue to be carried forward even after our departure.
All in all, it was a wonderful day, and I returned home with a wealth of information and impressions. I can recommend this excursion to anyone who hasn’t been there yet. Ingenbohl is well worth a visit!”