New hope: Juliana Seelmann becomes Superior General of the Franciscan Sisters!

New hope: Juliana Seelmann becomes Superior General of the Franciscan Sisters!

The election of the new Superior General of the Oberzell Franciscan Sisters took place on June 12th in a festive atmosphere. Sister Juliana Seelmann, 42 years old and from Unterpleichfeld in the Würzburg district, has distinguished herself through her many years of experience and commitment as a missionary in South Africa. The election took place as part of the 30th General Chapter of the community, which is held every six years and represents the highest decision-making assembly of the sisters. The General Chapter brings together leaders to discuss future directions and challenges.

Seelmann, who entered the Oberzell monastery in 2009, has made a name for herself through her training as a health and nursing nurse and through her work in a shared accommodation for asylum seekers. Her musical talent is also valued and she was appointed novitiate director in 2017. Her predecessor, Sister Dr. Katharina Ganz, who directed the community's fortunes for 18 years, did not stand for election again. The official handover to Sister Seelmann is expected in the fall.

The new general council

Together with Sister Juliana Seelmann, Sisters Beatrix Barth, Rut Gerlach and Teresa Weimert form the new General Council. Beatrix Barth, who was elected vicar and deputy to the superior general, comes from the Hunsrück and was previously a teacher and head of the Klara educational center. The two other members have diverse experiences: Rut Gerlach is 61 years old and has had a long career in social education. Teresa Weimert, 68 years old, worked in youth welfare and hospital pastoral care and is also new to general management. 

The Congregation of the Oberzell Franciscan Sisters currently has 87 members. These include 69 in Germany as well as sisters from the USA and South Africa. This intercultural exchange is also reflected in the work of the order, which has been involved in education, upbringing and care since 1850. The challenges facing the community include demographic developments and the integration of sisters from different cultures.

A look into the future

A central concern of the General Chapter is to promote social responsibility and the protection of human life. The realities of life of the women religious, who come from different generations, are also taken into account. The organization plans to further develop life and leadership models in the convents. As part of the “Departure to the East” project, support has been provided in Kazakhstan since 1995, where local nuns offer their help.

The recent General Chapter of the Franciscan Sisters of Vöcklabruck also exemplifies this contemporary approach by formulating five central messages to guide the community for the years to come. The leitmotif “With Christ at the side of people” reflects the philosophy that should also enable Sister Seelmann and her team in their work.

It will be exciting to see the new impulses that Sister Seelmann and her general council will bring to the community as they continue to play their important role in society.

For more information about the new leadership of the Oberzell Franciscan Sisters, please visit oberzell.de. You can also find current developments and discussions about the religious community here pow.bistum-wuerzburg.de and franziskanerinnen.at.