Cistercian Abbey of Stiepel

The St. Mary’s Monastery Church in Stiepel is the only Marian pilgrimage site in the Diocese of Essen and attracts around 40,000 pilgrims each year. They come to venerate the image of the “Sorrowful Mother of Stiepel,” which was created in the 15th century. The monastery regularly organizes pilgrimages, including special youth pilgrimages and a youth vigil. Architecturally, the monastery building is arranged in a U-shape around the pilgrimage site. The monks not only care for the pilgrimage site and the adjacent parish but are also active in university teaching. In addition, gin is distilled at the monastery, using raw materials sourced from the monastery’s own garden or from Heiligenkreuz Abbey. The monastery features an outdoor altar, a pilgrim hall, and a monastery shop.