After a long illness, patiently endured in faith, Father Ludolf Hüsing OSB died today at Hospiz Lebenshaus zu Münster-Handorf. He was 82 years old.
Father Ludolf was born on 28 February 1936 in Wallenhorst and entered Gerleve in April 1959, having already studied philosophy for two years at the Carolinum in Osnabrück. He went to the Jesuit College of St. Georgen as a candidate for the priesthood of the Diocese of Osnabrück. He professed his monastic vows on 14 August 1960, followed by the study of theology in Beuron and Münster. On 27 August 1964, he was ordained a priest in Gerleve.
After his ordination, Father Ludolf worked until 1984 in youth and adult education at the abbey, accompanied by the study of pastoral psychology in Innsbruck and training in Gestalt therapy with Professor Graf Dürckheim in Todtmoos-Rütte.
The summit of his life’s work began in 1986 with the founding of the Christian meditation and meeting place Benediktshof, at first in Münster-Mauritz, then from 1994 located in Münster-Handorf. The direction of this institution was his primary responsibility until 2008, during which time he was able to search more deeply for the meaning of life, also making a healing encounter with God fruitful for many people in his pastoral care.
Having fallen ill, Father Ludolf spent his retirement years in Benediktshof. He passed away on 11 November 2018. The Requiem Mass took place on 15 November in the abbey church, with subsequent burial in the monastery cemetery. We commend Father Ludolf to the prayers of the Benedictine Confederation.