Hope and new beginnings: Bishop Gerber calls for pilgrimage!

Hope and new beginnings: Bishop Gerber calls for pilgrimage!

A solemn pontifical mass took place in the Church of St. Andreas in Neuenberg on June 15, 2025 under the leadership of Bishop Dr. Michael Gerber instead. In his impressive sermon, Gerber emphasized the importance of living a focus on Christ in everyday life. This is particularly important at a time when the challenges for believers are increasing. The Bishop called on people to prepare for a common pilgrimage of hope, which is crucial in view of the Holy Year 2025. “We must remain spiritually alert and effective,” Gerber warned the assembled priests and deacons.

The Vicar General Dr. Martin Stanke did not miss the opportunity to warmly welcome the over 100 participants to the Bonifatiushaus. In his speech he emphasized that the signs of new beginnings are particularly important. Where faith is shared, new church life can arise. Stanke encouraged his listeners to keep their eyes open to these opportunities, even if church life is at risk in some places.

Church upheaval and new opportunities

The main speaker, Fr. Stefan Kiechle SJ, dedicated his lecture to the topic “On the inner attitude in the ecclesiastical upheaval”. Kiechle made it clear that despite the challenges that threaten church life, new opportunities also arise through authentic pastoral care. “Innovation traditionally comes from below,” he noted, emphasizing that it is the commitment of believers that has a lasting impact on the church.

The day ended with a warm greeting to the priests present. The musical arrangement by cathedral music director Franz-Peter Huber and Wolfgang Bolst on the organ also contributed to the festive atmosphere of the pontifical mass.

Bishop Gerber's career

Bishop Dr. Michael Gerber, who was born on January 15, 1970 in Oberkirch in the Archdiocese of Freiburg, has had an impressive career in church service. After his ordination in 1997, Gerber worked in various positions, including as vicar and later as regent in the Freiburg seminary. His doctorate in pastoral theology and the title of titular bishop of Migirpa underline his academic and pastoral influence. Since 2019, he has been leading the diocese's fortunes as the 18th Bishop of Fulda.

Gerber is known for his commitment not only in the Diocese of Fulda, but also on a national level. Since September 2023 he has been deputy chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, where, among other things, he heads the Commission for Spiritual Professions and works on significant reforms of priestly training. His motto “tecum in foedere” (With you in alliance) reflects his philosophy of putting community at the center.

Coming to terms with the past

At a time when the church is being criticized more than ever, Gerber takes a clear stand. During his Pentecost sermon, he spoke about the need as an institution to take responsibility for its own mistakes and to have the courage to face our own history. This is a fundamental prerequisite for credible future plans. The upcoming final report on dealing with sexual violence in the Diocese of Fulda, which will be presented on June 17th, marks a further step in this direction. “Hope is more than optimism,” emphasized Gerber, “it is learning from the past.” In this spirit he would like to see the church as a sign of unity in a polarized world.

The dynamic that unfolds for priests and deacons in the diocese of Fulda shows that despite all the challenges, the base is alive. The united voice of priests and deacons is crucial in conveying the message of hope and faith.