The German Conference of Religious Orders (DOK) reveals that several monasteries have had to close due to a lack of young vocations. The number of women’s orders decreased from 1,627 in 2012 to only 964 in 2022, while the number of men’s orders declined from 461 to 385 during the same period.
Newsroom (May 27, 2023, 12:05, Gaudium Press): Over the past decade, the number of religious houses in Germany has significantly declined. Recent data released by the German Conference of Religious Orders (DOK) on May 26 reveals that the number of women’s orders decreased from 1,627 in 2012 to just 964 in 2022. Similarly, the number of men’s orders declined from 461 to 385 during the same period. The DOK explains that these communities vary in size, ranging from large monasteries with over 100 sisters or religious members to small communities consisting of only two or three individuals.
As of the end of 2022, the DOK reported a total of 14,302 religious individuals, including 10,953 sisters and 3,349 religious members. The data from the German Conference also indicates a significant decrease in the number of women religious over the past 20 years. In 2002, there were 28,973 women religious, which declined to 19,278 in 2012.
Currently, approximately 82 percent (8,975) of women religious in Germany are aged 65 or older, while only 13 percent (1,422) are younger. On the other hand, the male orders exhibit a more balanced age structure. In 2022, there were 48 novices, and 12 priests were ordained in Germany last year.
Source: katholisch.de
Compiled by Kate Iwuc
