November 2007
ALTAR IN ESCHACH CHAPEL HAS BLESSED SEELOS RELIC
Eschach is a tiny hamlet situated at the top of a hill between Füssen and Hopfen am See.It enjoys magnificent views of the two towns as well as the beautiful Allgäuer Alps.
Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos may well have visited this small chapel which serves the local agricultural community.Mass is celebrated there twice yearly.Once in Spring and also in Autumn.
It has recently been renovated in record time by members of the local community under their own steam.
Many thanks must go to all who helped in the venture,especially the Sacristan of the Chapel,Mrs Irmi Reiss who helped co-ordinate the whole venture.
The whole of the chapel including pictures,walls and doors underwent a spring clean!
The altar of Eschach Chapel which has the relic of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos in it
On Monday 5th November 2007,Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel,Regional Dean and Parish Priest of Füssen,Hopfen & Weisensee celebrated Mass in the newly redecorated chapel and blessed it.
At 1500hrs Monsignor started the celebration of the Mass outside the sacristan's house.
the Music was by Albert Frey on Horn and Petra Bader on Guitar.
Then followed a small procession to the Chapel.
When we reached the Chapel Monsignor blessed it with Holy Water.
Mass then continued inside the chapel which was full to overflowing.
After Mass
A photo of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos hangs in the Chapel as well as the relic in the Altar
Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel in prayerful reflection by the altar at Eschach Chapel which contains the relic of Blessed Seelos.A photo of Blessed Seelos who was born in Füssen also hangs in the chapel
Father Byron Miller,Executive Director of the International Shrine of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos in New Orleans told us"Thank you for sharing with me this exciting news! I hope to use it in a future Seelos monthly newsletter to let people in the U.S. know of the great devotion and pride that Fr. Seelos has in his homeland."
-------------------------------------------------------
FÜSSEN TOURIST OFFICE PROMOTES SECULAR AGENDA AGAINST THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
(World Exclusive!)
all SAINTS 2007
mas s was celebrated at 1000hrs in St Mang Basilica by Father Rudolph Bohm assisted by Deacon Fredl Hofmann
NEW CROSS BLESSED IN WEISENSEE GRAVEYARDnEWS bYTES (Coming soon!)
1)Blessing of graves on all saints
2)mass for all souls in st mang
3)new cross blessed in weisensee graveyard
4)eschach chapel renovations finished in record time
5)st martins day celebrations
6)new first communion groups starts preparation link
7)füssen tourist office using photos of st mang to mislead people.
8)füssen'scouncil can't afford to improve forecourt outside st mang-for the 20th year running!
9)kindergarten st gabriel get new doors.
10)INTERNATIONAL GOURMET MEAL HELPS FEED THE POOR!
11)Ecumenical service of Remembrance for all babies who died due to Miscarriage or stillbirth
12)Lantern-Lantern!Kindergarten St Martin celebration.
13)€50,000 spent improving the Krippkirche whilst catholic religious education for children in füssen becomes a joke!
14)bishop mixa launches 2nd phrase of deanary changes
15)St Cecelia Music Concert
16)MICHAELA RECeIVES HER 1st holy communion
17)ROSSINI MASS IN REUTTE
18)GERMAN REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
ROSSINI MASS IN AUSTRIA DISPITE APPALING CRITIC IN ALLGÄUER ZEITUNG
On the day the praise was everywhere,everyone had really enjoyed the Cecelia Concert in St Mang Basilica.It looked like "Petite Messe Solennelle" by Gioacchino Rossini was going to be one of the all time great concerts staged in the Basilica.
Then out of the blue the local paper sent along a reporter who had little understanding about music and all she had to say about the Soprano was she had a difficult job getting her voice round the pillars.Her comment on the Tenor left everyone speechless.He Sang!
Having upset a great many of the musicians the local paper is very fortunate not to have lost a few subscriptions.It was the talk of many breakfast tables.
But out of the ashes arose the phoenix.
Albert Frey musical Director of Füssen Parish,secured a concert in Austria for the entire cast.The Concert will take place on Friday 15th February 2008 in the Thyll-Saal der Landmiskschule,Reutte.We pray that the Austrian Newspaper critics know more about music than the German ones!
-------------------------------
MICHAELA RECEIVES HER 1st HOLY COMMUNION
5 year old Michaela Anna Elisabeth Rosenthal-English made her 1st Holy Communion at the 1800hrs Mass in St Mang Basilica on Saturday 24th November 2007.
Michaela who is 6 in February follows all her older siblings who all received their 1st communion before or around their 6th birthday.
Michaela had already made her 1st confession with a priest from England.
She told us " I have received Jesus.Jesus is God the Son"
Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel gave Michaela her 1st Holy Communion on the feast of Christ the King.May He always reign in Michaela's life!
------------------------------ over 200 at cecelia concert in st mang
The organisational skills of St Mang's Musical Director paid off.Albert Frey enticed over 200 people to come and listen to "Petite Messe solennelle" by Gioacchino Rossini.
The concert itself kicked off at 1600hrs,but a large number of the audience went first to listen to Dr.Miriam Rosenthal-English,Musicologist,
who lives in Füssen,give a lecture about the above named music by Rossini.
