Who are the Cistercian Monks Of Stift Heiligenkreuz?
The Cistercian monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz are an order of Catholic monks that live in the heart of Vienna. In 2008, the order gained considerable attention for the major label release of a CD of Gregorian chant, called Chant: Music for the Soul. The monks stress that they are not looking to become pop stars or the next Backstreet Boys, but the money they will receive for the CD effort will fund their upkeep and many charitable pursuits. The abbey occupied by the order is nearly 900 years old, and is a vast medieval construct with incredible historic value. The Cistercian Monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz have occupied the building since 1133 AD, when a young noble persuaded his wealthy father to support the efforts of the new Cistercian order. They have spiritual obligations in more than 20 local parishes, and operate some international programs providing aid to those studying to become monks. In early 2008, the head of the Cistercian monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz, Father Karl Wallner, rec
