On 21 May 1996, Schumacher survived the Tibhirine massacre alongside Father Amédée.[1][5] The monastery was transferred to Fez where he was immediately appointed "superior ad nutum". On 18 September 1997, he became the successor of Christian de Chergé by election. Four years later, in 2000, they settled permanently in Midelt in a monastery previously occupied by Franciscans.[3] Since then, the community has eight members of very diverse origins.