The soloists were: 
Dr.Klaus Donaubauer(Tenor)
(We have no photo)
St CECELIA MUSIC CONCERT practice:
FREYED TEMPERS AVOIDED AS ALBERT TAKES CONTROL WITH HIS BATON!
The man of the moment,Albert Frey,Musical Director of St Mang Basilica and Regional Cantor has had an extremely busy week.He conducted 10 choirs with over 180 singers for the Pontifical High Mass concelebrated by Bishop,Dr.Walter Mixa and 18 priests in the Füssen Deanary last Wednesday.
Now he has launched full steam into rehearsals for the St Cecelia Concert in St Mang Basilica at 1600hrs Sunday 25th November.All day Saturday from 1000hrs till 2200hrs with short breaks in between he moulded the soloist and choir together with his baton.
First it was the turn of the Solo voices of Miriam Rosenthal-English(Soprano) & Sabrina Tiedtke(Alt) & Albert Frey(Bass)(Centre below).
In the afternoon it was time for choir and soloists.
Visitors stopped and listened to the music as they toured the Basilica or popped in for prayer.
The afternoon practise went without a hitch.
The Concert starts at 1600hrs and is preceded by a Lecture at 1530hrs in the Colloquium of Füssen City,given by Musicologist.Dr.Miriam Rosenthal-English.See official Poster below.
DEANaRY MASS -BISHOP MIXA-CHEIF CONCELEBRANT-CHANGES AHEAD FOR THE DEANaRY AS WE ENTER PHRASE "2 of THE RESTRUCTURING!
Bishop,Dr. Walter Mixa was chief concelebrant at a Pontifical High Mass at the Church of Acht Selikeiten in west Füssen on Wednesday 21st November 2007 at 1900hrs..Priests and others from all over the Deanary converged on the church for the Mass and to hear from the Bishop the new changes proposed for the restructuring of the Deanery.Füssen Deanery is running a "Pilot Project" that if found to be successful,will be rolled out to the entire Augsburg Diocese.
There were around 18 priests concelebrating and the church was packed with many choirs as it was also Deanery Music Day.
A new Deanary Office will be located in West Füssen and will be in charge of dealing with all financial matters of the Deanary including the kindergartens.The idea is to give more time to the priest and other helpers to spend on souls instead of doing the paperwork.The only exception is Reiden which will continue to do its own financial undertakings.This is done voluntarily helpers with the necessary experience,like most Parishes in the UK.
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 18th November 2007
WE REMEMBER ALL WHO HAVE DIED FOR THEIR COUNTRY IN WAR
"I AM THE RESURRECTION.
IF ANYONE BELIEVES IN ME;EVEN THOUGH HE DIES HE WILL LIVE,
AND WHOEVER LIVES AND BELIEVES IN ME WILL NEVER DIE"
John 11 ch 26 The Jerusalem Bible
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM"
ECUMENICAL SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE FOR BABIES WHO DIE IN THE WOMB OR SHORTLY AFTER BIRTH
On a cold Saturday Afternoon,as snow blanketed the ground,some sad parents came to remember their loved ones.This was an ecumenical service to remember babies who had died in their mothers womb or shortly after birth.
Father Michael and Reverend Suzanne Birkel led the service of thanksgiving and remembrance.After a short service in the St Stephan Franciscan Church everyone was given a candle.A short procession then followed to the special memorial area set aside in the St Sebastian old Graveyard.Here more prayers were said and the parents quietly reflected about their babies as they all laid their candles at the memorial.
Then all went to the St Stephan Monastery for refreshments and to share their loss stories with each other.The service was arranged by The Füssener Initiative for Stillborn Babies.
-------------------------------------------------
THE KRIPPKIRCHE DURING RENOVATIONS Star of David on tower
It is great to see the interest in this wonderful building,but whilst we praise the efforts to renovate a building,we are sadly neglecting the real church!The people of God especially our children.Many children in the "Catholic State" of Bavaria are not given any training in their faith by their parents.Many families have lapsed.The schools at the moment still allow Catholic Religious education.However Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel,Regional Dean and Parish Priest of Füssen recently warned the parents of 1st communion children that there will be a shortage of priests in the future,no religious lessons in schools and parents will be responsible for the continuation of the faith in Bavaria.
Monsignor should know he teaches himself in the local junior school along with Mrs Rehm,the wife of Georg Rehm the Deanary Community Advisor. Only this week the 10 & 11 year old children were given a test of their Catholic Faith which has been drawn up by the Diocese of Augsburg for use in schools.The test has the full authority of all the Bishops in Germany.We print some of it here for all to see why our children are not learning about prayer and faith.They could all be taught about our local Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos who was born in Füssen and died for his faith serving God and others.But lets get our priorities right,why bother teaching about prayer and love of God when we can teach Human Biology in the Catholic Religious lesson!We asked a Catholic Priest who used to teach in Catholic Schools to comment on the test.He told us;"Yes I saw the test.Not religion.You have a joker there!They think it's easing in,because religion is a turn off.Undersell and results are poor"
The Diocesan Curriculum test has the full backing of Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel,Regional Dean & Parish Priest of Füssen.He Told us"It is a good test"
Daphne McCleod,a Catholic teacher of Religious Education and Chairman of 'Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice' told us "I saw enough to realise it was not about religion at all.Things are getting worse,(worldwide).Parents must teach religion themselves now.Fortunately we do have good resources now."
