News stories coming this month
Servers week away
Kindergarten bids farewell to 34 new school children
New papergirl delivering Diocesan weekly Paper.
More changes and decorations in St Mang
Local Paper takes children over 10 on tour of St Mang Basilica.
Local student for Priesthood off to Rome
Mass and Blessing of Flowers for the Assumption
St Mang's washing-42 Cotas-10 hours work!
DIOCESAN PAPER DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR!
The Diocesan paper for Augsburg,"Katholisches Sonntags Zeitung" comes out on a weekly basis.In the UK Diocesan papers are only published monthly.Here in Füssen the Parish Office are responsible for the delivery of the papers to those who have ordered them.
At the beginning of the month of August,Theresa Frey had to give up the job of delivering the round covering the Eastern end of Füssen.This was due to so much extra work from the school.
We now welcome the new Diocesan Paper Girl for Füssen,Miriam Rosenthal-English.Those receiving their paper may have noticed they are now receiving it on the Wednesday of the week when it is printed instead of the Saturday.Hopefully Miriam is able to keep up the good work.
"ALLGÄUER ZEITUNG'S" YOUNG READERS TOUR BASILICA
Reporter & Photographer:Dr.Miriam Rosenthal-English
Extra Reporting:Myke Rosenthal-English
Young readers aged over 10 were invited by the local paper,the "Allgäuer Zeitung" to take a tour of St Mang Basilica on Friday 24th August 2007.The tour was supposed to be given by architect Magnus Pearson.However he failed to turn up and Sacristan,Bruno Ehrentreich conducted the children round all the nooks and crannies of the Basilica not normally accessible even on a normal church tour.
The children gathered outside of the Basilica at 0930hrs for the start of the tour.The Allgäuer Zeitung photographer,Uwe Claus can be seen taking photos of the event for the local paper,which organised the trip.He unfortunately felt that the English website for St Mang Basilica was not allowed to cover an event happening in the Basilica and he was extremely rude to our reporter/photographer,Dr Miriam Rosenthal-English. He told her the event was only for children!Yet he himself was covering a news event the same as our reporter was.
The first part of the tour was the "Anna Chapel".This now belongs to the city museum and Mass is celebrated once a year in the Chapel on the Feast of St Anne.It has the oldest painting of "The Dance of Death"(Totentanz) in Germany.
The Dance of Death (Below)
They then went down to the lower crypt where the graves of the monks can be found.On top of the graves are two statues.Kronos(Time) and Tod(Death).These remind us about death and the fact we will all die sometime.
Down in the crypt of St Mang where the oldest Fresco in Germany can be found.Many Professors and Doctors from all over Germany come to visit the Basilica to study this painting. .
The bones of St Magnus were buried in his own little Chapel he had built.But 850 the bones were transferred to the new grave in the crypt.One piece of bone was transferred to St Gallen in Switzerland.
250 years later around 1100 all the bones of the Saint disappeared.They got a splinter of the saints bone from St Gallen and it is now kept as a relic in the glass Cross over the main alter of the Basilica.
Photo below shows the site of where St Mang was buried in the crypt before the bones disappeared around the year 1100.
Next the children were shown the inside of the Basilica.Of special interest was the glass cross above the Main Alter where the relics of St Mang are kept.
The Staff of St Mang is framed in silver to stop the loss of the origional relic.When another church was given the name of St Mang a piece of the staff was cut off and sent to each new church.Eventually so much was removed that it was decided to encase the staff to preserve it in the Basilica.Because of the casing it now looks like a sceptre not a staff. It is in the centre of the glass cross.The other relic is a splinter of bone from St Mang which is at the bottom of the cross..Also in the cross are a Chalice on the right hand side as you look at it and a cross on the left hand side.
It was then pointed out that up until the 1970's you could get to the crypt via some stairs which were in front of what is now the main altar after the changes in the Liturgy which Vatican II allowed.Before that Mass was celebrated at the Alter where the Tabernacle is situated with the priest having his back to the people.
Below the children sit in the "Monks Choir".This is situated behind the main Altar.
There is also a very old organ located in the middle of the choir.It was made by the famous organ builder Andreas Jäger around 1750.It is one of 5 built by him for the catholic churches in Füssen.The pipes of the 'Choir Organ' lay flat instead of vertical.It was built mainly to accompany the monks as they sang the Gregorian Chants.In 1898 it was modified by Hermann Späth.It was restored between 1990-1996 to it's origional condition.
