Mariastern Abbey in Banja Luka opened a museum today dedicated to the Trappist order and their legacy. This event marks a significant step in preserving cultural heritage and offers visitors insight into the life and work of the Trappists, who played a key role in the development of Banja Luka.
The Trappists arrived in Banja Luka in 1869 and founded the Mariastern Abbey. Their arrival is commemorated by their first structure, the Koliba (cabin), which still stands in the abbey courtyard today. Throughout their activity, they contributed to the education, economy, and culture of the Banja Luka region. They are renowned for producing the famous Trappist cheese, establishing the first hydroelectric power plant, brewery, dairy, printing press, bridge over the Vrbas River as well as founding primary and vocational schools, among other achievements.
With the opening of the museum, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the rich history of the Trappists in Banja Luka, their spiritual life, and their role in shaping the identity of the city. The museum will serve as a place for meetings, dialogue, and cooperation, preserving the memory of all the Trappists who passed through this abbey.
At one point, this monastery was the largest Trappist monastery in the world, housing 250 monks, although today only a few remain.
This event represents an important step in preserving cultural heritage and offers a unique opportunity for education and understanding the significance of the Trappist order in the history of the region. Visitors will also have the chance to see interesting musical instruments used by the Trappists, books they printed, and even learn about how voting was once conducted using beans.
The Trappist motto was Ora et labora (Pray and work). The few Trappists present at the museum opening, as usual, were overshadowed by numerous politicians in attendance, including the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Andrej Plenković, ministers from his government, the Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Borjana Krišto, the President of the Federation of BiH, Lidija Bradara, the President of the Republic of Srpska, Milorad Dodik, and the Mayor of Banja Luka, Draško Stanivuković.
Behind the entire project, however, lies the dedicated work of retired Banja Luka bishop Franjo Komarica, current bishop Željko Majić, and their collaborators. While others spoke, the Trappists remained true to their principle – Pray and work.
