Klosterneuburg Abbey, Austria: Tomb of St. Leopold III
About Saint Leopold III:
The Klosterneuburg Abbey in Austria was founded by one of our least known but certainly most notable saints, Leopold III. Founded in the 1113, and 20 years later the Augustinians were summoned here and remain to this day living according to the monastic Rule of Saint Augustine.
One of the things that makes him interesting is the fact that he had many children and step-children. He had one child by his first wife, who passed away at a young age. He then married again to a woman who had lost her husband after giving birth to 11 children. He is patron of large families, children, step-children and death of children. He is also called upon by those struggling with infertility.
We live in an age when, tragically, many people do not believe in large families, while others struggle just to conceive at all. This can be a heartbreaking thing for those wishing for children, and many turn to Saint Leopold III for his intercession.
His skull is preserved here with the forehead exposed wearing an archducal crown. He was canonized on 6 January 1485 and became the patron saint of large families, step-parents as well as Austria and Vienna. His feast day is 15 November.
About the Abbey:
Certainly the highight is the tomb of Saint Leopold III, shown here.
The Abbey is also famous for its wines and their wine shop is open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays noon until 5:00 p.m.
Traveling to Klosterneuberg Abbey:
It is a short 13-minute train ride from Vienna to Klosterneuberg Kierling Station. There are about 5 trains each day. There is also bus service from Vienna. From the station it is about one mile to the Abbey. Get train & bus schedules, see fares & buy tickets here.
Address: Stiftsplatz 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
GPS coordinates: 48° 18′ 27.0396” N, 16° 19′ 35.3172” E
Tel: +43-2243-411-0
email: info@stift-klosterneuburg.at
Click here for the official website of the Klosterneuburg Abbey.
Also, Click here for an interesting story about one woman’s struggle with infertility and the intercession of Saint Leopold.
