Stiepel Abbey

The monastery's founding in 1988 was an initiative of Franz Cardinal Hengsbach, the first bishop of the Ruhr Diocese. Four Cistercian monks from Heiligenkreuz Abbey in Lower Austria began monastic life in Bochum-Stiepel under Father Beda Zilch. A document commemorating the founding was placed in the monastery's cornerstone by Cardinal Hengsbach on May 3, 1989. Since its establishment, the monastery has seen numerous entries and is considered a successful foundation after 25 years, although its elevation to an abbey is still pending. The monks are involved in pilgrimage care, choral prayer, parish work, and pastoral care, including for students of the nearby Ruhr University.