In the sacristy they were shown the Chalices and vestments used by the priests during the celebration of Mass.
Om the second floor of the sacristy the children were shown the Old and very precious vestments which are lying in draws made of Cedar.Cedar is used to prevent detoriation of the fabrics.
The children then went through a side door into the main area of the "Theatrum Sacrum" where all the different themes for the liturgical year are hung.
They then continued down a small passage past the all year crib and right down to the organ.
The organ keyboards were origionally in the middle of the Organ Loft.They are now on the right hand side of the loft.He showed the organ has 3 manuals and Frau Doctor Miriam Rosenthal-English played the organ for them to listen too.
The organ was made by Andreas Jäger and it is his most important work.It was built around 1753.
Now for the real fun part of the tour,climbing up the bell tower!It reminded some of the film "Vertigo".
Nearly there!
The bells used to be rung by hand but now all is automated.The children took it in turns to feel how heavy the clapper that rings the bell is.
Bruno explaining the mechanisms of the bells
In the roof of the Basilica To build this area of the Basilica they had to put it completely together on a field.They then had to mark each individual piece and take it to bits to be rebuilt as the Basilica roof.The marks can still be seen to this day.Every three weeks the eternal light which shows the Blessed Sacrament is truly present in the tabernacle ,is changed and it is lowered from the roof.
After the loft the children entered the gallery above the nave of the Basilica.
There they saw two mirrors which the artist, Erwin Wiegerling put there.
one of the mirrors can be seen in the centre of the photo
At 1000hrs the angle of the sun hits the mirrors and is reflected through the glass altar into the crypt which then lights up clearly.
They then went back down the tower and came to the Mechanical Clock which has now been electrified.
The clock has only one big hand and 12 hours.It is accurate within 15 minutes if you read it.
One of the children won a trip in an aircraft around Füssen as part of the Allgäer Zeitung promotion.
COTTA LOT OF WASHING IN ST MANG!
When it comes to washing the servers cottas in St Mang Basilica you are taking on a big job.So it's no wonder that Monsignor Knebel's Housekeeper,Frau Hornsteiner decided to give it up.
There are over 50 cotta's that need to be washed at least every 6 months.42 cotta's take over 10 hours to wash and iron properly due to the pleats in them.Everyone is most grateful for the outstanding efforts made by Frau Hornsteiner to do the work in the past.Now its time for some new blood to get the work done.Maybe if each server was responsible for getting there own cotta cleaned it would make light work for everyone!Anyone wanting to volunteer should contact Bruno,our friendly sacristan.
Photo below shows the last batch of cotta's being returned from washing and ironing.
IF IT DOESN'T MOVE PAINT IT!
You can tell the Bishop is coming to St Mang for the "MagnusFest" on Sunday 9th September 2007.Workers are busy painting and decorating the back of St Mang by the Altars of St Michael and St Mary Magdelan and also the outside of the Krippkirche at the back.
It reminds one of the Royal Air Force when the Air Officer Commanding was visiting.The old saying was "If it doesn't move paint it!"
Hopefully Bishop Walter Mixa is more interested in our souls than a lick of paint on the chapel walls-however nice it may look!
Photos show decoration in progress
Above is the 1st public photo of one of the new windows designed by the renowned artist, Erwin Wiegerling in situ.The new windows can be found in the back porch where E LIN has made two new doors.Over the past 20 years he has done many artistic works within St Mang and its sister churches in Füssen and surrounding area.He will be releasing his new book,"LIGHT TRACKS"(LICHTSPUREN)
in a presentation in St Mang Basilica on Sunday 9th September 2007 at 1600hrs.The Bishop of Augsburg and the Germany Military,Right Reverend Doctor,Walter Mixa will be present for the event.
The book shows the works that the artist has carried out within the parish in the last 20 years.
PHOTO ABOVE SHOWS THE SECOND NEW WINDOW IN PLACE:
Renovations to the outside of the Krippkirche are also progressing well.
Check out our German sister site for more photos of the redecoration.(link)
THEOLOGY STUDENT ROMEWARD BOUND!
Florian Schmutz
Florian Schmutz from Füssen was recently made a Reader by the Bishop,He is studying Theology for the Priesthood within the Diocese and is going to Rome for a year to further his studies.He told our reporter,"I am able to choose where I stay and am not bound to any particular college."We pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide him in his chosen vocation.
THE MASS OF THE ASSUMPTION
Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel celebrated the Mass of the Assumption of Our Blessed Lady into Heaven.
