Due to an acute shortage of sisters and the advanced age of the sisters in the German region, the leadership of our congregation was forced to close St. Hedwig Convent in Cochem after 72 years of service by our sisters at this location. At the end, there were only three sisters living in the convent, aged 70, 86, and 94. Two of them were cared for in the residential area of the nursing home.
On March 14, 2025, a festive farewell and thanksgiving service was held in the chapel of the St. Hedwig nursing home to mark this occasion. In addition to the regional superior, Sr. Cordula, the general superior, Sr. Sybilla, and the vicar general, Sr. Petra, also attended. The facility management, many employees, residents and their relatives, the mayor and residents of the town of Cochem also came to express their regret at the departure of the sisters, but also their gratitude for their many years of service. For most people in Cochem, the sisters are an integral part of the townscape and especially of the St. Hedwig nursing home. This makes the farewell so difficult.
At the end of the service, the Superior General thanked the sisters and especially the last Mother Superior of the convent, Sr. Felicitas Pöller, for their faithful and blessed service. She wished her and the other two sisters God’s blessing for their new beginning in a new environment. As a symbol of this, she presented Sr. Felicitas with an icon of an angel with the wish that it would be a good companion for her. The Superior General also thanked all the staff, residents, priests, and friends who have always stood by our sisters with advice and active help during this long period. She said, “Although we are closing the religious community in this house today, our mission does not end. We will remain connected to you in the future and pray for you and this place, so that it may continue to be a place of faith, love, and mutual care.”
After the Mass, a small reception was held for all the sisters and guests, and there was a lively exchange of ideas and many memories of past times were refreshed.
May God’s blessings continue to accompany us all.
Closure of St. Hedwig Convent in Cochem
