The monastery

It is the Holy Bridget that welcomes on the escutcheon of Maribo, because 'Maribo' is the name of the monastery dedicated to Bridget – Habitaculum Mariae – around which the city of Maribo arose in the middle age.

The new monastery bears the same name as the old: Hibitaculum Marie, The house of Mary. The new monastery is only 10 minutes walk from the ruins of the old monastery and the original church of the monastery, which today is the Cathedral of Maribo. The monastery lies close to beautiful lake of Maribo Søndersø, which gives good opportunities to enjoy the surrounding nature. The Sisters of Saint Bridget receives all guest how need silence and rest. It can be individual guests or groups for a retreat or conference. All are welcome to participate in the Hole Mass and the monastic prayers of the sisters and to enjoy the quietness of the monastery, where there are no disturbances from radio or television. The monastery has 19 guest rooms of which three are double rooms. All the rooms have private bathrooms. You can enjoy Bed and Breakfast, half pension or full board.

We are seven catholic nuns from three different countries who live in The Monastery of Saint Bridget “Habitaculum Mariae” in Maribo. The sisters belongs to The Order of SS. Savior of Saint Bridget – Ordo Sanctissimi Salvatoris, O.Ss.S. The Order was founded by the Holy Bridget in 1370 in Vadstena in Sweden In the beginning of the 15th century two monasteries were founded in Denmark in Maribo and in Mariager. But during the reformation the Catholic Church was forbidden. The Order was renewed in the beginning of the 20th century by the Blessed mother Maria Elisabeth Hesselblad. In 1995 we returned to Denmark. First in Næstved and in 2003 we moved back to Maribo. The new monastery is named after the original monastery in Maribo - Habitaculum Mariae - around which the city developed in the middle ages. Even if we originate from the middle age our religious roots go further back. Yet today we have a lot to give the modern society which we are a part of.

We were attracted by the monastic life which we have chosen freely, because we desire to be free to love Christ. We are moved by a deep love to him and we wish to live for Christ and give this love to every human being. During the Noviciate we receive 8 years education in our motherhouse in Rome, before we bind us for the rest of our life with the Perpetual Wows by which we promise to live in chastity, poverty and obedience.The three wows - chastity, poverty and obedience - are also called the evangelical counsels. Chastity means that we live in sexual abstinence. Poverty means that we don’t own any personal items, and obedience means that we don’t follows our own will, but lives according the monastic rules and that we are free to work wherever the Order calls us.

Our habit is the habit described by Bridget: gray and white with a white crown over the black veil with five red dots. The veil symbolizes the matrimony with Christ. The white color means purity, the crown symbolizes the crown of thorns on his head and the five red dots are a symbol of Christ’s five wounds. The ring is the only jewelry that we wear. When we give the religious vows we receive the ring. It is inscribed with a picture of the crucified savior and a sign that we are consecrated to Christ

The monastic life is a simple life without luxury. Every day is marked by the old monastic rhythm: work and prayer. To pray is the most important. Therefore we pray the officium in choir at set times during the day. The Mass is also celebrated every day.

Our most important task is “to praise God and live a life completely to His glory and for the salvation of mankind.” Both in the middle age and today does God call humans to search Him while praising Him and giving witness to His love that surpasses every understanding. We pray for the Church, the unity of the Church, the Holy Father, the bishop and our priests and for new vocations. We also pray for peace and all the victims of war, disasters etc.

The work we do is mostly manual work. Here we have the opportunity to work in silence so we can continue our prayers during the work. We read both spiritual literature, newspapers and watch the news, so we know what I happening in the world. In this way we can bring current events into our prayers. We can help people who are suffering after divorce or sickness. We talk with them, listen and pray for them. Our monastery is a semi-contemplative monastery. We live our private live within a limited area in the monastery: the claustrum. But at the same time we also live a life outside the cloister when we work in the guesthouse.

The church is open for all. Everybody is welcome to participate or just watch our prayers or the Mass. The entrance to the church is at the left side of the monastery.

Sometimes the mass schedule changes, so it is a good idea to call and ask what time the Mass is celebrates. The Entrance to the church is at the left side of the monastery. All are welcome to participate in the celebration of the holy Mass. Catholics can receive the Holy Communion; others are welcome to receive a blessing.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 5:00 pm

Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 am

The Sunday Mass isn’t celebrated in the church of the monastry but in the parish church at 9:00 am. The parish church is 10 minutes walk from the monastery: Sankt Birgitta Kirke, Maria Gade 4, Maribo.

Every day there is adoration of the Most Holy Sacrament in the church from 9:30 to 12:00 am.

We sing the three most important liturgy of the hour in latin: officium lectionis, laudes matutinas and vesper. The sextam (midday) and complete (prayer before the night) we pray in Danish. You are welcome to pray with us or just listen to our prayers.

Officium lectionis and laudes at 6:10 am

Sextam at 11:30 am

Vesper at 4:30 pm

Complete at 9:00 pm