Its not the photo out of focus,its really the large amount of incense that they love to use in the Basilica!
After Mass he blessed the herbs and flowers which had been placed at the foot of the Statue of Our Lady of Bavaria.
This is an extremely old custom here in Bavaria.Some bring their own herbs and flowers,others give a donation to the Servers Fund.This pays for servers trips out.The herbs and Flowers are made by the Catholic Womans Organization here in Füssen.The flowers and herbs which have been blessed are taken to peoples houses and hung up as a protection against Thunder and Lightning.As the storms in this area can be very frequent and extremely violent you don't see many Catholic homes without them!
Above photo shows the "Theatrum Sacrum" above Our Ladies Statue.
32 SERVERS SPEND WEEK IN THE MOUNTAINS
32 servers from the 4 Mass centers in the Parish spent a week away in Austria at the beginning of the school holidays.They went to Erwald from Sunday 29th July till Friday 3rd of August.
Getting all the supplies ready under the watchful eye of the BOSS and his dog!
Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel;(The BOSS),celebrated Mass for the group on Thursday 31st July on the mountain where they were staying.All had a fantastic time although one server had to return to Füssen early due to an injury.She was thus unable to walk in the mountains.The group had to have good survival skills as their was no electricity in the hut where they stayed.All new servers had to be initiated by having their head put under water whilst two older servers held them.One server did not attend the camp as she was afraid of this happening to her.
KINDERGARTEN BID FAREWELL TO NEW SCHOOL ENTRANTS.
34 children aged 6 left the Kindergarten,St Gabriel on August 2nd 2007.A service of prayer,thanksgiving and song was held in Acht Seligkeiten at 1030hrs.After the prayer service,Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel presented every child who was leaving with a "Schuletutte".This is a large cone which the children take to school on their 1st day and it contains sweets and little presents
.Monsignor invited all to come back to church on the 1st Sunday after school begins,16th September at St Mang and they would all be given an extra present for the Schuletutte.
Blow are photos of the leaving service and at the end all the Kindergarten children line up each side of the church and wave goodbye to the leavers as they walk down the centre of the other children.
Monsignor hands out the Schuletutte to the children who were leaving.
The children not leaving line up so those leaving can pass down the aisle between them as they wave goodbye to them.
Servers week away
Kindergarten bids farewell to 34 new school children
New papergirl delivering Diocesan weekly Paper.
More changes and decorations in St Mang
Local Paper takes children over 10 on tour of St Mang Basilica.
Local student for Priesthood off to Rome
Mass and Blessing of Flowers for the Assumption
St Mang's washing-42 Cotas-10 hours work!
DIOCESAN PAPER DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR!
The Diocesan paper for Augsburg,"Katholisches Sonntags Zeitung" comes out on a weekly basis.In the UK Diocesan papers are only published monthly.Here in Füssen the Parish Office are responsible for the delivery of the papers to those who have ordered them.
At the beginning of the month of August,Theresa Frey had to give up the job of delivering the round covering the Eastern end of Füssen.This was due to so much extra work from the school.
We now welcome the new Diocesan Paper Girl for Füssen,Miriam Rosenthal-English.Those receiving their paper may have noticed they are now receiving it on the Wednesday of the week when it is printed instead of the Saturday.Hopefully Miriam is able to keep up the good work.
"ALLGÄUER ZEITUNG'S" YOUNG READERS TOUR BASILICA
Reporter & Photographer:Dr.Miriam Rosenthal-English
Extra Reporting:Myke Rosenthal-English
Young readers aged over 10 were invited by the local paper,the "Allgäuer Zeitung" to take a tour of St Mang Basilica on Friday 24th August 2007.The tour was supposed to be given by architect Magnus Pearson.However he failed to turn up and Sacristan,Bruno Ehrentreich conducted the children round all the nooks and crannies of the Basilica not normally accessible even on a normal church tour.
The children gathered outside of the Basilica at 0930hrs for the start of the tour.The Allgäuer Zeitung photographer,Uwe Claus can be seen taking photos of the event for the local paper,which organised the trip.He unfortunately felt that the English website for St Mang Basilica was not allowed to cover an event happening in the Basilica and he was extremely rude to our reporter/photographer,Dr Miriam Rosenthal-English. He told her the event was only for children!Yet he himself was covering a news event the same as our reporter was.
The first part of the tour was the "Anna Chapel".This now belongs to the city museum and Mass is celebrated once a year in the Chapel on the Feast of St Anne.It has the oldest painting of "The Dance of Death"(Totentanz) in Germany.
