The Schoenstatt Brothers of Mary, who run the “Kreuzberg” in Bonn, will close the Kreuzberg Bonn Language Institute (Kekulestraße 31, Germany) on April 30, 2026. After more than five decades of activity, this marks the end of an important part of the work in Kreuzberg. The closure fills those responsible with melancholy, but even more so with gratitude for all that has been achieved here in more than 50 years.
A long history of education since 1975
The language institute, founded in 1975, has for many years accompanied people from all over the world on their journey to learn German. With high pedagogical standards and a wide range of courses, the institution has supported and influenced students from the most diverse nationalities. Among the students, many members of the Schoenstatt Fathers, the Brothers of Mary, the Sisters of Mary, and other communities have participated in our courses.
Ani Souberlich, director of the Mother House in Tuparenda, Paraguay, says, “I learned German there. It is a beautiful place, with a Shrine next door and many young people from all over the world studying there.” Manuel Huapaya, director of Caritas Peru, explains: “The language institute had excellent teachers.”
For many years, priests studying in Rome learned German in an intensive eight-week summer course in Kreuzberg. On weekends, they handled vacation coverage in 15 parishes in the Bonn-Cologne area and experienced exchanges between young churches and German parishes. If Schoenstatt is recognized and appreciated in many circles of the Church today, it is undoubtedly also because the priests from the so-called Roman courses now hold positions of responsibility as bishops, vicars general, seminary directors, professors, and in other services, according to a 2004 press release. “More than 1,400 priests from many countries have participated in 29 ‘Roman courses’ in Kreuzberg, Bonn.”
Kreuzberg Bonn thanks all former participants and the numerous institutions and religious communities that have accompanied and supported the institute for decades.
We would also like to thank the entire Kreuzberg team for their commitment over the years, which has undoubtedly made a great contribution.
Difficult general conditions lead to closure
The reasons for the closure are the profound changes in the language course market and visa policy:
– Increased competition in the field of German courses
– Significant reduction in the granting of visas for language courses since the middle of last year
– Long waiting times at German diplomatic missions abroad, which have often made it impossible for many interested parties to enter the country
These developments have led to a sharp decline in the number of current and prospective students. Despite intensive efforts and the exploration of alternative financing models, no viable solution has been found under the current market and political conditions.
The good news at the end: the closure of the language institute does not mean that the Community of the Brothers of Mary is withdrawing from Kreuzberg or from its educational and pastoral work. The Brothers of Mary working in Kreuzberg, together with others, will develop.
pastoral care for the Kreuzberg church and the Schoenstatt Shrine,
and new educational programs.
The Schoenstatt Brothers of Mary welcome any support on this new path. The doors of Kreuzberg Bonn and the Shrine, inaugurated 40 years ago, will remain open.
Contact for inquiries:
Kreuzberg Bonn e. V.
Roberto González, Executive Director
