The first and essential work of monks and nuns is prayer and meditation on the word of God.

the monk is thus above all else a "worker" seeking God 

 Nevertheless, for St Benedict this work is not exclusive, for the Benedictine motto is "ora et labora", "work and pray"  

St Benedict even says in his rule that monks must "work with their hands" and they will  truley be monks if they live by the work of their hands". This is why behind the walls of their monasteries the monks of today continue the long tradition of producing all sorts of wonderful handicrafts.

At Simiane the sisters and brothers of St Lioba produce religious works of art and handicrafts in the tradition of their foundress, Hildegard Michaelis, who had trained at School of Fine Arts at Hambourg and at the Bauhaus. Cloth, handwoven by the sisters and brothers from natural silks and gold thread, is used to make liturgical vestments- chasubles, dalmatics, stoles and lectern covers.

The monastery has recently diversified its activities so that each member of the community can exercise their God given talents in different workshops, producing in one batik vestment and wall decorations, in another useful and decorative pottery and in a third, a small glass workshop, stained glass; mosaics, lamps and enamelled plates, all to original designs.

If you wish to have an idea of these lovely creations, then visit our workshops.