The Dance of Death (Below)
They then went down to the lower crypt where the graves of the monks can be found.On top of the graves are two statues.Kronos(Time) and Tod(Death).These remind us about death and the fact we will all die sometime.
Down in the crypt of St Mang where the oldest Fresco in Germany can be found.Many Professors and Doctors from all over Germany come to visit the Basilica to study this painting. .
The bones of St Magnus were buried in his own little Chapel he had built.But 850 the bones were transferred to the new grave in the crypt.One piece of bone was transferred to St Gallen in Switzerland.
250 years later around 1100 all the bones of the Saint disappeared.They got a splinter of the saints bone from St Gallen and it is now kept as a relic in the glass Cross over the main alter of the Basilica.
Photo below shows the site of where St Mang was buried in the crypt before the bones disappeared around the year 1100.
Next the children were shown the inside of the Basilica.Of special interest was the glass cross above the Main Alter where the relics of St Mang are kept.
The Staff of St Mang is framed in silver to stop the loss of the origional relic.When another church was given the name of St Mang a piece of the staff was cut off and sent to each new church.Eventually so much was removed that it was decided to encase the staff to preserve it in the Basilica.Because of the casing it now looks like a sceptre not a staff. It is in the centre of the glass cross.The other relic is a splinter of bone from St Mang which is at the bottom of the cross..Also in the cross are a Chalice on the right hand side as you look at it and a cross on the left hand side.
It was then pointed out that up until the 1970's you could get to the crypt via some stairs which were in front of what is now the main altar after the changes in the Liturgy which Vatican II allowed.Before that Mass was celebrated at the Alter where the Tabernacle is situated with the priest having his back to the people.
Below the children sit in the "Monks Choir".This is situated behind the main Altar.
There is also a very old organ located in the middle of the choir.It was made by the famous organ builder Andreas Jäger around 1750.It is one of 5 built by him for the catholic churches in Füssen.The pipes of the 'Choir Organ' lay flat instead of vertical.It was built mainly to accompany the monks as they sang the Gregorian Chants.In 1898 it was modified by Hermann Späth.It was restored between 1990-1996 to it's origional condition.
In the sacristy they were shown the Chalices and vestments used by the priests during the celebration of Mass.
Om the second floor of the sacristy the children were shown the Old and very precious vestments which are lying in draws made of Cedar.Cedar is used to prevent detoriation of the fabrics.
The children then went through a side door into the main area of the "Theatrum Sacrum" where all the different themes for the liturgical year are hung.
They then continued down a small passage past the all year crib and right down to the organ.
The organ keyboards were origionally in the middle of the Organ Loft.They are now on the right hand side of the loft.He showed the organ has 3 manuals and Frau Doctor Miriam Rosenthal-English played the organ for them to listen too.
The organ was made by Andreas Jäger and it is his most important work.It was built around 1753.
Now for the real fun part of the tour,climbing up the bell tower!It reminded some of the film "Vertigo".
Nearly there!
The bells used to be rung by hand but now all is automated.The children took it in turns to feel how heavy the clapper that rings the bell is.
Bruno explaining the mechanisms of the bells
In the roof of the Basilica To build this area of the Basilica they had to put it completely together on a field.They then had to mark each individual piece and take it to bits to be rebuilt as the Basilica roof.The marks can still be seen to this day.Every three weeks the eternal light which shows the Blessed Sacrament is truly present in the tabernacle ,is changed and it is lowered from the roof.
After the loft the children entered the gallery above the nave of the Basilica.
There they saw two mirrors which the artist, Erwin Wiegerling put there.
one of the mirrors can be seen in the centre of the photoAt 1000hrs the angle of the sun hits the mirrors and is reflected through the glass altar into the crypt which then lights up clearly.
They then went back down the tower and came to the Mechanical Clock which has now been electrified.
The clock has only one big hand and 12 hours.It is accurate within 15 minutes if you read it.
One of the children won a trip in an aircraft around Füssen as part of the Allgäer Zeitung promotion.
COTTA LOT OF WASHING IN ST MANG!
When it comes to washing the servers cottas in St Mang Basilica you are taking on a big job.So it's no wonder that Monsignor Knebel's Housekeeper,Frau Hornsteiner decided to give it up.
