Traditionally, Rein Abbey also observes the commemoration day of its founder, Margrave Leopold the Strong, on National Day. He died in 1129, the year the monastery was founded. His remains were discovered in 2006 during renovation work in the Chapel of Mary. Since then, the founder has been commemorated in Rein on October 26th with a festive service. The solemn Mass was celebrated by Abbot Reinhold Dessl of Wilhering Abbey and was musically accompanied by the Pro Ecclesia Choir under the direction of Gertrud Zwicker. This year’s highlight was once again the ‘Klangwolke’ (sound cloud) composed by Rudolf Bodingbauer, performed by the St. Johann ob Hohenburg local music band and the Oberdorf Bärnbach mountain band, conducted by Franz Steiner. Afterwards, visitors and musicians could refresh themselves in the abbey courtyard with monastery soup and Leopoldi bread.
Photos: Rein Abbey, Johannes Kübeck