Yes lets celebrate that the Krippkirche has been renovated, but even more important than a "Cultural Monument" is the soul of every single child born in Bavaria!.They deserve better from us.Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos had a special devotion to bringing the faith to children.He also spent many hours in the confessional helping those who were in spiritual need.With such an example could we not be encouraging the children and challenging them to frequent confession and communion?Should not prayer and the faith be at the centre of Catholic religious lessons?Is not it time to get rid of the waffle that is being taught at the moment in the name of religion with the full authority of the Bishops?OUR CHILDREN DESERVE BETTER AND GOD WILL JUDGE US FOR FAILING TO PASS ON THE FAITH AS A GIFT TO THEM IF WE IGNORE HIM AND TEACH OTHER THINGS TO THEM.
WE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE IT QUITE CLEAR THAT THIS ARTICLE IS NOT ATTACKING INDIVIDUALS:IT IS CRITICAL OF THE DIOCESAN EDUCATION CURRICULUM AND IS THE PERSONAL OPINION OF THE EDITOR OF THE SITE WHO HAS 6 YOUNG CHILDREN WHOM HE IS TRYING TO PASS ON THE FAITH TOO.
BLESSED FRANCIS XAVIER SEELOS PRAY FOR US AND ALL THE CHILDREN IN BAVARIA.
------------------------------------------------
KINDERGARTEN ST MARTINS DAY CELEBRATIONS
Due to illness we were unable to get any photos of the event.Many Many children came with their lanterns to the church of Acht Seligkeiten at 1700hrs,Monday 12th November,where the small play about St Martin sharing his cloak with a beggar was enacted.The children then go on a procession round the houses singing songs to St Martin.After all came back and enjoyed the traditional "Goose Cake" and Kinderpunch or "Gluewein".
To see photos of this event please click the link found in the headline to this story
-----------------------------------------
SAINT MARTIN'S DAY MASS
The German's have a great love of St Martin of Tours.The Children carry lanterns in procession and many reenactments of his life take place on his Feast Day,November 11th.St Mang is no different.As the Saints Feast fell on Sunday this year,At Holy Mass a special pageant took place showing how St Martin shared his tunic with a poor man.
St Martin was born to pagan parents in the year 316.His father was a Military Officer and Tribune.
At the age of 12 Martin became a Catechumen.At 15,he became a soldier.He tried hard to follow his faith and he refused to let his servant wait on him.When riding one day he came across a beggar with hardly anything to wear.
He immediately cut his tunic in half and gave half to the beggar.He later had a dream in which he saw Jesus wearing the cloak.He was baptised aged 18 after 6 years in the catechumenate.
One day just before a battle he told his superiors his faith didn't allow him to fight.They charged him with cowardice.However the enemy pleaded for peace and no battle took place.He left the Imperial Army of Rome in a place called Worms.
He became the Spiritual student of St Hilary at Poitiers.
For 10 years he lived as a hermit.Many came to him for support and the Benedictine Abbey at Liguge was founded.
On the death of the Bishop of Tours in 371,Martin was asked to be Bishop.He declined saying he was unworthy.He was tricked into visiting Tours by a wealthy merchant who claimed his wife was ill.On arrival in the city, Martin was proclaimed Bishop by "Popular Acclamation".He was consecrated 4th July 372.
He moved to a hermits cell near the city and many monks joined him there.He very rarely came away from there except to help the church or others in need.He died on the 8th November 397 at Candes,Tours in France.
By his own request he was buried in the cemetery of the poor on November 11th 397.
Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel celebrated Holy Mass at 1000hrs in St Mang Basilica assisted by Deacon Fredl Hofmann.It was a special Mass in which the great Saint of Tours was remembered.This years children who are preparing for 1st Holy Communion were also present with their parents.
At the Our Father Monsignor invited all the children in the
Basilica to join him at the Altar to say the prayer.
Monsignor went to great pains to explain to all the children that this bread was not the Body,Blood,Soul & Divinity of Jesus Christ.
The bread was then blessed and distributed by a member of the congregation who was dressed as the saint.
INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND SOCIAL GATHERING RAISES MONEY TO FEED THE POOR
Over at Acht Seligkeiten on the Feast of St Martin a splendid
social gathering with a mixed International cuisine
took place after the 1015hrs Mass.It was very well attended and an excellent meal was enjoyed by all.The meal cost nothing but everyone was invited to give a donation.The money would then be used to feed those who do not have as much as we do.Thanks to Mrs Ledermann and her wonderful team of workers for all their efforts.
It was really appreciated by many ladies in the Parish who were spared the task of slaving over a hot stove this lunchtime!
The storm outside failed to dampen the cheerful spirits within the social center of the Parish in west Füssen.
1)Blessing of graves on all saints
2)mass for all souls in st mang
3)new cross blessed in weisensee graveyard
4)eschach chapel renovations finished in record time
5)st martins day celebrations
6)new first communion groups starts preparation link
7)füssen tourist office using photos of st mang to mislead people.
