Celebration in the monastery

Sister Gertrud has been wearing the habit for 75 years

Celebration in Amstetten: Vicar General Elvira Reuberger, jubilarian Gertrud Kiesenhofer, Auxiliary Bishop Anton Leichtfried, Superior General Franziska Bruckner.(Bild: Wolfgang Zarl)

The Franciscan nuns in Amstetten are celebrating rare anniversaries. Three nuns have been dedicating their lives to God for decades. 

She has dedicated her life to the Franciscan nuns in Amstetten for 75 years: There was now a festive mass for Sister Gertrud Kiesenhofer to mark her big "crown jewel profession anniversary". The 102-year-old took her perpetual vows three quarters of a century ago. The nun could confidently be described as a late caller: "The Second World War delayed my entry into the convent," says the Mühlviertel native.
Hollabrunn was once her place of work

"She worked in Hollabrunn as a teacher, educator, principal and principal as well as a superior in the provincial youth home," reports Superior General Franziska Bruckner. Kiesenhofer then moved to the Sacred Heart Monastery in St. Pölten as house superior. Here she found fulfillment in designing priests' vestments as well as working in the house and garden. "And even now in Amstetten she enjoys doing small jobs and is considered the calming influence in the house community," says the Superior General.
Two more "faithful souls"

Sister Berchmana Pöchaker, who has been a member of the order for 70 years, and Sister Monika Fraiden, who has been wearing the habit for 65 years, almost matched Gertrud Kiesenhofer in celebrating special anniversaries.