Mass Attendance at Pilgrimage: Multiple Escapists Spotted on Father's Day - Multitudes undertake a religious journey - many during Father's Day observance.
Thousands Participate in Ascension Day Men's Pilgrimage in Eichsfeld
Thousands of individuals flocked to the traditional men's pilgrimage in Thuringia's Eichsfeld region on Ascension Day. A spokesperson for the Diocese of Erfurt revealed that around 6,000 men, alongside families, attended the open-air service at the pilgrimage church of Klüschen Hagis near Wachstedt. The number of participants remained consistent with previous years.
The men's pilgrimage of the diocese on Ascension Day in the Catholic Eichsfeld area has a several-decade tradition. Throughout Thuringia, church services were held, often outdoors, on this day. Many Thuringians utilized the holiday for nature excursions.
Bishop Neymeyr Emphasizes the Unifying Power of Pilgrimage
This year's theme for the men's pilgrimage was "We are pilgrims," symbolizing shared journeys. In his sermon, Bishop Ulrich Neymeyr of Erfurt emphasized that pilgrimages unite people of all religions, as there are pilgrimages and pilgrimages in every religion. He noted that the pilgrim is a stranger with limited possessions. "Strangers make one sensitive to the strangers among us," he said, quoting Jesus's words: "I was a stranger, and you welcomed me."
Neymeyr Calls for Empathy Toward Strangers
Neymeyr called for an empathetic approach to those who are strangers in our society. He emphasized the significance of the right of asylum, particularly for Christians and Germans. Eighty years ago, Jews desperately sought refuge from Germany, and as Germans, Neymeyr cautioned against shifting the asylum responsibility to other countries. However, the primary focus remains on addressing the root causes that compel people to leave their homeland.
The pilgrimage church of Klüschen Hagis dates to the 12th century, according to a spokesperson. The men's pilgrimage to this site has almost a 70-year history. The churches celebrate Ascension around 40 days after Easter, commemorating the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven, as recorded in the Bible.
Many Thuringians spent their day in nature, with hiking, cycling, boat tours, and concerts being part of numerous plans. While Ascension Day has traditionally been associated with males and is increasingly recognized as a Father's Day, families and friends also gathered in gardens or parks for picnics. Until mid-afternoon, the police reported no significant incidents.
Though the connection between the men's pilgrimage, Father's Day, and the Bishop of Erfurt might not be broadly documented, the pilgrimage on Ascension Day in Eichsfeld is an essential cultural and religious event. It reflects local traditions and reinforces community bonds, potentially being linked to family celebrations such as Father's Day indirectly due to the shared date. The Bishop of Erfurt, as a key figure in the Catholic community, generally supports such religious events and provides spiritual guidance.
Despite the focus on the men's pilgrimage, Ascension Day is increasingly acknowledged as a day for family gatherings, with picnics in gardens or parks becoming common. This year, the Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, as one might reflect on the importance of safety and health during family occasions. As communities celebrate their shared traditions, the theme of unifying strangers remains relevant, echoing the Bishop's call for empathy toward those in need of asylum, a topic that transcends the realm of home-and-garden or lifestyle, reaching into general news and sports.
