Neustift Abbey

“SPES” – the Latin word for hope – is the central theme of Neustift Abbey’s Advent programme for 2026. Under the title “SPES – Experience Hope. Share Hope.”, the Augustinian Canons invite visitors to experience Advent as a season of reflection, encounter and hope through Rorate Masses, church services, concerts and themed guided tours.

At the heart of the Advent programme are the themed guided tours “Signs of Hope”, which take visitors through the Abbey Museum every Thursday and Friday afternoon (languages: German or Italian). Selected works of art and historical objects tell the stories of people who preserved and passed on hope. Visitors are invited to write down their own thoughts on a card and become part of the “Network of Hope” – a shared installation that grows throughout Advent and makes the strength of community visible.
The programme is complemented by nativity scenes in the Basilica, the Abbey Museum and Castle of the Holy Angel, as well as several musical highlights. These include the concert by the St. Florian Boys’ Choir in the Abbey Basilica on 6 December at 3.00 pm, musical performances by the pupils of Neustift Abbey’s school boarding house, and the solemn musical accompaniment of selected liturgical celebrations by the Neustift Abbey Choir, including 8 December, Midnight Mass and Christmas Day.
A special feature of Advent is the tradition of the daily Rorate Masses, celebrated at 6.30 am in the Abbey Basilica. By candlelight, they invite worshippers to begin the day in an atmosphere of silence, prayer and expectation. Afterwards, at 7.00 am, everyone is invited to share breakfast together before starting the day refreshed.