Opening of the Institute for Research into Salvatorian History and Spirituality
Provincial Márton Gál welcomed the numerous guests in the chapter house of St. Michael's Monastery. In his address, he asked whether a research institute was still necessary in the age of artificial intelligence. AI systems could replace many professions, including historians, and even write specialist books within a few hours. ‘But all of that is technology. We ask ourselves: where is the heart? It takes more than just intellect – it also takes heart,’ said Provincial Márton Gál. Behind the research institute are people, faces, hearts and minds. And it is precisely these people who prepare us for the future with their knowledge of the past.
Provincial Márton Gál: ‘It takes more than just intellect – it also takes heart.’ (c) Salvatorianer/rs
Greetings from Rome and the process of establishing the institute
Fr. Michael Tesha SDS travelled from Rome as a representative of the Generalate. Originally from Tanzania, the Salvatorian had lived and studied in Vienna for six years and therefore has a special connection to the community. In his role as General Formation Director, he conveyed greetings from the Generalate and reported on the challenging process of establishing the Institute, the basic idea for which was first presented and discussed in Rome in 2022. ‘Studying the history and spirituality of our community will not only help our young confreres, but also all those who work with the Salvatorians. It enables a deeper understanding of the Salvatorian identity and charism and offers spiritual and moral guidance,’ emphasised Fr. Tesha.
Fr. Michael Tesha SDS: "The Institute enables a deeper understanding of Salvatorian identity and charism." (c) Salvatorianer/rs
A hub connecting the past, present and future
Karin Mayer, Head of Culture and Documentation at the Austrian Conference of Religious Orders, also conveyed greetings from the umbrella organisation. ‘This opening is a moment in which the past, present and future come together to form a shining hub in the global Salvatorian network.’ Where orders cultivate their history, identity becomes tangible; where international cooperation is practised, confidence and hope grow. ‘This institute aims to be a centre of excellence for the entire order: a place where the experience of the older units flows together with the dynamism of the younger ones. In this way, the Salvatorian power stream remains alive,’ said the cultural scientist.
Karin Mayer: ‘This institute aims to be a centre of excellence for the entire order.’ (c) Salvatorianer/rs
Curiosity as a driving force
Fr. Peter von Meijl SDS, Order historian and first director of the institute, emphasised the importance of the new research centre in his speech: ‘Today's grand opening makes us realise what curiosity means – curiosity about Salvatorian history and spirituality, the inner drive for the future.’ He thanked all the staff who, with their expertise, had turned a ‘junk room’ into a modern research institute. The polyglot founder of the order, Fr. Francis Jordan, once wrote that other people would come and continue the work that had been started. ‘We are now those “other people”,’ said Fr. Peter von Meijl. ‘We must prepare ourselves for the fact that the world is changing – and we with it. We hope that the young people who come after us will feel some of the fascination of the beginnings and that curiosity and enthusiasm will weave themselves into a common melody.’
Fr. Peter van Meijl: ‘Young people need to feel some of the fascination of the early days.’ (c) Salvatorianer/rs
Blessing and move into the new premises
After a guided tour of the former library of the Barnabites – the religious order that worked in St. Michael's before the Salvatorians – and the newly established ‘Umfeld-Jordan-Bibliothek’ (Jordan Environment Library) on the second floor, which focuses on the books that the founder of the order, Fr. Francis Jordan and his associates owned, knew or used and which are significant for the history of the community, the new research institute was officially opened on the third floor. Provincial Father Márton Gál SDS blessed the new premises. Daniela Sommer-Neustifter, research assistant at the institute, and Fr. Cypriano Kikoti SDS, the first student at the institute from Tanzania, gave a tour of the work areas, while the guests took the opportunity to chat over drinks.
Fr. Cypriano Kikoti SDS (far left) and Daniela Sommer-Neustifter (2nd from left) gave a tour of the premises. (c) Salvatorianer/rs
Manuel Schuen, organist and director of church music at St. Michael's, provided the musical accompaniment on the piano.
Scientific Centre for Salvatorian History and Identity
The new institute is dedicated to researching, preserving and communicating Salvatorian history, spirituality and the development of the order. Especially at a time when vocations within the international Salvatorian community are increasingly growing in Africa and Asia, knowledge of the European roots and founding ideas of Father Francis Jordan remains highly relevant. Many key historical sources are located in Vienna.
The premises of the newly opened institute are ideal for studying. (c) Salvatorianer/rs
Key tasks of the Institute
- Conducting academic research on Salvatorian topics
- Publishing studies, articles and materials on the history and spirituality of the Order
- Supporting students with their master's theses and research projects
- Providing academic support to Salvatorian sisters, lay people and interested parties
International Networking
A particular focus is on global cooperation between Salvatorian locations and the transfer of knowledge with Jordan's birthplace, Gurtweil (Germany). Cooperation with national and international research institutions strengthens the visibility of Salvatorian history and spirituality worldwide.
Events and digital offerings
Through conferences, webinars and video conferences, the Institute promotes modern knowledge transfer and creates new impetus for research and teaching. These formats contribute significantly to strengthening the international network of Salvatorians.
Contact:
Institute for Research into Salvatorian History and Spirituality
Habsburgergasse 12, 1010 Wien
+43 1 533 80 00 40