Christmas joy in Würzburg: 850 people celebrate togetherness!

Christmas joy in Würzburg: 850 people celebrate togetherness!

On December 25, 2025, the Community of Sant'Egidio in Würzburg celebrated a festive lunch that not only brought joy but also a sign of solidarity for many lonely and needy people. Bishop Dr. Franz Jung was present that day in the Marienkapelle, where the festive atmosphere was shared by over 400 guests, including single seniors, migrants and people with disabilities. The event took place at four different locations in Würzburg, including the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Zellerau and the parish hall of St. Albert in Lindleinsmühle. Loud Diocese of Würzburg were also the Protestant dean Dr. Wenrich Slenczka and cathedral priest Stefan Gessner among the guests.

The outstanding commitment of around 250 helpers did not go unnoticed. Their support and preparation for the banquet, which was made possible through numerous donations and volunteer work, was reflected in the warm atmosphere. Bishop Jung thanked the helpers and wished the guests joy in their everyday lives. Cathedral vicar Dr. Matthias Leineweber, who welcomed two guests who have been part of the community for 43 years.

Celebrate, not be alone

The Community of Sant'Egidio not only organized a lunch in the Lady Chapel, but also prepared other celebrations for over 1,000 people in the post hall in Würzburg. How Sant'Egidio reports, preparations for Christmas dinner are already in full swing, with numerous helpers ensuring that every person gets a piece of the festive cake. One helper, Ursula Röder, even invited her daughters to be there together and to set an example for the community.

The Christmas dinner is supported by donations of money and food from companies, restaurants and volunteer chefs. This commitment is remarkable and shows that even in the community you can give up your own celebrations in order to experience a deeper meaning of Christmas.

Help in loneliness

For many, Christmas is also a time of loneliness and sadness. Offers of help are particularly important at this time. In fact, the number of people who are alone at Christmas is growing. Thanks to initiatives such as “Nobody stays alone”, which tries to connect people via Instagram, as well as the Zoom Christmas party of the Ways out of Loneliness association, which is intended to put many in a good mood. Such offers are not only for those affected, but also an opportunity for everyone to become part of a larger community and help to combat loneliness, especially during the festive period South German newspaper described in detail.

Offers of help for people in mental crises or loneliness can be found in a variety of forms. TelephoneSeelsorge® Germany is available around the clock and provides anonymous advice for children, young people and seniors. Websites such as telefonseelsorge.de and u25-deutschland.de offer important contact points for those who need support. The multitude of these offers underlines how important it can be to support a fellow human being in dark times.

The Christmas joy that was spread in Würzburg during the holidays comes up against a reality that cannot be ignored in this supposedly contemplative time. It is an appeal to everyone that in the community we have responsibility for one another and that every banquet can bring a bit of hope and joy.