150th Birthday of Archabbot Norbert Weber

Norbert (his baptismal name was Josef) Weber was born on December 20, 1870 at Langweid/Lech. He grew up in modest circumstances; due to his father’s profession as a railway signalman the family had to move frequently.

Like his older brother, talented Josef attended the seminary at Dillingen. From his contact with seminary students from St. Ottilien, he developed an increasing interest in mission work. After his ordination, he joined the St. Ottilien community and received the religious name Norbert.

His multiple talents were quickly noticed and he was entrusted with various responsible tasks in the community. When the monastery was granted the status of abbey, the community of St. Ottilien elected on December 18, 1902 the almost 32-year-old Father Norbert Weber concordantly their first abbot.

On one hand, Archabbot Norbert Weber intended to expand the presence of the Missionary Benedictines of St. Ottilien in Germany with the priories of Schweiklberg and Münsterschwarzach. On the other hand, he faced great challenges in his own monastery and abroad in the missions in then German East Africa and in Korea for which he was responsible as well.

Additional to the work overload from his multiple tasks came at the end of the 1920ies a huge debt burden caused by a failed investment in an Austrian forest estate. Archabbot Norbert Weber retired in 1930 as leader of the abbey and resigned as Superior General in 1931. He lived until his death on April 3, 1956 at the mission station Litembo in Tanzania where besides pastoral tasks he worked as an artist.

A tour in the museum comprises 10 stations connected especially with Archabbot Norbert Weber. Of his talents and interests as an artist, photographer and filmmaker, folklorist and ethnologist, many traces can be found in the collection. The accompanying tour booklet (in German language) can be downloaded here.

The "special exhibition" focusses on objects in connection with his role as abbot and religious leader of his community; on display are his liturgical chair, mitre, ring, shoes and other items he used in ceremonial mass.