Moving on: the Institute for the Study of Salvatorian History

In his newsletter of 13 March 2025, Provincial Márton Gál writes that, in line with the anniversary motto 100 years of the Austrian Province 2023 - thinking further, going further, we are now in a third stage: moving on.

He emphasises: ‘Moving on is something dynamic, it means movement and requires encounters.’ It is a form of change. The most important thing remains to be close to the confreres, sisters and all people despite all the changes. ‘So that we can continue, the Holy Spirit always gives us new strength - he never lets us rest, reignites us and inspires us to move forward.’

Renovation work almost complete

Moving on - this leitmotif also characterises the Institute for the Study of Salvatorian History and Spirituality, which was founded in 2023. The renovation work on the third floor is almost complete. Three optimally equipped workspaces will soon be available there: a room for five students, an office for academic collaboration and a room for Zoom conferences and webinars.

Foyer of the Research Institute, Kolleg Wien, St. Michael, 3rd floor, 6 March 2025. (c) Jürgen König

The foyer, once part of the tour on the third floor, has been extensively modernised - with new lighting, windows, heating, internet and a kitchen. This has created a spacious room for larger groups and study conferences. The successful refurbishment of the premises, financed by the House, is now nearing completion and will soon be handed over for use.

Jordan-Umfeld library

Since May 2024, Fr Peter van Meijl and his colleague Jürgen König (20 hours per week) have been working intensively on setting up the Jordan-Umfeld Library on the second floor of the building.

Books and collections from the period between 1850 and 1950 are now arranged thematically and sorted alphabetically - works that Johann Baptist Jordan used as a student, as well as his teachers, favourite spiritual authors, theologians, historians and the first generation of Salvatorians.

Books from 1850 to 1950, organised thematically and alphabetically, which Johann Baptist Jordan used as a student, among others. (c) P. Peter van Meijl SDS

In addition, a new house library was set up with theological, philosophical, historical and spiritual books from around 1965 onwards. It is currently being examined when the entire collection can be included in a library programme, for example in the Union Catalogue of Religious Orders (KOBi).

Academic specialist

In December 2024, the job advertisement for an academic specialist was finalised and published in various media, including the Austrian Conference of Religious Orders and university mailing lists at the University of Vienna.

Ten people applied for the position. After an initial selection, five candidates remained, who were invited to a hearing on 19 February 2025. In-depth discussions are currently underway.

Funding secured

Fr Piet Cuijpers presented the draft budget for 2024 in 2023. Financial commitments were made by the Austrian Pro-Province, the German Province (language study trip to Germany), the Pancratius-Pfeiffer Mission Vicariate, the Polish Province and the Generalate (flights and student visas). The budget was approved by the Board of Trustees on 25 March 2024.

Candidates for the Research Institute

In a letter dated 8 June 2023, the Generalate defined the four-year training structure for candidates:

• Year 1: German course
• Year 2: Introduction to Salvatorian literature and archives in Vienna
• Years 3-4: Master's programme at the University of Vienna with a focus on Salvatorian history or spirituality

During his stay in the Democratic Republic of Congo in September 2024, Fr Peter van Meijl, Director of the Research Institute, informed the Salvatorians there about the planned project, which met with a thoroughly positive response. However, he emphasised that mastery of the German language is an essential prerequisite for the training.

P. Cyrillus Kikoti from Tanzania is currently completing his language studies in Munich and hopes to receive a visa for Austria in April 2025 to begin the second year of training. Our special thanks go to the German Province under Provincial Fr Friedrich Emde for their support in obtaining the visa.

Selection of further candidates

It is necessary to establish clear criteria for the selection and preparation of future candidates together with the General Formation Secretary. The Research Institute should promote academic formation for Salvatorians and Salvatorian lay people as well as for external interested parties.

The article is based on the report by Fr Peter van Meijl for the meeting of the European Provincials in Rome, 18-19 March 2025.