In this way, the sisters are responding to the high average age of the community on the one hand, and on the other hand to the requirements for a sustainable and professional future in Germany. The Neuenbeken Mission House (founded in 1914) is the largest location of the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood in Germany (85 Sisters) and at the same time the largest employer in the town with 75 employees. Outside Neuenbeken, the Sisters are active in Paderborn, Altenbeken, Bonn, Buldern, Steinbild and Bad Kissingen.
Mr. Wolfgang Hansjürgens (56) takes over his responsible task from Sr. Angelika Hellbach, who held the position of procurator in charge of administration for almost 15 years. Mr Wolfgang Hansjürgens is married, father of three daughters and a qualified engineer in the field of production and manufacturing technology.
Before the service on the Feast of St Benedict on 11 July 2022, Sr Angelika was officially bidden farewell and Mr Hansjürgens was installed in his new role. Sr Dr Magdalena Mikus, representative of the Provincial Superior, referred to St Benedict and St Joseph in her introduction. In his Rule, St. Benedict urges his monks: "Let no one strive for his own benefit, but let each one be concerned about what is good for the other". And in the Order's own Manual of the Missionary Sisters, St Joseph is described as a "model in the administration of our temporal goods". "He credibly witnesses to an alternative lifestyle compared to social forms."
These two statements are core messages for the leadership ministry. Sr Angelika has faithfully shaped her daily life from them and Mr Hansjürgens will be happy to follow them.
Sr Magdalena thanked Sr Angelika on behalf of the Provincial Council and the Sisters' community for her many years of prudent service in the administration with a picture of Africa, the birthplace of the Congregation. She wished Mr Hansjürgens God's blessing for his new task and presented him with a small figurine of St Joseph, under whose protection he may now stand in a special way.
