Beginning of Advent in Passau: Experience festive liturgy and music!

Beginning of Advent in Passau: Experience festive liturgy and music!

What awaits us next Saturday in Passau? The 24th Liturgical Night will be launched on November 29th from 6 p.m. under the motto “Start of Advent with a difference”. Organized by the Diocese of Passau, the event promises a varied program that offers both musical and spiritual highlights. First, the focus is on the alfalfa and the blessing of the Advent wreaths, followed by spiritual impulses accompanied by the cello, organ and grand piano.

A special focus is on the Taizé songs, which take center stage at 7 p.m. Gerhard Kiefl will organize this festive hour while those present are invited to express thoughts of asking and thanking. The haunting melodies and recurring themes invite you to linger together in silence.

A touch of Taizé

The Taizé community, founded in Burgundy in 1940, has made a name for itself with its multilingual and ecumenical songs. These songs, which were created specifically for youth gatherings, are now popular all over the world. Published in 2013, the Taizé songbook includes no fewer than 87 songs that can be used during church services and meetings. Some of the most well-known songs such as "Wait for the Lord" and "Nada te turbe" not only promote community but also support hearing and responding to the Word of God, according to the website liturgy.ch explained.

At the Liturgical Night in Passau, choirs from the parish will take on the Taizé songs. The evening begins with a ceremonial entry singing “Wait for the Lord” and continues through the proclamation of the word through the readings and singing “Magnificat” to the final blessing.

Advent like in a picture book

Of course, physical well-being is also taken care of: during the breaks there are drinks and fresh yeast plaits, which offers the opportunity to fortify yourself with nice conversations. The individual program items last around 45 minutes each, and you can come and go at any time.

A musical highlight awaits the guests at the final Mass celebration for the 1st Advent, in which the “Messe pour deux voix d’hommes” by Jacques Lemmens will be heard. Interpreters such as Gabriel Bittner (tenor), Bernhard Forster (bass) and Marius Schwemmer (conductor and organ) create this special musical framework.

Overall, the event promises an inspiring and contemplative mood for the Advent season. “Come by and let yourself be carried away by the atmosphere,” is the invitation from the organizers Diocese of Passau.

May the anticipation of Christmas accompany us all - in this contemplative time when songs and prayers once again take a special place in our hearts.