Extracts from the German obituary

https://erzabtei.de/sites/default/files/nachrufe/Nekrolog_NotkerWolf_1.pdf

Archabbot (from 1977)

"The new abbot's leadership style was desribed as "rapidissimo" (meaning 'very quick' in Italian); however, this was not perceived as burdensome due to his high intelligence, a generous and trusting willingness to delegate, an explicit brotherly leadership and a philanthropic humor … At St. Ottilien, archabbot Notker supported a number of renewal processes like closing down outposts and workshops no longer viable, increasing involvement of laity, liturgical renewals and the major restoration of the abbey church. In these processes, he extensively involved his religious community; as a consequence, there were few conflicts. Above all, he changed the hierarchical management style to a more horizontal leadership."

Abbot President of the Missionary Benedictines (from 1977)

"Due to the wide exemption from inner-monastic duties, the archabbot could go on visitations to houses of the congregation. The dynamic management style of the new archabbot resulted in a number of shifts that enabled necessary developments in the congregation like the change from classical European-centered mission to native churches and the consequential switch of missionary houses taking over special tasks in the dioceses; the transition from mainly European convents to local religious communities in India or Togo; foundings like the one on the Philippines with an emphasis on monastic life or the openness to inter-religious dialog. This latter topic was especially close to abbot Notker's heart; he encouraged the religious interchange between Christian and Buddhist monasteries which is still alive today, and at numerous times he stayed at Buddhist monasteries in Japan."

Bridge-builder to China (from 1985)

"One of Abbot Notker's special interests was the interchange with the Chinese Church. After the expulsion of European missionaries by the Chinese government in 1952, contacts to the local parishes broke off. After the first cautious opening of China, archabbot Notker travelled in 1985 to the former Yenki/Yenji diocese in Northeastern China. Through adventurous steps, the remaining Christians who have had to endure hard times could be reached. The Archabbey started a number of aid projects for the former mission areas, among them the re-erection of the theological college, construction of a hospital, building projects of churches, schools and kindergartens, social projects, training of local priests and religious and many more. However, the focus was on human contacts, enhanced by numerous invitations to Germany and return visits to China."

Abbot Primate of the Benedictines (from 2000)

"During his visitation travels to the monasteries helped … especially his ability to get involved with every situation and every human being; he showed a strong presence and genuine commitment. At Sant' Anselmo, there were plans for a great modernization and restoration program with renovation of rooms, new windows, an effective internet system, restructuring of the university and many more. These tasks required major coordination and committee work with the university, the order, the Vatican and the authorities of Rome. On October 13, 2012 he was re-elected by the abbot’s congress for another term of 4 years …"

Monk at St. Ottilien (return from 2016)

"After this time, he returned to St. Ottilien which he … always called 'my home'. He was on release now but was involved in the monastery in the areas of future planning, acquisition of funds, public events; now and then he found concise words at inner-monastic discussions. Above all, he had an impressing program of lectures, radio and TV talks, retreat days, spiritual exercises, celebratory masses and events of all sorts, which led him across the country and around the world. Thanks to his self-discipline and a high self-expectation to be available for the people, he mastered this program … His high self-expectation was expressed in his socio-critical and pastorate writings where he challenged the individual with a great freedom combined with many responsibilities. A resting point in his duties were the Liturgy of the Hours and community life which he obviously liked."