8)füssen'scouncil can't afford to improve forecourt outside st mang-for the 20th year running!
9)kindergarten st gabriel get new doors.
10)INTERNATIONAL GOURMET MEAL HELPS FEED THE POOR!
11)Ecumenical service of Remembrance for all babies who died due to Miscarriage or stillbirth
12)Lantern-Lantern!Kindergarten St Martin celebration.
13)€50,000 spent improving the Krippkirche whilst catholic religious education for children in füssen becomes a joke!
14)bishop mixa launches 2nd phrase of deanary changes
15)St Cecelia Music Concert
16)MICHAELA RECeIVES HER 1st holy communion
17)ROSSINI MASS IN REUTTE
18)GERMAN REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
ROSSINI MASS IN AUSTRIA DISPITE APPALING CRITIC IN ALLGÄUER ZEITUNG
Then out of the blue the local paper sent along a reporter who had little understanding about music and all she had to say about the Soprano was she had a difficult job getting her voice round the pillars.Her comment on the Tenor left everyone speechless.He Sang!
Having upset a great many of the musicians the local paper is very fortunate not to have lost a few subscriptions.It was the talk of many breakfast tables.
But out of the ashes arose the phoenix.
Albert Frey musical Director of Füssen Parish,secured a concert in Austria for the entire cast.The Concert will take place on Friday 15th February 2008 in the Thyll-Saal der Landmiskschule,Reutte.We pray that the Austrian Newspaper critics know more about music than the German ones!
-------------------------------
MICHAELA RECEIVES HER 1st HOLY COMMUNION
5 year old Michaela Anna Elisabeth Rosenthal-English made her 1st Holy Communion at the 1800hrs Mass in St Mang Basilica on Saturday 24th November 2007.
Michaela who is 6 in February follows all her older siblings who all received their 1st communion before or around their 6th birthday.
Michaela had already made her 1st confession with a priest from England.
She told us " I have received Jesus.Jesus is God the Son"
Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel gave Michaela her 1st Holy Communion on the feast of Christ the King.May He always reign in Michaela's life!
------------------------------ over 200 at cecelia concert in st mang
The organisational skills of St Mang's Musical Director paid off.Albert Frey enticed over 200 people to come and listen to "Petite Messe solennelle" by Gioacchino Rossini.
The concert itself kicked off at 1600hrs,but a large number of the audience went first to listen to Dr.Miriam Rosenthal-English,Musicologist,
who lives in Füssen,give a lecture about the above named music by Rossini.
The soloists were:
Dr.Klaus Donaubauer(Tenor)
(We have no photo)
Albert Frey was also Bassbaritone
Motetten Choir,Füssen & Church Choir from St Mang.
Conductor & Musical Director
Albert Frey
The concert was really enjoyed and after it was finished all the singers had to come out three times such was the applause.
A party for the singers and musicians followed in Seeloshaus after and bouquets of flowers were presented.The stars of the day apart from Albert Frey,were Johanna Henng,who held the whole concert together with her piano playing and Sabrina Tiedtke,who dispite a terrible cold still managed to sing and train all the singers in the choirs.
Motetten Choir,Füssen & Church Choir from St Mang.
we have no photo
Choir Assistants & Voice Training:
Sabrina Tiedtke & Petra Jaumann-Bader
Choir Assistants & Voice Training:
Sabrina Tiedtke & Petra Jaumann-Bader
Conductor & Musical Director
Albert Frey
The concert was really enjoyed and after it was finished all the singers had to come out three times such was the applause.
A party for the singers and musicians followed in Seeloshaus after and bouquets of flowers were presented.The stars of the day apart from Albert Frey,were Johanna Henng,who held the whole concert together with her piano playing and Sabrina Tiedtke,who dispite a terrible cold still managed to sing and train all the singers in the choirs.
FREYED TEMPERS AVOIDED AS ALBERT TAKES CONTROL WITH HIS BATON!
The man of the moment,Albert Frey,Musical Director of St Mang Basilica and Regional Cantor has had an extremely busy week.He conducted 10 choirs with over 180 singers for the Pontifical High Mass concelebrated by Bishop,Dr.Walter Mixa and 18 priests in the Füssen Deanary last Wednesday.
Now he has launched full steam into rehearsals for the St Cecelia Concert in St Mang Basilica at 1600hrs Sunday 25th November.All day Saturday from 1000hrs till 2200hrs with short breaks in between he moulded the soloist and choir together with his baton.
First it was the turn of the Solo voices of Miriam Rosenthal-English(Soprano) & Sabrina Tiedtke(Alt) & Albert Frey(Bass)(Centre below). In the afternoon it was time for choir and soloists.
Visitors stopped and listened to the music as they toured the Basilica or popped in for prayer.
The afternoon practise went without a hitch.
The Concert starts at 1600hrs and is preceded by a Lecture at 1530hrs in the Colloquium of Füssen City,given by Musicologist.Dr.Miriam Rosenthal-English.See official Poster below.
DEANaRY MASS -BISHOP MIXA-CHEIF CONCELEBRANT-CHANGES AHEAD FOR THE DEANaRY AS WE ENTER PHRASE "2 of THE RESTRUCTURING!
