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En camino a Munich: en la autopista cerca de Feldmoching On the way to Munich: on the autobahn near Feldmoching Auf dem Weg nach München: auf der Autobahn bei Feldmoching |
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Mons. Reinhard Marx en la parroquia de Feldmoching Archbishop Marx in the parish church of Feldmoching Erzbischof Marx in der Pfarrkirche von Feldmoching |
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Esperando... Waiting... Erwartung... |
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Mons. Reinhard Marx en Feldmoching Archbishop Marx in Feldmoching Erzbischof Marx in Feldmoching |
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Parroquia Parish church Pfarrkirche Fotos: Erzbistum München/Archiv © 2008 |
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GERMANY, Sr. M. Anrika Dold. At the end of December, the parish in Feldmoching learned about a joyful event that would take place in January: the new Archbishop Reinhard Marx of Munich would visit Feldmoching on his way to Munich, as it is located on the northern outskirts of the city. The so-called "step-by-step" process of a new Archbishop is a tradition in Bavaria that dates back to the Middle Ages; this is the same journey that Joseph Ratzinger and Friedrich Wetter also made on their way to becoming Archbishops in Munich. The visit in Feldmoching was the second station of the newly-appointed Archbishop: In the morning of January 30, he visited the Benedictine monastery in Scheyern on the border of the Archdiocese. There, he venerated a relic of a cross that was made in the Diocese of Trier, which had a special meaning for Reinhard Marx, who will forever be bound to the Diocese of Trier. The third stop for the Archbishop was the inner-city of Munich where he prayed before the Marian Column.
"We want to present ourselves as a lively parish community," stressed Father Bien – and he was visibly happy that a Schoenstatt project exists in his parish, which he enthusiastically shared with Reinhard Marx after learning that the Archbishop has two Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary as housekeepers.
A Joyful Expectation for the Visit
Delegates from the Province House in Kösching are always quite willing to organize a welcoming party, especially when news of the new bishop arriving in Feldmoching is received. Sr. Marie-Gudrun, Sr. Maria Margarita and Sr. Claudia-Maria hastily came to Feldmoching just before 1:30 p.m. and positioned themselves for the Life Project – the Schoenstatt Project in the Josef-Frankl Street – along the way to the parish church. The sisters were not the only ones who waited alongside the road that led to the church or in the Zech Courtyard to welcome Reinhard Marx when he arrived. Many expectant faces were seen along the street. In front of the church, small Vatican flags were distributed as well. In the wonderfully decorated church, the very first row had been reserved for the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary. As the sisters took their seats, the wide variety of clubs from Feldmoching appointed flag bearers outside in the Zech Courtyard. A Schoenstatt flag was also present, which Sister of Mary M. Rapahela had contributed to the procession.
The excitement rose – one could sense how it began to vibrate all around: He would certainly be there at any moment!
A woman from the Feldmoching Women’s Community commented that, "It is a once in a lifetime experience for me. Certainly, people who live here have already experienced this event. My son was confirmed by Archbishop Wetter and now I want to greet the new Archbishop here as well." The kindergartners along with their teacher also arrived with their best serenade to welcome the new bishop. The brass band, the folklore societies, everyone was ready! Then, the arrival of Reinhard Marx was announced instantaneously via microphone.
"The other Sisters are still sitting in the train"
Then came the great moment; Reinhard Marx had arrived! He was immediately surrounded by many journalists, the chairman of the parish council, the church administrator, and Father Bien, all of whom wholeheartedly greeted the bishop. Then, it was the children’s turn to come forward, and the new bishop asked everyone to be quiet and listen to the children. He joined in with the movements of the children’s song as they all stared up at him with wide eyes. Then, he set his biretta on a young boy’s head and sincerely thanked the people for such a lovely welcome. On the way to the parish church, he immediately recognized the Schoenstatt flag and the Sisters of Mary, who were with him as housekeepers in Trier and had also traveled to Munich.
His words from the pulpit were inviting and encouraging: he noted that, yes - he was new, but not a stranger because we all belong to one family, the great family of God. He brought with him a greeting from the Holy Father and encouraged the people to tightly bind themselves as followers of the pope, as this person embodies Sts. Peter and Paul’s affirming "yes" to be instruments of the Holy Spirit in leading the universal Church. Reinhard Marx remarked that the Cathedral in Trier is also dedicated to St. Peter. Then, he proceeded to pray with the Feldmoching congregation on behalf of the Pope for all of the priests in the entire Arch-diocese. Yes, the faithful were gathered together with their shepherd in prayer – they had flocked to Mary and her Son – and it was clear that the bishop’s arrival above all depended on this. After the blessing, Reinhard Marx closed with the words: Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ… and then: Mother with your blessed Son, bless us each and everyone.
On his procession out, he was motioned by the parish council chairman and the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary in the first row, with whom he shook hands. The joy was so tremendous, and they wholeheartedly promised to pray for him, which the Archbishop was sincerely thankful for.
Translation: Melissa Ann Schmid, USA