There are over 50 cotta's that need to be washed at least every 6 months.42 cotta's take over 10 hours to wash and iron properly due to the pleats in them.Everyone is most grateful for the outstanding efforts made by Frau Hornsteiner to do the work in the past.Now its time for some new blood to get the work done.Maybe if each server was responsible for getting there own cotta cleaned it would make light work for everyone!Anyone wanting to volunteer should contact Bruno,our friendly sacristan.
Photo below shows the last batch of cotta's being returned from washing and ironing.
IF IT DOESN'T MOVE PAINT IT!
You can tell the Bishop is coming to St Mang for the "MagnusFest" on Sunday 9th September 2007.Workers are busy painting and decorating the back of St Mang by the Altars of St Michael and St Mary Magdelan and also the outside of the Krippkirche at the back.
It reminds one of the Royal Air Force when the Air Officer Commanding was visiting.The old saying was "If it doesn't move paint it!"
Hopefully Bishop Walter Mixa is more interested in our souls than a lick of paint on the chapel walls-however nice it may look!
Photos show decoration in progress
Above is the 1st public photo of one of the new windows designed by the renowned artist, Erwin Wiegerling in situ.The new windows can be found in the back porch where E LIN has made two new doors.Over the past 20 years he has done many artistic works within St Mang and its sister churches in Füssen and surrounding area.He will be releasing his new book,"LIGHT TRACKS"(LICHTSPUREN)
in a presentation in St Mang Basilica on Sunday 9th September 2007 at 1600hrs.The Bishop of Augsburg and the Germany Military,Right Reverend Doctor,Walter Mixa will be present for the event.
The book shows the works that the artist has carried out within the parish in the last 20 years.
PHOTO ABOVE SHOWS THE SECOND NEW WINDOW IN PLACE:
Renovations to the outside of the Krippkirche are also progressing well.
Check out our German sister site for more photos of the redecoration.(link)
THEOLOGY STUDENT ROMEWARD BOUND!
Florian SchmutzFlorian Schmutz from Füssen was recently made a Reader by the Bishop,He is studying Theology for the Priesthood within the Diocese and is going to Rome for a year to further his studies.He told our reporter,"I am able to choose where I stay and am not bound to any particular college."We pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide him in his chosen vocation.
THE MASS OF THE ASSUMPTION
Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel celebrated the Mass of the Assumption of Our Blessed Lady into Heaven.
Its not the photo out of focus,its really the large amount of incense that they love to use in the Basilica!
After Mass he blessed the herbs and flowers which had been placed at the foot of the Statue of Our Lady of Bavaria.
This is an extremely old custom here in Bavaria.Some bring their own herbs and flowers,others give a donation to the Servers Fund.This pays for servers trips out.The herbs and Flowers are made by the Catholic Womans Organization here in Füssen.The flowers and herbs which have been blessed are taken to peoples houses and hung up as a protection against Thunder and Lightning.As the storms in this area can be very frequent and extremely violent you don't see many Catholic homes without them!
Above photo shows the "Theatrum Sacrum" above Our Ladies Statue.
32 SERVERS SPEND WEEK IN THE MOUNTAINS
32 servers from the 4 Mass centers in the Parish spent a week away in Austria at the beginning of the school holidays.They went to Erwald from Sunday 29th July till Friday 3rd of August.
Getting all the supplies ready under the watchful eye of the BOSS and his dog!
Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel;(The BOSS),celebrated Mass for the group on Thursday 31st July on the mountain where they were staying.All had a fantastic time although one server had to return to Füssen early due to an injury.She was thus unable to walk in the mountains.The group had to have good survival skills as their was no electricity in the hut where they stayed.All new servers had to be initiated by having their head put under water whilst two older servers held them.One server did not attend the camp as she was afraid of this happening to her.
KINDERGARTEN BID FAREWELL TO NEW SCHOOL ENTRANTS.
34 children aged 6 left the Kindergarten,St Gabriel on August 2nd 2007.A service of prayer,thanksgiving and song was held in Acht Seligkeiten at 1030hrs.After the prayer service,Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel presented every child who was leaving with a "Schuletutte".This is a large cone which the children take to school on their 1st day and it contains sweets and little presents
.Monsignor invited all to come back to church on the 1st Sunday after school begins,16th September at St Mang and they would all be given an extra present for the Schuletutte.
Blow are photos of the leaving service and at the end all the Kindergarten children line up each side of the church and wave goodbye to the leavers as they walk down the centre of the other children.
Monsignor hands out the Schuletutte to the children who were leaving.
The children not leaving line up so those leaving can pass down the aisle between them as they wave goodbye to them.
