The Cistercian monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz gained attention in 2008 for their CD of Gregorian chant, which funded their upkeep and charitable endeavors. They have occupied their 900-year-old abbey since 1133 AD, living a simple life devoted to spiritual pursuits and charitable works. Despite media attention, they remain humble and grateful for the opportunity to share their music.
The Cistercian monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz are an order of Catholic monks who live in the heart of Vienna. In 2008, the order gained considerable attention for the major label release of a CD of Gregorian chant, called Chant: Music for the Soul. The monks point out that they are not trying to be pop stars or the next Backstreet Boys, but the money they will receive for the CD effort will fund their upkeep and many charitable endeavours.
The abbey occupied by the order is almost 900 years old and is a vast medieval construction with incredible historical value. The Cistercian monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz have occupied the building since 1133 AD, when a young nobleman persuaded his wealthy father to support the efforts of the new Cistercian order. They have spiritual obligations in more than 20 local parishes and run some international programs that provide help to those studying to become monks.
In early 2008, the head of the Cistercian monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz, Father Karl Wallner, received an email about a spiritual musician search being conducted by the Universal Classics record label. Father Wallner sent in clips of the monks chanting and posted a YouTube video of their chanting. Under the direction of Universal’s Tom Lewis, the Cistercian monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz were tapped to record an album of Gregorian chant for public release. The full-length album was released in 2008 and received significant media attention.
The life of the Cistercian monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz is simple and entirely devoted to spiritual pursuits. They constantly follow a cycle of prayers, not to ask for gifts and help, but simply to praise God according to the beliefs of the order. Furthermore, the monks carry out various charitable works throughout Austria and help out in neighboring communities. For nearly 200 years, the monks have also run a small philosophical institution, where many of them serve as teachers. In 2007, the abbey and school were visited by Pope Benedict, who gave the school special recognition by naming it a Pontifical Athenaeum.
Despite the media attention their CD brought to the abbey, the Cistercian monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz continue to lead a simple life in their community. In interviews, they often express their gratitude for the opportunity to share their singing with so many people. In a world so often filled with commercialism and charts, the music of Stift Heiligenkreuz’s Cistercian monks serves an entirely different purpose: It’s meant to be praised and adored, and has little in common with Top 40 lists or MTV awards.
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