Soldier pilgrims on the Mariahilfberg: faith, community and tradition!

Soldier pilgrims on the Mariahilfberg: faith, community and tradition!

Last Sunday, the picturesque backdrop of the Mariahilfberg in Amberg attracted more than 1,000 Bundeswehr soldiers who took part in the largest soldiers' foot pilgrimage in Germany. Under the motto “Blessed are those who believe,” the pilgrimage started in the morning from the Schweppermann barracks in Kümmersbruck and offered the participants not only a spiritual break, but also an opportunity for community. The event was musically accompanied by an ensemble from the Army Music Corps from Veitshöchheim, which created a festive atmosphere with spiritual songs.

The route to Mariahilfberg was about six kilometers, and the pilgrimage consisted of soldiers, civilian employees, relatives and reservists. Particularly noteworthy was the participation of soldiers from various federal states, even from Hanover, as well as a group of seven marines from Kiel, who were accompanied by their Catholic military priest Thomas Pinzer. This gathering embodied the spirit of camaraderie and faith that is seen as essential support in the Bundeswehr.

Tradition and community

The pilgrimage is not just a religious event, but a deeply rooted traditional event. Here it becomes clear how important faith is for many soldiers, especially in times when unrest and worries arise about the future and rearmament. It is a moment of reflection in which prayer and the request for peace for decades take center stage. During the pilgrimage there was a small prayer service in a meadow, which allowed the participants to reflect quietly.

As in previous years, the traditional triad of “prayer, beer and bratwurst” was celebrated after the service. The participants came together to share the day's experiences over bratwurst and beer. It is particularly worth mentioning that Auxiliary Bishop Josef Graf celebrated his 65th birthday on this day and led the service. “It is an honor to pray together with our American partners,” emphasized the US commander after the event and announced his participation again for the coming year.

The foot pilgrimage in Amberg is a living example of how military traditions shape the lives of soldiers. These traditions are part of a cultural heritage that extends far beyond the soldiers. They also show how important it is to integrate the armed forces into society, which can ultimately build a bridge between different cultures.

In the future, this pilgrimage will remain firmly anchored as a meaningful event in the Bundeswehr's calendar and will be strengthened through shared experiences and expressions of faith.

You can find out more about this in the reports from BR and Reservist Association.