Death of Abbot Gregor Henckel-Donnersmarck at 82

Gregor Henckel-Donnersmarck, the former abbot of Heiligenkreuz Abbey, has passed away at the age of 82, as announced on the abbey's official website. His health had been in decline for some time due to a battle with cancer.

Henckel-Donnersmarck led a remarkable life, transitioning from a successful career in the private sector as a manager for the logistics company Schenker to a life of monastic devotion. He entered Heiligenkreuz Abbey in 1977 and was ordained as a priest five years later, in 1982. Throughout his clerical career, he held various significant roles, including prior at Rein Abbey in Styria and serving as the national director for the Pontifical Mission Societies in Austria.

In 1999, he was elected as the abbot of Heiligenkreuz Abbey, marking a pivotal moment in his ecclesiastical journey. One of his notable achievements was the elevation of Heiligenkreuz University to a pontifical university status, a move that drew recognition and prestige to the institution. His leadership was further highlighted by a visit from Pope Benedict XVI in 2007, during which the Pope became a patron of the abbey.

Henckel-Donnersmarck also gained widespread acclaim in 2008 when the monks of Heiligenkreuz released a CD featuring Gregorian chant, which garnered international success and brought the abbey into the global spotlight.

His death marks the end of an era for Heiligenkreuz Abbey, where he is remembered for his commitment to the monastic community and his efforts in promoting spiritual education.