Mozart's sounds bring the Pentecost service in Weiden to life!

Mozart's sounds bring the Pentecost service in Weiden to life!

Whitsun Sunday in Weiden was an exciting day, as the parish of St. Josef celebrated with an impressive performance of Mozart's solo organ mass. In a packed church, the congregation's choirs sang, accompanied by an orchestra, creating an incomparable sound experience. Pastor Markus Schmid, who emphasized the importance of helping and serving others, called the church a “field hospital” that is constantly on the move. “Each of us can make a contribution,” he encouraged the faithful, who took part in the celebration with great enthusiasm. The performance of the Missa brevis in C was presented by an excellent ensemble under the overall direction of Piotr Pająk. The soloists, including Judith Peter (soprano) and Eduard Schultes (tenor), made a decisive contribution to the festive atmosphere, which was rewarded with long-lasting applause. Oberpfalzecho reports that ...

But this Pentecost service was not just a musical celebration, but also a farewell in another respect. Pastor Markus Schmid, who has been leading the parish in Weiden since 2014, will say goodbye on July 20, 2025. His commitment and the numerous positive changes he initiated in the community will not be forgotten. District Administrator Andreas Meier praised Schmid's eleven years in office and emphasized how conflicts could always be resolved without personal injuries. Mayor Karlheinz Budnik highlighted his distinctive voice and sensitive sermons. The parish council spokesman Winfried Hecht summed it up humorously: “Schmid has changed and developed the community.” Parrei Weiden reports that...

Solemn church services throughout Bavaria

Pentecost was not only celebrated in Weiden. Festive services also took place in many other communities in Bavaria, which appealed to people on various levels. Various Protestant churches reported that the spiritual celebrations included a festive liturgy and church music, which made for a special experience of a community service. The Lord's Supper gave believers a physical experience of faith. Regional Bishop Gisela Bornowski in Ansbach and Regional Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm in Munich, among others, preached on Pentecost Sunday. Bayern Evangelisch reports that...

Overall, the Pentecost weekend in the region offered not only profound spiritual experiences, but also infectious joy and community that thrilled everyone in attendance. The liturgical celebrations, especially the musical highlights, remain fondly in the memory of the participants - a celebration of faith that wonderfully reflected the spirit of Pentecost.