Podcast No. 15: Exploring History, Shaping the Future

An Institute Looking to the Future

Podcast Nr. 15 with Daniela Sommer-Neustifter (in German)

For just over a year, Daniela Sommer-Neustifter has been working as a research associate at the Institute for the Study of Salvatorian History and Spirituality. After 25 years in cultural education at the Wien Museum, she deliberately sought a new professional challenge.

What appealed to me about the position was that, after 25 years in cultural education at the Wien Museum, I was looking for a different way of working with history. I wanted to focus more on research and publishing rather than direct educational work. The fact that I can combine my areas of interest, history and religion, so wonderfully makes it all the more rewarding.”

Today, her work extends far beyond traditional archival research. She catalogues and analyses historical sources, supports research projects, develops topics for academic studies and, together with Fr Peter van Meijl, is compiling a catalogue of research topics designed to inspire students and other interested researchers to pursue new projects. At the same time, she is supporting the Institute’s first student, Fr Cyprian Kikoti from Tanzania, as he prepares to study theology in Vienna.

Another major project is already underway. An international publication is being prepared for the Salvatorians’ 150th anniversary in 2031, with the aim of involving as many of the Society’s provinces and vicariates as possible. As a result, the Institute is increasingly developing into a global hub for research into Salvatorian history.

More Than an Archive of a Religious Order

The Institute sees itself as more than simply an archive of historical documents. Its aim is to facilitate research, connect people and promote academic exchange. Importantly, its work is by no means restricted to members of the religious order.

In principle, anyone with an interest in Salvatorian history and spirituality can conduct research here.

Cooperation with universities and other research institutions is particularly important, as is international networking within the Salvatorian community. In the future, cooperation with Gurtweil, the birthplace of the order’s founder, Fr Francis Jordan, will also play a central role. A spiritual centre of the Institute is currently being established there.

When Historical Documents Come to Life

Anyone who associates archives only with dusty files may be surprised by Daniela Sommer-Neustifter’s work. Time and again, she opens boxes and drawers filled with documents that have so far barely been studied or catalogued. Most recently, she has devoted particular attention to the papers of Fr Aloys Scheidl.

Among sermons, letters, minutes and handwritten notes, an impressive picture of his ministry emerged. The documents reveal the intensity of the Salvatorian’s commitment to young people, marriage and family, as well as the pastoral issues that shaped his time.

Such personal sources often provide insights that go beyond official chronicles.

Letters and diaries often contain more emotions, feelings and personal comments that cannot be found in official texts. They enrich our engagement with history.“

At the same time, historians repeatedly face the question of how to handle the personal records of deceased individuals responsibly.

Difficult Chapters Are Part of History

Historical research also means asking uncomfortable questions. Daniela Sommer-Neustifter cites the period of National Socialism as one area of research where, despite numerous studies, many questions remain unanswered. She is also interested in how the subject of exorcism has been dealt with throughout Salvatorian history.

The aim, she stresses, should never be to gloss over history or to rush to judgement.

I think it is important to approach such sensitive topics with great care. But that does not mean glossing over everything. It requires thorough and balanced research.“

For precisely this reason, academic independence is of great importance. Research projects deliberately involve external experts from a range of disciplines.

Digitalisation as an Opportunity, with Clear Limits

Historical research is changing too. Translation software, digital archives and artificial intelligence make many aspects of the work easier. Yet, in the historian’s view, they cannot replace scholarly work with original sources.

It is doubly important for us to look at where this information comes from and to trace it back to the original sources in order to verify its accuracy as far as possible.“

The Institute therefore also sees itself as a place where researchers from around the world can work directly with original sources. After all, by no means everything is available digitally.

Why the History of Religious Orders Matters Today

For Daniela Sommer-Neustifter, studying history is not an end in itself. It helps us to understand the present more clearly and to shape the future responsibly.

Historical knowledge enables us, on the one hand, to avoid repeating the mistakes of those who came before us and, on the other, to find role models and learn from the past.“

The history of the Salvatorians in particular demonstrates how openly and creatively the order has repeatedly responded to the challenges of its time. She is especially impressed by the fact that laypeople and women were actively involved in its mission from an early stage, and that new ways were continually sought to inspire people in their faith.

Encounters That Leave a Lasting Impression

Daniela Sommer-Neustifter has been influenced not only by historical documents but also by personal encounters. Over the past year, she has met numerous Salvatorians, whom she describes as open, committed and warm-hearted people.

She is particularly fascinated by figures such as Fr Theophilus Muth SDS, who provided pastoral care to boatmen on the Danube from aboard a ship, as well as Fr Aloys Scheidl SDS and Fr Titus Helde SDS, who devoted themselves with great commitment to children and young people.

One question in particular continues to intrigue her:

I would ask Fr Titus Helde or Fr Aloys Scheidl how they managed to attract children and young people and spark their interest.“

For Daniela Sommer-Neustifter, this may also be one of the most important tasks of historical research: not simply to document the past, but to discover ideas and inspiration that can still provide guidance today.

Interview conducted by Robert Sonnleitner