Auxiliary Bishop Bittschi turns 75: A life between Eichstätt and Bolivia

Auxiliary Bishop Bittschi turns 75: A life between Eichstätt and Bolivia

On December 1, 2023, Auxiliary Bishop Adolfo Bittschi Mayer will celebrate his 75th birthday, both in his Bavarian homeland and in Bolivia, where he has worked as a missionary and pastor for over 40 years. Many in Eichstätt and beyond appreciate his work and his deep connections to the people who have accompanied him since his early days in the Jesuit mission and as a community leader. Born in Ingolstadt and raised in Kipfenberg and Eichstätt, he left his homeland in 1983 to settle in Bolivia. He was appointed auxiliary bishop by Pope Benedict XVI in 2008 and was consecrated by Archbishop Jesús Gervasio Pérez Rodríguez. The motto “Pax vobis” reflects his pursuit of peace and harmony, a message that he has consistently spread throughout his long term in office.

But what keeps him in Bolivia for so long? The Catholic church there has an exciting history that dates back to colonial times in the 16th century. With around 7.5 million Catholics, making up around 80% of the population, the church is a central part of social life. Despite the challenges the church faces with an acute shortage of priests and poverty in many communities, Bittschi remains steadfast. Every day the church fights against poverty and for improvements in basic medical and school care.

A life of service

Bittschi began his service in Bolivia at the age of 33. He initially worked as a community leader in a parish in the highlands and quickly took on the craft of trainer and partner of catechists who play an important role in Bolivian church life. He repeatedly reciprocates the support that his homeland offers him by regularly visiting his family and friends in Eichstätt and also taking on pastoral tasks during his vacation weeks, including confirmations. These ties reflect a deep sense of responsibility for its roots and mission.

While the auxiliary bishop is preparing for the celebrations for his 75th birthday, follow-up celebrations are also planned in Eichstätt for the people celebrating this year. Those close to him know the great importance of faith and community.

The Catholic landscape in Bolivia

It is remarkable how deeply rooted the roots of the Roman Catholic Church are in Bolivia. The first diocese was founded in the Archdiocese of Sucre in 1552. There are now 18 dioceses in Bolivia that accommodate 596 parishes. In the Bolivian Bishops' Conference it is primarily the religious communities and diocesan priests who do their best to support the community's work, often under adverse conditions. However, the church did not always have easier times. There have been repeated tensions in recent years, particularly under the government of Evo Morales, who described the church as an “enemy of peace.”

But despite all the difficulties, the Catholic Church remains a support for many and continues to advocate for social justice and educational measures. The current challenges show how important personalities like Adolfo Bittschi are, who build bridges between cultures and faiths and advance the work of the church.

The story of Adolfo Bittschi is not just an individual success story; it also reflects the resilience and commitment of many in the Roman Catholic Church in Bolivia. And so his 75th birthday will not only be a celebration for him, but also a celebration of the faith and hope that has given strength to this community for centuries.

For more information about the Roman Catholic Church in Bolivia, see here. It is also impressive how diverse the human body can move in three dimensions - directions of movement that are also important in a sporting context, such as ACE explained.