Swiss association visits historic monastery in Austria
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Twelve members of the Association of Swiss Abroad in Vorarlberg, Austria, visited the historic Propstei St. Gerold monastery in the Großes Walsertal valley on September 19, 2026.
The group gathered for a regular meeting, choosing the monastery as a location to explore local culture and history. Propst Pater Martin Werlen OSB personally welcomed the visitors and guided them through the monastery grounds, sharing details about its history stretching back over a thousand years. The Propstei St.
Gerold has long-standing ties to the Benedictine monastery of Einsiedeln in Switzerland, named after the hermit Gerold. Today, the monastery combines its Benedictine traditions with cultural activities, education, hospitality, and social work. Pater Martin Werlen, a Swiss Benedictine monk with a background in philosophy, theology, and psychology, led the group and discussed the importance of authenticity, referencing the Swiss musical play Der schwarze Hecht and the song “O mein Papa”. After lunch, the group split into two.
Some members created their own herbal salt, while others toured the monastery garden with Pater Werlen, who explained the garden’s role as a habitat and a space for wellbeing. He also spoke about the monastery’s social projects, including an “Oasis of Encounter” that supports people facing difficult life circumstances with respite stays and equine therapy.
