Gerleve Abbey

Gerleve Abbey was founded in 1899 by monks from Beuron Archabbey, who received a farmstead as a donation. By 1904, the monastery was elevated to an abbey. Under Abbot Raphael Molitor, Gerleve experienced growth from 1906 onwards, counting 100 monks by 1936. In 1941, the community was expelled by the National Socialists, and the abbey buildings were used by Nazi organizations. Some monks, including Augustin Hessing and Gregor Schwake, were imprisoned in Dachau concentration camp. Shortly before the end of the war, in February 1945, the monastery served as a Luftwaffe hospital, and after liberation, it treated wounded soldiers of various nationalities.