There were around 18 priests concelebrating and the church was packed with many choirs as it was also Deanery Music Day.
A new Deanary Office will be located in West Füssen and will be in charge of dealing with all financial matters of the Deanary including the kindergartens.The idea is to give more time to the priest and other helpers to spend on souls instead of doing the paperwork.The only exception is Reiden which will continue to do its own financial undertakings.This is done voluntarily helpers with the necessary experience,like most Parishes in the UK.
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 18th November 2007
WE REMEMBER ALL WHO HAVE DIED FOR THEIR COUNTRY IN WAR
"I AM THE RESURRECTION.
IF ANYONE BELIEVES IN ME;EVEN THOUGH HE DIES HE WILL LIVE,
AND WHOEVER LIVES AND BELIEVES IN ME WILL NEVER DIE"
John 11 ch 26 The Jerusalem Bible
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM"
ECUMENICAL SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE FOR BABIES WHO DIE IN THE WOMB OR SHORTLY AFTER BIRTH
On a cold Saturday Afternoon,as snow blanketed the ground,some sad parents came to remember their loved ones.This was an ecumenical service to remember babies who had died in their mothers womb or shortly after birth.
Father Michael and Reverend Suzanne Birkel led the service of thanksgiving and remembrance.After a short service in the St Stephan Franciscan Church everyone was given a candle.A short procession then followed to the special memorial area set aside in the St Sebastian old Graveyard.Here more prayers were said and the parents quietly reflected about their babies as they all laid their candles at the memorial.
Then all went to the St Stephan Monastery for refreshments and to share their loss stories with each other.The service was arranged by The Füssener Initiative for Stillborn Babies.
IN GOD WE TRUST
-------------------------------------------------
€50,000 spent on krippkirche renovations!
The local paper splashed the story on the front page of the "Füssener Blatt" of 16th November 2007.The Church tower has undergone renovation and the Star of David on the top of the tower has had a new layer of goldleaf.The artist ,Erwin Weigerling had designed protection on the roof to keep the pigeons away,as they destroy the fabric.This was also big story on our German website today.This was not just a church,it is a "CULTURAL MONUMENT" they both announced proudly.THE KRIPPKIRCHE DURING RENOVATIONS Star of David on tower
It is great to see the interest in this wonderful building,but whilst we praise the efforts to renovate a building,we are sadly neglecting the real church!The people of God especially our children.Many children in the "Catholic State" of Bavaria are not given any training in their faith by their parents.Many families have lapsed.The schools at the moment still allow Catholic Religious education.However Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel,Regional Dean and Parish Priest of Füssen recently warned the parents of 1st communion children that there will be a shortage of priests in the future,no religious lessons in schools and parents will be responsible for the continuation of the faith in Bavaria.
Monsignor should know he teaches himself in the local junior school along with Mrs Rehm,the wife of Georg Rehm the Deanary Community Advisor. Only this week the 10 & 11 year old children were given a test of their Catholic Faith which has been drawn up by the Diocese of Augsburg for use in schools.The test has the full authority of all the Bishops in Germany.We print some of it here for all to see why our children are not learning about prayer and faith.They could all be taught about our local Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos who was born in Füssen and died for his faith serving God and others.But lets get our priorities right,why bother teaching about prayer and love of God when we can teach Human Biology in the Catholic Religious lesson!We asked a Catholic Priest who used to teach in Catholic Schools to comment on the test.He told us;"Yes I saw the test.Not religion.You have a joker there!They think it's easing in,because religion is a turn off.Undersell and results are poor"
The Diocesan Curriculum test has the full backing of Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel,Regional Dean & Parish Priest of Füssen.He Told us"It is a good test"
Daphne McCleod,a Catholic teacher of Religious Education and Chairman of 'Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice' told us "I saw enough to realise it was not about religion at all.Things are getting worse,(worldwide).Parents must teach religion themselves now.Fortunately we do have good resources now."
Yes lets celebrate that the Krippkirche has been renovated, but even more important than a "Cultural Monument" is the soul of every single child born in Bavaria!.They deserve better from us.Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos had a special devotion to bringing the faith to children.He also spent many hours in the confessional helping those who were in spiritual need.With such an example could we not be encouraging the children and challenging them to frequent confession and communion?Should not prayer and the faith be at the centre of Catholic religious lessons?Is not it time to get rid of the waffle that is being taught at the moment in the name of religion with the full authority of the Bishops?OUR CHILDREN DESERVE BETTER AND GOD WILL JUDGE US FOR FAILING TO PASS ON THE FAITH AS A GIFT TO THEM IF WE IGNORE HIM AND TEACH OTHER THINGS TO THEM.
WE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE IT QUITE CLEAR THAT THIS ARTICLE IS NOT ATTACKING INDIVIDUALS:IT IS CRITICAL OF THE DIOCESAN EDUCATION CURRICULUM AND IS THE PERSONAL OPINION OF THE EDITOR OF THE SITE WHO HAS 6 YOUNG CHILDREN WHOM HE IS TRYING TO PASS ON THE FAITH TOO.
BLESSED FRANCIS XAVIER SEELOS PRAY FOR US AND ALL THE CHILDREN IN BAVARIA.
