Benediktinerabtei

Mariastein is a popular pilgrimage site near the city of Basel. For centuries, pilgrims have descended into the rock chapel, where Mary is also venerated as the "Mother of Consolation." The Chapel of Grace is and remains the heart of Mariastein. Here, many people seek refuge, help, and consolation.

In the 17th century, the Benedictines from Beinwil am Passwang (SO) took over the pilgrimage site and established their monastery there, along with a large pilgrimage church. The monastery and pilgrimage experienced a varied history, and in the 19th century, the monks were forced into exile. They were no longer permitted to live as a monastic community in Mariastein. Only a small group of monks was allowed to oversee the pilgrimage. After the Second World War, efforts were intensified to enable the monastic community to return to Mariastein. These efforts were successful when the monastery was re-established in 1971. Since then, the monks have focused their efforts on their tasks in Mariastein. Currently, the monastic community consists of 12 monks, 2 candidates, and one assisting priest. In addition to worship, choral prayer, and general monastic duties (household and community services), the monks are presently engaged in the following areas: pilgrimage and individual pastoral care (services, confession, spiritual guidance), providing infrastructure for the pilgrimage (organization, sacristy, etc.), welcoming and caring for guests, maintenance of the monastery complex, gardening, and administration.