Maria Rosenberg's place of worship in southwest Germany temporarily shuts down its conference center
Renovation Plans for Maria Rosenberg Pilgrimage Site Announced
The Diocese of Speyer has unveiled ambitious plans for the renovation of Maria Rosenberg, a significant pilgrimage site in Waldfischbach-Burgalben. The historic location, which includes a chapel, a pilgrimage church, and a larger building complex, some parts of which are over a century old, is set for a major overhaul.
The renovation project, expected to cost around 15 million euros, will have significant consequences for the conference area. The conference houses built in the 1970s and 1980s, which are currently used by groups and musical ensembles for rehearsals, with space for up to 200 people, will close by July 1, 2026, to make way for preparatory work.
Mayor Felix Leidecker of Verbandsgemeinde Waldfischbach-Burgalben expressed concerns about the affected jobs, hoping for a continued life on Maria Rosenberg. Volker Sehy, the director of Maria Rosenberg, expects the site to remain a spiritual center of the diocese, albeit under changed conditions.
The Diocese aims to renew the central fresh water and power supply at Maria Rosenberg to ensure safe operation in the future. Bishop Karl-Heinz Wiesemann will develop a content-based and economically viable concept for Maria Rosenberg.
Initial concrete decisions will be made at the next Diocesan Assembly of the Diocese of Speyer in Limburgerhof. The goal of the Diocese is to retain all personnel. Currently, 20 employees work in the conference area, with ten jobs already secured, and the Church seeking solutions for the remaining ten.
The roots of the Catholic Church at Maria Rosenberg go back to the 12th century. In recent years, the occupancy of the conference house has been very low and unprofitable. This renovation project marks a shift in the focus of Maria Rosenberg, with plans suggesting it may be downgraded from a vibrant education, conference, and meeting place to a pure place of pilgrimage with a chapel of grace.
Regional Councillor Susanne Ganster of the South West Palatinate has offered support to the Diocese of Speyer in the restructuring process. The exact details of the renovation plans have not been revealed by the Diocese of Speyer, but it is known that the plans include a comprehensive structural and conceptual redesign, followed by thorough refurbishment.
Pilgrimages with services and "pastoral presence" will be maintained during the renovation phase to ensure the site's spiritual function continues uninterrupted. The Diocese of Speyer has not yet officially commented on the costs of the renovation.
In 2021, the Catholic Church gave up an education and leisure facility, Heilsbach near Schönaau, which is now operated as a hotel by a non-profit GmbH. The future of Maria Rosenberg remains uncertain, but the Diocese is hopeful that the renovation will secure its place as a spiritual center for years to come.
