25 years of Schwäbisch Gmünd: Celebrate in community and confidence

25 years of Schwäbisch Gmünd: Celebrate in community and confidence

Last Sunday there was something very special to celebrate in Schwäbisch Gmünd: the Franciscans at Bergstrasse 20 celebrated the 25th anniversary of their monastery with a festive ceremony. As [Remszeitung.de] (https://www.remszeitung.de/lokales/ostalbkreis/schwaebisch-gmuend/25-jahlter-gmisch-gmuend-franzkanerin-feier- und-Kirche-sgn7Vtasafbkhbo3sh7v5ztw5a.html) reported so good) visited that many guests did not find any space and had to stand. Orders' sisters, long -time companions from politics and society gathered in order to duly appreciate this special occasion.

The celebration reached its climax in a musical supporting program, which was designed by the vocal ensemble Cultores Sonorum and the Ensemble Querbeet of the music school. Sr. Birgitta opened the festival with a warm greeting, followed by Mayor Richard Arnold, who described the monastery as a "Mut-Mach-Community". Dean Hermann Friedl spoke about the sun singing of St. Francis and placed particular emphasis on a life -affirming rhythm in harmony with creation.

Review of the story

The history of the monastery in Schwäbisch Gmünd is deeply rooted. In 2007, for example, the Agnes Philippine Walter Foundation was founded to support people in difficult situations, especially women and children (Franziskanerinnen-gd.de). Another important step was to make a small convent to establish contact with women in the Gotteszell correctional facility. The Franciscans of eternal adoration are also known for their hospitality and offer pilgrims overnight accommodation in their guest house.

Schwäbisch Gmünd looks back on a long tradition and is known for its historical churches and monasteries. The city houses a Franciscan monastery that was founded in 1222 and had existed until 1860. Today's monastery community is also optimistic about the future and is still involved in numerous social projects, for example in the monastery hospice.

a place of encounter

The celebrations for the anniversary were not only a look back, but also a sign of the future. "The monastery remains a place of prayer, silence and social engagement in Schwäbisch Gmünd," said the sister's message. At a standing reception there were a variety of ways for personal encounters, reviews and an exchange about upcoming visions.

Every year is celebrated on October 3 in the parish of St. Franziskus together with the monastery community of the "Transitus", a ritual in which intercessions and blessings are talked about the city. As in the old days, the participants move to the monastery and then share blessed bread, a beautiful tradition that further strengthens the connection in the community (initiative group-franziskuswege.de.

In these events, it is impressive how alive the monastery is and how important it remains in the region. So it is not only a place of spiritual practice, but also a living space for community and social interaction.