Brother Lukas Ruegenberg OSB passed away on 3 March 2026, in the 98th year of his life and the 72nd year of his monastic profession. Brother Lukas was born in Berlin in 1928. After the war, he followed his vocation and entered the Abbey of Maria Laach in 1951. His path as a monk was marked by the Benedictine life of prayer and service to the community.

Many know him for his outstanding artistic work—from church art to his book illustrations, through which he vividly conveyed biblical themes and personal testimonies from his time. Equally remarkable was his social commitment: for decades he devoted himself with great perseverance to people living on the margins of society.

His community is grateful for his long, rich life and for a legacy that has touched countless people far beyond Maria Laach.