<div><em>“One thing I ask of the Lord,</em>

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<div><em>that is what I seek:</em>

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<div><em>that I may dwell in the house of the Lord</em>

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<div><em>all the days of my life,</em>

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<div><em>to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord</em>

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<div><em>and to pray in his temple.”</em>

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<div>(Psalm 27:4)

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<div><br />

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<div>With this verse in my heart, and after a year of living as a hermit in Sweden—a life of silence, prayer, and modest means—I am now, at the age of 56, taking the next step: beginning a degree in theology at the University of Fribourg.

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<div>Last winter, I was accepted onto the course as a ‘late applicant’—someone over 30 without a high school diploma. I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity, which feels like a confirmation of my path.

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<div>But now, I need your support.

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<div>At the moment, I have only a small income from online work and am facing back tax payments from my time in Denmark. Moving to a monastery in Switzerland or Austria would bring me closer to the university and allow me to live in a community of brothers who, like me, are seeking God—with a regular daily routine and the stability I long for. At the same time, it would enable me to live in a life of simplicity and focus fully on my studies. Yet even then, the costs of tuition, textbooks, and living remain a challenge.

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<div><strong>Why now? Why theology?</strong>

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<div>For me, this course of study is not a profession, but a vocation—a call to delve deeper into the questions that have shaped my life. I wish to devote myself to theological questions without distraction—not for my own sake, but to share what I learn: whether through conversations, texts, or simply through a life that bears witness.

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<div>With its bilingual, cosmopolitan atmosphere and strong theological faculty, the University of Fribourg offers the ideal setting. But as a 56-year-old, I am not eligible for scholarships—and my financial resources are limited.

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<div><strong>My goal is to raise €6,000 as a starting aid. This would cover:</strong>

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<li>Tuition fees for my first 2 semesters at the University of Fribourg (each €1070).

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<li>Essential books and materials (~€950–1,450) to begin my studies.

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<li>Initial travel costs (~€480–950) for commuting between the monastery and university.

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<li>A small buffer (~€950) for unexpected expenses, such as dentist or insurance fees.

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<div><strong>What Do You Get as a Supporter?</strong>

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<div>Your support is more than financial aid—it is an invitation to be part of this journey. In return, I offer you:

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<div>Regular updates on my studies and monastic life (via Substack).

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<div>Spiritual insights (e.g., short reflections, book summaries, or prayer suggestions).

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<div>The certainty of supporting a path of deepening and devotion—without commercial interests, only out of conviction.

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<div>Personal exchange: I am available for conversations about faith, theology, or hermit life (online or in person).

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<div><strong>How Can You Support Me?</strong>

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<div><br />

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<div><strong>Financially:</strong>

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<div>Donate via this fundraiser

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<div>or go to my Substack and subscribe: <a href="https://hero1970.substack.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://hero1970.substack.com" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://hero1970.substack.com</a></a>

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<div><strong>Practically:</strong>

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<div>Networking help: Do you know people or organizations that could support this project?

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<div>Cost-saving tips (e.g., affordable health insurance in Switzerland, scholarships for late starters).

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<div><strong>Spiritually:</strong>

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<div>Prayers or good wishes—these are just as valuable as financial support!

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<div>Your support gives me the freedom to focus entirely on what matters most: my studies, prayer, and the Scriptures. I am deeply touched by every gesture of solidarity—big or small. Together, we can show that a life of devotion and deepening is still possible today.

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<div>With gratitude and humility,

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<div>Heinz Robert

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<div><a href="https://heinzrobert.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Website</a>

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Studying theology, living in a monastery – please support me

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