------------------------------------------------
KINDERGARTEN ST MARTINS DAY CELEBRATIONS
Due to illness we were unable to get any photos of the event.Many Many children came with their lanterns to the church of Acht Seligkeiten at 1700hrs,Monday 12th November,where the small play about St Martin sharing his cloak with a beggar was enacted.The children then go on a procession round the houses singing songs to St Martin.After all came back and enjoyed the traditional "Goose Cake" and Kinderpunch or "Gluewein".
To see photos of this event please click the link found in the headline to this story
-----------------------------------------
SAINT MARTIN'S DAY MASS
The German's have a great love of St Martin of Tours.The Children carry lanterns in procession and many reenactments of his life take place on his Feast Day,November 11th.St Mang is no different.As the Saints Feast fell on Sunday this year,At Holy Mass a special pageant took place showing how St Martin shared his tunic with a poor man.
At the age of 12 Martin became a Catechumen.At 15,he became a soldier.He tried hard to follow his faith and he refused to let his servant wait on him.When riding one day he came across a beggar with hardly anything to wear.
He immediately cut his tunic in half and gave half to the beggar.He later had a dream in which he saw Jesus wearing the cloak.He was baptised aged 18 after 6 years in the catechumenate.
One day just before a battle he told his superiors his faith didn't allow him to fight.They charged him with cowardice.However the enemy pleaded for peace and no battle took place.He left the Imperial Army of Rome in a place called Worms.
He became the Spiritual student of St Hilary at Poitiers.
For 10 years he lived as a hermit.Many came to him for support and the Benedictine Abbey at Liguge was founded.
On the death of the Bishop of Tours in 371,Martin was asked to be Bishop.He declined saying he was unworthy.He was tricked into visiting Tours by a wealthy merchant who claimed his wife was ill.On arrival in the city, Martin was proclaimed Bishop by "Popular Acclamation".He was consecrated 4th July 372.
He moved to a hermits cell near the city and many monks joined him there.He very rarely came away from there except to help the church or others in need.He died on the 8th November 397 at Candes,Tours in France.
By his own request he was buried in the cemetery of the poor on November 11th 397.
Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel celebrated Holy Mass at 1000hrs in St Mang Basilica assisted by Deacon Fredl Hofmann.It was a special Mass in which the great Saint of Tours was remembered.This years children who are preparing for 1st Holy Communion were also present with their parents.
At the Our Father Monsignor invited all the children in the
Basilica to join him at the Altar to say the prayer.The Sign of Peace
After Holy Communion as is tradition on St Martins Day sweet bread was handed out to all the children.Monsignor went to great pains to explain to all the children that this bread was not the Body,Blood,Soul & Divinity of Jesus Christ.
The bread was then blessed and distributed by a member of the congregation who was dressed as the saint.
INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND SOCIAL GATHERING RAISES MONEY TO FEED THE POOR
Over at Acht Seligkeiten on the Feast of St Martin a splendid
social gathering with a mixed International cuisinetook place after the 1015hrs Mass.It was very well attended and an excellent meal was enjoyed by all.The meal cost nothing but everyone was invited to give a donation.The money would then be used to feed those who do not have as much as we do.Thanks to Mrs Ledermann and her wonderful team of workers for all their efforts.
It was really appreciated by many ladies in the Parish who were spared the task of slaving over a hot stove this lunchtime!
The storm outside failed to dampen the cheerful spirits within the social center of the Parish in west Füssen.
Eschach is a tiny hamlet situated at the top of a hill between Füssen and Hopfen am See.It enjoys magnificent views of the two towns as well as the beautiful Allgäuer Alps.
Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos may well have visited this small chapel which serves the local agricultural community.Mass is celebrated there twice yearly.Once in Spring and also in Autumn.
It has recently been renovated in record time by members of the local community under their own steam.
Many thanks must go to all who helped in the venture,especially the Sacristan of the Chapel,Mrs Irmi Reiss who helped co-ordinate the whole venture.
The whole of the chapel including pictures,walls and doors underwent a spring clean!
The altar of Eschach Chapel which has the relic of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos in it On Monday 5th November 2007,Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel,Regional Dean and Parish Priest of Füssen,Hopfen & Weisensee celebrated Mass in the newly redecorated chapel and blessed it.
the Music was by Albert Frey on Horn and Petra Bader on Guitar.
Then followed a small procession to the Chapel.
When we reached the Chapel Monsignor blessed it with Holy Water.
Mass then continued inside the chapel which was full to overflowing.
After Mass
Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel in prayerful reflection by the altar at Eschach Chapel which contains the relic of Blessed Seelos.A photo of Blessed Seelos who was born in Füssen also hangs in the chapel
Father Byron Miller,Executive Director of the International Shrine of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos in New Orleans told us"Thank you for sharing with me this exciting news! I hope to use it in a future Seelos monthly newsletter to let people in the U.S. know of the great devotion and pride that Fr. Seelos has in his homeland."
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FÜSSEN TOURIST OFFICE PROMOTES SECULAR AGENDA AGAINST THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
(World Exclusive!)
Füssen's City Authorities & Tourist Office are actively promoting a site which openly misleads people about the Catholic Church in Füssen.
