Willibaldswoche starts with Bishop Hanke's farewell and firm for families

Willibaldswoche starts with Bishop Hanke's farewell and firm for families

The anticipation for the Willibaldswoche in the diocese of Eichstätt grows, because from July 1st to 9th, 2023 everything revolves around the motto "Hope draw". The celebrations begin with a diocesan children's choir day and collapse with the Eichstätter Altstadtfest, which creates a very special connection between tradition, faith and conviviality. It is precisely this synergy that will make the city shine, because the Willibald week of the week not only offers spiritual highlights, but also numerous offers for the whole family.

A central point will be the farewell of Bishop Gregor Maria Hanke, who will retire on July 6th in the Eichstätter Dom at 10 a.m. Hanke has decided to do without a great ceremony and prefers a simple farewell, which underlines his modesty. After the service, everyone is cordially invited to personally meet him on the Father-Philipp-Jingen-Platz and get into conversation with him. This intimate meeting is certainly an emotional highlight of the week

diverse program items

not enough! The Willibaldswoche program has something to offer for everyone. On July 2, the Willibaldsfest will be celebrated with a festival service under the direction of Kurienkardinal Kurt Koch. In addition, a pilgrimage of women will be held on July 3 for the first time this year, followed by the traditional pilgrimage of men on July 7th. For couples who have been married for 50 years, special graduation services will be organized on July 8th and 9th in the Guardian Angel Church. Numerous other activities, such as painting scallops or making blessing ribbons, are also waiting for the little visitors at the Altstadtfest.

Together with the many spiritual offers, visitors can expect a varied week to give new impulses for faith. The Willibaldswoche, which has been part of the Eichstätter life since 2009, is reminiscent of the commemoration day of the first Eichstätter Bishop Willibald, who worked in the 8th century and probably died on July 7, 787

preview of the holy year 2025

For the faithful in the diocese of Eichstätt, it will continue after the Willibald week in December 2025, because the Holy Year will open on December 29th. This year will be all about pilgrimage, which will also be reflected in the design of the Willibald week. Bishop Hanke is asked to bless the blessing at the grave of the diocese founder Willibald at 10 a.m.

The pilgrimage will play a central role in the coming anniversary year, and the church is already planning various pilgrimages into selected pilgrimages. These will be considered "power centers" for the faithful and are intended to promote the search for spiritual renewal and community. Many groups from the region, including young people and families, have already announced their participation.

For the Willibaldswoche and the upcoming Holy Year, all interested parties are invited to find out about the details on www.willibaldswoche.de and in the announcements of the diocese. Preparations are in full swing, and the hope that is sown during the Willibald week is said to have a sustainable influence on the believers and the entire region.