Hope bears: Caritas and Auxiliary Bishop Reder Inspire in Würzburg

Hope bears: Caritas and Auxiliary Bishop Reder Inspire in Würzburg

Würzburg, Deutschland - On July 10, 2025, a special Kiliani service took place in the Würzburg Kiliansdom, which by Auxiliary Bishop Paul Reder under the motto "Pilgrim of Hope ... was directed. Both professional and volunteer employees of Caritas Würzburg were invited, who often act as a “hopeful” in their work. In his sermon, Reder emphasized that Jesus gave hope to man and spoke about the practical importance of caritas work for society. At the same time, he appealed to those present to avoid inertia tendencies in charitable work and thanked everyone for their tireless efforts, which is of great importance for many people.

The preparations for this service were taken over by Christiane Holtmann, consultant for social pastoral, and the community caritas working group. In an impressive way, representatives of Caritas contributed to the various locations, such as the Caritas dress market and the specialist office for caring relatives, into the choir room. This gesture illustrated the diverse work of Caritas and the numerous people who benefit from their offers.

The heart of the encounter

A special highlight of the service was the contemplation text after communion, which encouraged those present to go “as a blessed” and to be a blessing for others. In the intercession, "courage to open again and again" and a "hearing heart" was prayed. The musical framework was also not to be underestimated, because cathedral organist Professor Stefan Schmidt and the Caritasor ensured a solemn atmosphere.

The great conclusion of the service included a photo campaign with the Caritas employees, Auxiliary Bishop Reder and Bishop Dr. Franz Jung. Among those present were also Monika Selbach and Andrea Schmitt, who were positive about the course of the service. A small dachshund, therapy dog Balu, caused additional enthusiasm and loosened the mood.

hope lives in the community

Reder, who also celebrated a Kiliani pontifical service for politicians and councilors in Kiliansdom on July 7, Reinforcing the Importance of Hope in Challenging Times. Around 900 believers took part in this celebration, whereby Reder described the verse "as true to me God" as far more than just one sentence in the oath formula. He stated that this sentence reflects the faith and trust of people in God, which helps them to manage crises together.

In his speech, the auxiliary bishop pointed out current challenges in education, care, energy, climate and defense that have complex causes and cannot be addressed with quick solutions. In doing so, he encouraged all Christians to actively shape them in society and not to meet with indifference, which also found positive response among political officials.

In the course of the last services that emphasized the connection between faith and social engagement, participation in the 104th German Catholic Day from May 13th to 17th, 2026 in Würzburg is also another promising concern. Domkapitular Albin Krämer invited everyone present to participate and made it clear that the message of hope and community should live on in these moods.

For our society, Caritas-Würzburg remains an indispensable hope that touches the hearts and life paths of many people with his contemporary commitment. Further information on these events is at Bistum Würzburg and Dom Würzburg Available.