Walter Vinnenberg

Walter Vinnenberg (born June 8, 1901 in Lippstadt ; † December 1, 1984 in Bocholt ) was a German educator.

Life

After graduating from high school Paulinum in Münster, Vinnenberg studied theology in Münster, Innsbruck and Paris and graduated with a doctorate . He was ordained a priest on February 27, 1926 in Münster. After a temporary job in Emsdetten from April 1, 1926 to Easter 1929, he was chaplain at the collegiate church of St. Mary's Assumption in Kleve , from Whitsun 1929 he was a religious teacher in all classes at the grammar school in Kleve . He also taught Hebrew and sports and headed a religious-philosophical study group. Later he also taught French. He won over the high school student Karl Leisner for youth work and gave the impetus for group formation. Vinnenberg went on trips, even after his time in Kleve: Eifelfahrt 1928, Westfalenfahrt 1928, Rügenfahrt 1929.

In 1929 he was a religion teacher at the Heimschule am Laacher See, in 1931 he studied in Münster, assistant at the Heilig Kreuz Church , trainee lawyer at the Paulinum grammar school in Munster, in 1934 as a professor at the Marienoberlyzeum in Munster, in 1937 at the grammar school in Coesfeld , in 1938 at the secondary schools in Rheine , 1939 at the secondary schools in Emmerich am Rhein, 1941 academic assessor and rector of the Konviktskirche there, 1942 academic assessor at the secondary schools in Moers , from 1943 to 1945 military service, 1945 academic advisor in Moers, 1947 at the Ratsgymnasium in Münster, 1949 director of the Collegium Augustinianum Gaesdonck , 1954 teacher at St.-Georg-Gymnasium in Bocholt , 1962 senior teacher, 1967 same a. D. and rector of the St. Klara monastery church in Bocholt. In 1979 Walter Vinnenberg became the papal house prelate .

In 1981 he received the Federal Cross of Merit for his services to the Franco-German understanding . He belonged to the Quickborn , but was open to all other leagues of the youth movement . He supported the demanding program of the Christian youth movement: 'New way of life in Christ!' In connection with his work in the Maria Laach Abbey, there was the possibility of additional studies at the Benedictine Academy. The abbey was the center of the liturgical movement in Germany under Abbot Ildefons Herwegen . Renewal, new beginnings, dynamism in the church inspired Walter Vinnenberg.

In addition to his contact with France, Walter Vinnenberg had a preference for foreign countries and passed this on to his students. During the time of National Socialism he was often transferred because of his political stance, in order to prevent close contact with the students and prevent them from influencing their attitudes. Nevertheless, he had this everywhere and thus decisively shaped generations of young people. Kleve remained his great love. Even after his transfer, he continued to look after Karl Leisner and his youth groups in Kleve and went on a journey with them. He kept letters from Karl Leisner. They are a valuable addition to his diaries.

literature

• Josef Stenmans: A life based on faith. On the death of Dr. Walter Vinnenberg , in: Gaesdoncker Blätter. 38th Vol. 1985, pp. 5-37.
• Josef Stenmans: Tempora mutantur ... In: Gaesdoncker Blätter. 7th year 1955. p. 18 f. Also in: Gaesdoncker Blätter. NF 1st year 1999. Vol. II: Historical reading book. Ed. V. Jörg Baden u. Alois Tack, pp. 144-146.