Grandma-Opa-Kel-Day: pilgrims, tinkering and celebrating in Eichstätt!

Grandma-Opa-Kel-Day: pilgrims, tinkering and celebrating in Eichstätt!

On July 7, 2025, a very special event took place in the cloister of the cathedral in Eichstätt: the first Grandma-grandpa-grandche day of the diocese. The day was originally planned, but the rain clouds forced the organizers to switch to the cozy interiors. The event aims to create child -friendly references to the life and pilgrimage of St. Willibalds. An approach that not only inspires children, but also grandparents and grandchildren.

Markus Wittmann, project manager of the Willibaldswoche, provided the children a special pilgrimage book and stickers. These little experiences were supplemented by a sensory course that allowed children to feel the ground in a completely new way. A nice place for multi -generational encounters! For example, Elke Templar took part with her grandchildren and Gabi Falk with her grandson Matteo and enjoyed the various stations.

diverse activities and stations

The event was peppered with various stations that dealt with topics such as the environment, waste prevention and recycling. These stations were prepared by students from the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt and also attracted two school classes from a Munich high school to integrate the experiences into their city rally. The crafting of small wind turbines made of collected milk and juice boxes provided creative fun. There was also a station that reminded of the pilgrimage of Willibald and his brother Wunibald, where the father of the brothers died.

The children reached a special depth when they painted stones and talked about grief and fears. A few steps further, it was about the continuation of the pilgrimage to Rome and the mutual support of the brothers. The snack station in the cathedral parish home, called "Monte Cassino", offered the opportunity to fortify yourself with sausage and cheese rolls. In addition, the little pilgrims had the opportunity to shape their own pilgrim coins and to design hope.

The day came to a service in a service with Auxiliary Bishop Adolf Bittschi and other guests. At a moving moment, the painted stones were laid down on the altar of the cathedral and symbolized the community and the shared experiences. A successful day that will certainly remember many participants.

future prospects for grandparents and grandchildren

A similar focus on the generations is also launched in other events, such as the day for grandmas, grandpas and grandchildren as part of the diocese anniversary of the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising. Special programs for grandparents and their grandchildren aged 6 to 15 are offered here. These events aim to strengthen the coexistence in the families and create shared experiences by giving traditional knowledge alive.

Celebrating religious festivals together, such as the occasions described, also promotes understanding of different cultures and customs. Typical dishes can also be presented here and traditional knowledge can be shared - an approach that brings enrichment for all generations.

The variety of actions shows how important the cooperation between the generations is for cultural and social interaction in our society. Again and again it becomes clear: there is something! One can only hope that such events will continue to take place regularly in the future.