Brother Jakobus Kaffanke: The hermit on the Ramsberg with special calling

The life of brother Jakobus Kaffanke at Ramsberg Castle is characterized by loneliness and spirit. As a hermit, he decided decades ago to live far from society and to shape his everyday life according to the Benedictine rule of life. On his 75th birthday, he welcomes a visit to the otherwise lonely Ramsberg to celebrate another year of his fulfilled life.

The decision for the hermitage existence

At the age of 34, Brother Jakobus Kaffanke appeared in the Benedictine Order of the Archabar Beuron and gave up his bourgeois name Erhard to be known from now on as James. After ten years in the religious community, he longed for loneliness and found his destiny at Ramsberg Castle, 40 kilometers away from his previous life. Since then he has lived a modest but fulfilling life in the hermitage.

the life of a hermit

brother Jakobus begins his day at 6 a.m. with the morning service and then devotes himself to the daily work. From cooking and washing to the sawing of firewood and the preservation of the walls - the hermit does everything by hand. In addition to the practical work, he lives his spirits and emphasizes that life in loneliness brings challenges, but also offers deep fulfillment.

a pilgrimage site on the Jakobsweg

The Ramsberg is not only a contact point for pilgrims on the Jakobsweg, but also for those seeking advice who are looking for the talk and hospitality of the hermit. Brother Jakobus himself was traveling as a Jacobs and attracts pilgrims from the region who appreciate his experiences and wisdom. In addition to his way of life as a hermit, he is also a respected author and speaker on spiritual topics.

further years of the hermitage

on the 75th birthday, Brother Jakobus decided to spend another ten years on the Ramsberg. Despite various restrictions, he is confident and confirms his decision to continue to accept the life form of the hermit. His wish to live in loneliness for another ten years shows his deep connection with his life on the Ramsberg.