Östanbäck Monastery, Lutheran Benedictine monastery near Sala, Sweden.
Östanbäck Monastery is a Lutheran Benedictine monastery near Sala comprising two main buildings from 1876 and 1926. The complex is surrounded by gardens tended by resident monks.
Four theology students from Lund and Uppsala universities established the Holy Cross Fraternity in 1960, leading to the monastery's founding in 1970. The community moved to its current buildings as it grew.
The monastery combines Benedictine traditions with Lutheran practices, creating a distinctive form of monastic life within the Church of Sweden. Daily prayer times shape the rhythm of community life for the resident monks.
The grounds are accessible to visitors and allow observation of candle production in the workshop along with participation in prayer times. It helps to check ahead for visiting hours and what activities take place.
The monastery operates a candle workshop producing specialized candle types, including distinctive Paschal candles with custom designs. This production is part of the monks' economic activity and the monastery's self-sufficiency.
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