Vogelsang Charterhouse

In accordance with the Carthusian tradition of Marian devotion, the new foundation was dedicated to the compassion of Mary (German: Mitleiden Mariens unter dem Kreuz; Latin: compassio Beatae Mariae).

In 1609 and 1610 cattle, equipment and the church treasures were sent elsewhere for safety, and some of the monks and lay brothers sought refuge in other charterhouses, but the monastery itself suffered such plundering and destruction that for a time it seemed impossible that it could ever be made habitable again.

In the second half of the 17th century under the priors Theodor Monheim and Antonius Basel the monastery enjoyed a golden age of prosperity, to which properly-managed forestry contributed, and was able to acquire gold and silver liturgical vessels and to invest capital at interest.

In 1794, when the territories on the left bank of the Lower Rhine were conquered by French revolutionary troops and incorporated into the Département de la Roer, some of the monks had to flee.

Although some were able to return in the following years, continuing the strict discipline of the Carthusians was made increasingly difficult by a series of compulsory legal measures and eventually became impossible.