The offending website which has the full backing of 1st Mayor Christian Gangl imposes it secular agenda against the Church.The site is called "Heiraten im Füssen" or "Marriages in Füssen".It offers couples the chance of a free SECULAR wedding with all expenses paid in Füssen.However other pages within the website try to mislead people by using photos of two of the Catholic churches in the town.The Spitalkirch and St Mang Basilica are deliberately included in the site with a photo of the Interior of St Mang thrown in for good measure.
Spitalkirch St Mang Basilica
This secular invasion of the church for the means of making more money for the businesses of Füssen has not gone down well with the Parish Priest,Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel.
Monsignor Knebel was alerted to the misrepresentation of the Church by the English website for St Mang.He told us exclusively;"We emphasize that marriage is only possible after a personal conversation with the Parish Priest and bound by the rules of the church."
The website is run by the City of Füssen and is clearly another marketing ploy by the town with the highest debt in the whole of Bavaria!It is the second year promotion for 2008 which is causing all the problems.One of the local photography shops which also promotes pornographic photos has its name clearly on the photos of the churches."The Church is not part of a marketing strategy for the wedding business.The former Cloister and Parish of St Mang are separate.The city authorities have got very confused"Monsignor Knebel told us.
One must ask the question; why the City Authorities did not ask the Church authorities before they used the photos to promote their secular and anti Catholic agenda?
Monsignor Knebel has written to the City Authorities asking them to remove the photos of St Mang and the Spitalkirch."We do not take part in this"he told the Authorities.
Severina Gebauer who has designed the website had the curtesy to ring us at 1600hrs 4th November 2007.She told us"I have received the letter from Monsignor Knebel yesterday and will take action to remove the link".She was not at all happy about the situation and explained she only wanted to show some of the nice places in Füssen.She and her husband denied that Samer Photo Studios did pornagraphic photos.They claimed they did "Erotic" ones.However it was pointed out to them that the editor of this website was given a pornographic CD instead of a CD with photos of his new born baby by this Photo Studio.Not only that but his 5 other children were all subjected to pornographic images because of this mistake.The Samer Photo Studio was forced to apologise for such a blunder!
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20 YEARS AND STILL WAITING
Füssen Town Council has decided it doesn't have enough money this year to make planned improvements to the courtyard area outside of St Mang Basilica.
Well after waiting 20 years for improvements,the most in debt town in Bavaria must make savings somewhere!Why change what works?
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ALL SOULS 2007
All Souls day fell on a 1st Friday.Mass was celebrated by Father Rudolph Bohm.
Special Prayers for the dead were said from the official hymn book of Augsburg Diocese.
The offending website which has the full backing of 1st Mayor Christian Gangl imposes it secular agenda against the Church.The site is called "Heiraten im Füssen" or "Marriages in Füssen".It offers couples the chance of a free SECULAR wedding with all expenses paid in Füssen.However other pages within the website try to mislead people by using photos of two of the Catholic churches in the town.The Spitalkirch and St Mang Basilica are deliberately included in the site with a photo of the Interior of St Mang thrown in for good measure.
Spitalkirch St Mang Basilica
This secular invasion of the church for the means of making more money for the businesses of Füssen has not gone down well with the Parish Priest,Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel.
Monsignor Knebel was alerted to the misrepresentation of the Church by the English website for St Mang.He told us exclusively;"We emphasize that marriage is only possible after a personal conversation with the Parish Priest and bound by the rules of the church."
The website is run by the City of Füssen and is clearly another marketing ploy by the town with the highest debt in the whole of Bavaria!It is the second year promotion for 2008 which is causing all the problems.One of the local photography shops which also promotes pornographic photos has its name clearly on the photos of the churches."The Church is not part of a marketing strategy for the wedding business.The former Cloister and Parish of St Mang are separate.The city authorities have got very confused"Monsignor Knebel told us.
One must ask the question; why the City Authorities did not ask the Church authorities before they used the photos to promote their secular and anti Catholic agenda?
Monsignor Knebel has written to the City Authorities asking them to remove the photos of St Mang and the Spitalkirch."We do not take part in this"he told the Authorities.
Severina Gebauer who has designed the website had the curtesy to ring us at 1600hrs 4th November 2007.She told us"I have received the letter from Monsignor Knebel yesterday and will take action to remove the link".She was not at all happy about the situation and explained she only wanted to show some of the nice places in Füssen.She and her husband denied that Samer Photo Studios did pornagraphic photos.They claimed they did "Erotic" ones.However it was pointed out to them that the editor of this website was given a pornographic CD instead of a CD with photos of his new born baby by this Photo Studio.Not only that but his 5 other children were all subjected to pornographic images because of this mistake.The Samer Photo Studio was forced to apologise for such a blunder!
------------------------------
20 YEARS AND STILL WAITING
Füssen Town Council has decided it doesn't have enough money this year to make planned improvements to the courtyard area outside of St Mang Basilica.
Well after waiting 20 years for improvements,the most in debt town in Bavaria must make savings somewhere!Why change what works?
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KINDERGARTEN GET NEW DOORS
St Gabriel Kindergarten has new front doors to replace the old ones that had become unsafe and didn't always shut properly.ALL SOULS 2007
All Souls day fell on a 1st Friday.Mass was celebrated by Father Rudolph Bohm.
