80 years of life's work: Prof. Dr. Stanke and his contribution to pastoral care!

80 years of life's work: Prof. Dr. Stanke and his contribution to pastoral care!

Today, November 4th, 2025, Prof. Dr. Gerhard Stanke, an outstanding pastor and former vicar general of the diocese of Fulda, celebrated his 80th birthday. The celebrations begin with a festive thanksgiving service in the Fulda parish church at 11:30 a.m., where friends, family and believers come together to honor this special occasion. Rhön Canal reports on Stanke's impressive life story.

Born on November 4, 1945 in Thröm in the Ratibor district in Upper Silesia, Stanke experienced a formative childhood that was marked by expulsion. After arriving in Fulda, he passed his Abitur at the Domgymnasium in 1965 before beginning his studies in theology and philosophy in Königstein, Munich and Fulda. On April 4, 1971 he was ordained by Bishop Dr. Adolf Bolte ordained priest in Fulda Cathedral. His first tasks as a chaplain took him to the communities of Waechtersbach, Amöneburg and Bad Orb.

A life for pastoral care

In 1980, Stanke received his doctorate in moral theology from the University of Würzburg and in the same year was appointed regent of the Fulda seminary, where he worked until 2002. In addition to his position as diocesan women's pastor, which he took over in 1988, he was appointed cathedral chapter at the Fulda Cathedral Church in 1994. His academic career took him from 1991 to 2004 as a full professor of moral theology at the Fulda Theological Faculty.

Stanke's work as a pastor is deeply rooted. On October 15, 2008, he took on the role of Vicar General of the Diocese of Fulda and was the permanent representative of the diocesan administrator Prof. Dr. during the Sedis vacancy. Karlheinz Diez. He retired in 2019, but his commitment to pastoral care remains undiminished. Stanke continues to be involved in correctional facilities, retirement homes and hospitals. His commitment shows that it is very important to him to be present in a wide variety of areas and to provide help.

Health challenges and progress

In today's world, health is an often discussed topic that affects us all. Everyone knows someone who is struggling with health challenges. An example worth discussing is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease. The symptoms range from muscle weakness to cognitive difficulties. The exact causes are often unclear, especially since genetic factors and environmental influences can play a role. According to scientific studies, clinical evidence of motor neuron degeneration is crucial to diagnosis, with modern treatments such as edaravone being developed to relieve symptoms. National Center for Biotechnology Information describes how researchers continue to work on new therapies.

It is very important that awareness of such diseases has grown and that many people and institutions are committed to research and supporting those affected. The silent struggle of many sick people is often overshadowed, but thanks to the commitment of pastors like Prof. Dr. These people are listened to and comforted even in difficult times.