Europe. This was an important step toward the official founding of the Bundeswehr in 1955. Closure The Cistercian convent of Himmerod was dissolved in October 2017 after nearly nine centuries in operation. The monastery’s head, Abbot Johannes, referred to the financial situation of the abbey as having played a key role in the decision. The monastery’s property near the village of Großlittgen was transferred to the Catholic Diocese of Trier. The remaining six monks at Himmerod would move on to other monasteries. Five of the six monks had left Himmerod by March 2018; Father Stephan Reimund Senge remained the last formal member of the abbey. Present day The abbey has a café, a book and art shop, plant nursery, and museum which, as of 2023 remain open. The fishery is leased out, and it too, remains in operation. The monastery hostel is run by the abbey's support association. Besides gift articles, books and recordings, the monastery shop sells juices, mustard and honey, and also the strong Abbey beer, liqueurs, brandies or Viez to support the preservation of Himmerod. Publications The abbey also had its own publishing house, the Himmerod Drucke, which has published over 50 works by a number of authors, especially Father Stephan Reimund Senge, a monk at Himmerod. The journal Unsere Liebe Frau von Himmerod ("Our Lady of Himmerod") appeared three times a year. The newsletter Himmeroder Rundbrief, now in its forty-ninth year, continues to provide information on daily life at Himmerod. References External links Himmerod Abbey website The Klais Organ Initiative Sudan, an aid development project of Father Stephan from Himmerod Cistercian monasteries in Germany Monasteries in Rhineland-Palatinate 1130s establishments in the Holy Roman Empire 1134 establishments in Europe Religious organizations established in the 1130s Christian monasteries established in the 12th century Religious buildings and structures completed in 1134