Special Prayers for the dead were said from the official hymn book of Augsburg Diocese.mas s was celebrated at 1000hrs in St Mang Basilica by Father Rudolph Bohm assisted by Deacon Fredl Hofmann
At 1500hrs on the Feast of All Saints,Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel,Parish Priest,blessed the graves and a new cross in the graveyard at St Walburga's ,Weisensee.
BLESSING OF THE GRAVES IN FÜSSEN
Father Kasimierz Piotrowski blessed the graves in Füssen's graveyards on the 1st November 2007.
First he blessed the graves in St Sebastian Graveyard assisted by Deacon Fredl Hofmann.A male harmony group acompanied with hymns the service.
They then processed to the City graveyard at the other end of the Ausburger Straße.
Here Füssen Harmonie group and the male Harmonie group took part in the service. Unfortunatly all photos taken at both services were lost due to a technical error with the computer we use.
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THOSE WHO DIED IN THE PARISH IN THE PAST YEAR IN THE HOPE OF THE RESURRECTION.
Eternal rest grant to them ,O Lord,May they rest in Peace.Amen
Gantner Anneliese, Lang Eleonora, Schade Hans-Joachim, Knapp Anna, Stiefenhofer Siegfried, Berger Paula, Jorde Lothar, Ernstberger Heinz, Gantner Rudolf, Knebel Gustav, Schlichtherle Roman, Demmel Elfriede, Schierz Josef, Jansche Martha, Koller Friedrich, Egerer Hermann, Jochem Theresia, Hoffmann Editha, Geml Stefan, Hipp Kreszentia, Heiß Anton, Jahn Kurt, Schweiger Alfred, Tuellmann Frieda, Bös Mathilde, Sollors Ilse, Adam Katharina, Gössl Adelheid, Herpich Raquel, Puhr Herta, Frentzel Luzia, Rückenbach Olga, Scheibel Christina, Geiger Wilhelm, Scheitza Johann, Pöltl Anhna, Pleier Franz, Strigl Leokadia, Schmidt Rosemarie, Barthel Brigitte, Müller Michael, Kahle Viktoria, Ostheimer Albert, Keller Anna, von Luxburg Thusnelda, Köckeritz Margit, Arnold Irmengarde, Lochbihler Maria, Longerich Maria, Zwinger Walter, Uhl Veronika, Lehmacher Theodor, Zobl Theodor, Biedermann Rosa, Ellmauer Hermann, Stawicki Hannelore, Caduff Luise, Wolf Karl, Guggomos Luitpold, Leitl Josef, Hummel Simpert, Rößle Viktoria, Ingenhag Johanna, Sontag Hildegard, Seifert Gottfrieda, Filgertshofer Anna, Lipp Reinhold, Poppler Rudolf, Hönig Walter, Zenker Reiner, Straub Elisabeth, Lux Alfred, Seiband Georg, Jakob Franziska, Kehle Ursula, Putz Ernst, Kohl F’ranz, Fahrnholz Margot, Graser Margarete, Schwager Ida, Lang Viktor, Orthuber Walburga, Kliemann Eva, Reischl Max, Enzensberger Erika, Carlino Saverio, Beller Kreszenz, Girten Maria, Linhard Marianne, Schweiger Friedrich, Hageböck Klara, Stützel Karolina, Thanner Rudolf, Vetter Josef, Huber Hildegard, Hadraschek Elfriede, Hirsch Joachim, Gorzitze Theresia, Holzmann Sieglinde, Brekl Juliana, Kleiner Christl, Brack Georg, Kleiner Christl, Siejek-Endres Rose, Gamauf Herta, Sepp Olga, Seiband Ludwig, Walk Rosalia, Brandl Maria, Peyrl Ludwig, Aigner Johann.
May the souls of the faithful departed,rest in peace.Amen
Out of the depths,I cry to you,O Lord.
Lord hear My voice.
O let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my supplication.
If you,O Lord,should mark our guilt,
Lord,who would survive?
but with you is found forgiveness:
for this we revere you.
My soul is waiting for the Lord,I count on His word.
My soul is longing for the Lord
More than watchman for daybreak.
Let the watchman count on daybreak
and Israel on the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy
and fullness of redemption.
Israel indeed He will redeem from all its iniquity.
Eternal rest grant to them,O Lord
And let perpetual light shine on them.
May they rest in peace.
Amen.
O Lord,Hear my prayer.
And let my cry come before you.
Let us pray.
O God,the Creator and Redeemer of all the Faithful,grant to the souls of your servants departed the remission of all their sins,that through our pious supplication they may obtain that pardon which they have always desired;who lives and reigns for ever and ever.Amen.
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Allgäuer Zeitung-Füssener Blatt
Front Page article about the ministry of two St Mang Parishioners who run the "Miscarriage & Infant Loss Memorial Book Ministry"
It was printed in the edition 31st October /1st November 2007 to coincide with the Feast of ALL SAINTS-1st November.In Germany it is a special day when after attending Mass for the Holyday of Obligation,many then visit the cemetery to pray for members of their families who have gone to their judgement and reward.
