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Los obispos de las diocesis del sur de Alemania reunidos en Oberkirch (falta el Cardenal Lehmann que llegó más tarde) The bishops of the dioceses in Southern Germany in Oberkirch (Cardinal Lehmann, who came later, is missing on the photo) Die Bischöfe der südwest- und mitteldeutschen Diözesen in Oberkirche (auf dem Foto fehlt Kardinal Lehmann, der später anreiste) Foto: Sr. Annetraud Bolkart © 2008 |
GERMANY, mab. Under the bright blue sky last Thursday afternoon, February 7th, 17 bishops and auxiliary bishops from seven south-west and mid-Germany dioceses (Mainz, Fulda, Limburg, Speyer, Trier, Rottenburg-Stuttgart, and Freiburg) met in Oberkirch. They gathered in the Marienfried Schoenstatt Center to prepare for the Annual Spring Convention of the German Bishops’ Conference that took place from February 11th through 14th in Würzburg.
The German Bishops Convention was simultaneously prepared through four regional meetings consisting of bishops from the north-west Germany dioceses, the south- and mid-Germany dioceses, the Bavarian diocese, as well as the diocese residing in the formerly separated German states. Each year, a different diocese is privileged the regional meeting. This year, the south-west Germany bishops met in the Archdiocese of Freiburg, specifically in Schoenstatt’s very own Oberkirch Center. The conference took place from Thursday afternoon to Friday midday.
"Heaven’s Gate"
Father Lukas Wehrle, Oberkirch Pastor and Diocesan Leader of the Schoenstatt Movement in the Archdiocese of Freiburg, greeted the bishops as they arrived in the Marienfried Schoenstatt Center. He pronounced that it is "a great honor and joy for the Oberkirch Pastoral Unit, as well as for the Schoenstatt Movement of our Diocese to be able to welcome you here. Today, the beautiful Rench River shimmers under the bright blue sky. You will prepare for the Annual Spring Convention under this blue sky and will meet next week as well for the Convention in House "Heaven’s Gate" in Würzburg. Today, on this glorious day, experience "Heaven’s Gate" in the Archdiocese of Freiburg!
We wish that you not only treat yourselves to the Oberkirch wine this evening (it is –side note—a sign of Glory of God to drink a small glass of Oberkirch wine during the Lenten season as well!), but also that you feel entirely well and experience an open heaven for your consultations.
In the Shrine of the Mother Thrice Admirable and in the worship of our community, we want to assist you with your consultations through prayer. God’s blessings upon each of you and have a good time here in Oberkirch!"
Prayer accompanied the Annual Spring Convention
The newly renovated Oberkirch Schoenstatt Center – the bishops were the first to use the brand new dining room – had obviously pleased the church leaders, as they affirmed in their good-byes. It was clear that the Schoenstatt Movement assisted not only with their meeting in Oberkirch, but also with the Annual Spring Convention that began last Monday through prayer as well. The election for the new President of the German Bishop’s Conference took center stage. It was a full-time work day under the theme, "Marriage and Family" as well as addressing the issues that Pope Benedict XVI has called for to be implemented during the upcoming Paulus Year (June 28th, 2008 – July 29th, 2009). During this timeframe, the 1st Bishops Convention in Würzburg, which took place 160 years ago, will be remembered: In 1848, bishops from the German-speaking regions came together in Würzburg for the first time to collectively engage in consultations.
At the opening of the Convention on February 11th, Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Dr. Jean-Claude Périsset as well as Archbishop Orlando Beltrau Quevedo OMI (Philippines), Bishop Joseph Nduhirubusa (Burundi), and Bishop Pedro Barreto Jimeno SJ (Peru) who have been in Germany assisting with the Lenten Action Project, MISEREOR, were also present to participate. The Convention ended on February 14th.
Translation: Melissa Ann Schmid, USA