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 comprised 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 at the end of the tour focussed on objects in connection with his role as abbot and religious leader of his community.
Emblem

Like all abbots of St. Ottilien, Norbert Weber created his own emblem connected to his motto "Ave Maris Stella" (Hail, O Star of the Sea). This address to the Virgin Mary from the vespers hymn on Marian feasts not only reflected the new abbot's devotion to Our Lady. It also expressed his hope he might steer the still young "monastery ship" well through the storms of the great challenges in his own monastery and in the mission in German East Africa. The monk in the little sailboat directing his course towards the star of the sea could be an Africa missionary.
Monk - and missionary: this conflict characterised the growing congregation of the Missionary Benedictines of St. Ottilien. One one hand, the monks were obligated to the legacy of St. Benedict with an emphasis on the monastic way of life. On the other hand, the missionaries faced the challenges of "initial mission" in a vast territory that did not yet know Christianity. There, it seemed reasonable to distribute the Gospel into the countryside by founding small mission stations.
Pontifical seat

Archabbot Norbert Weber's pontifical seat shows his emblem and his motto "Ave Maris Stella".
The abbreviations in the lower part of the emblem, traditional inscriptions on the so-called Cross of St. Benedict are:
- CSSML = Crux Sancta sit mihi lux (the Holy Cross be my light)
- NDSMD = Non draco sit mihi dux (not the dragon shall be my guide).
Mitre

Velum

Altar console

Insignia of the abbot
In medieval times, the abbots were often equalled to bishops. For this reason, a tradition is continued up to this day that the abbot of a monastery is allowed to use the insignia of a bishop, especially in the so-called Pontifical Mass, the solemn Eucharistic celebration he leads.
Abbot's staff

Abbot's ring
