Anniversary pilgrimage in St. Josef: Pilgrimage with the Black Madonna!

Anniversary pilgrimage in St. Josef: Pilgrimage with the Black Madonna!

A very special anniversary will be celebrated in St. Josef in late summer 2025. The parish church receives its 80-year-old traditional gift - an artistically carved wooden statue of the Madonna, which was presented in 1945 by Monsignor Adalbert Vogl, the administrator of the Chapel of Grace in Altötting. This statue shows Our Lady with a crown, scepter and the baby Jesus and is of great symbolic value for the community. Back then, on September 2, 1945, in addition to the statue, a picture and a relic of St. Brother Conrad were handed over with the requirement to establish a Marian pilgrimage in St. Joseph.

The pilgrimage, which began in 1945 with the blessing by Bishop Ansmäräde, has developed over the years into a deep-rooted tradition. The annual pilgrimage “to the Black Madonna in Güchenbach” will take place this year from August 15th to 22nd. In this context, the anniversary pilgrimage in 2023 will be celebrated under the motto “Pilgrims of Hope – on the way with Mary”. These words not only reflect the faith of the participants, but also provide new hope in times of great challenge.

Celebrations and church services

The festive start of the pilgrimage took place on August 15th at 10 a.m. with a service led by Pastor Thomas Hufschmidt. The “Messe brève” by Léo Delibes was performed. The program is all about celebrations: a solemn vespers will be held on the same day at 5 p.m., while the Eucharist celebration will begin on Sunday, August 17, also at 10 a.m.

Particularly noteworthy is the lunch in the parish center, which is offered at both celebrations. During the pilgrimage week there are daily weekday services at 9:30 a.m., and on August 22nd the final service with Dr. Klaus Metzl, pilgrimage rector from Altötting, celebrated. Cortège-like songs and prayers with prayer roses will particularly enhance the evenings of the pilgrimage. For this purpose, the choirs of the parish community and surrounding parishes have agreed to provide music for the masses, which gives the whole event a festive atmosphere.

Cultural supporting program

Another highlight of the anniversary celebrations is the extensive cultural program. Numerous concerts have been announced until August 23, 2024, providing varied entertainment. Musical performances such as “Madone noire” and “Faszination Orgel” are part of the festival culture, which will amaze visitors. The mix of spiritual and cultural experiences makes the pilgrimage a unique experience for all participants.

The tradition and solidarity that are strengthened by the pilgrimage show that faith and community do not disappear, but are anchored in the hearts of people. The celebrations at St. Josef are not only a tribute to the past, but also an invitation for everyone who wants to celebrate faith and feel connected to one another.