Suche
Mein Konto
Corpus Christi in Darmstadt: Festive procession inspires the community!
On Corpus Christi, the communities in Darmstadt met for a festive service and a procession through the city center.
Corpus Christi in Darmstadt: Festive procession inspires the community!
On June 26, 2025, the Catholic community in Darmstadt celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi with a lively service and a festive procession. The inner city communities of St. Ludwig, St. Elisabeth, Liebfrauen and Heilig Kreuz as well as the Spanish-speaking community gathered in the Church of St. Elisabeth to pray and celebrate together. Chaplain Jens Ginkel, Pastor Gregor Waclawiak and Father Pious Kandathil concelebrated the service, while Deacon Heinz Lenhart supported the liturgy. Jorin Sandau took over the musical arrangement on the organ, accompanied by Sonor Fistulae and the Schola of St. Elisabeth, who led the singing with support from other communities.
In his sermon, Chaplain Ginkel spoke about the Advent customs of the Krampus in Vienna and drew parallels to the feast of Corpus Christi. A key theme was the mystery of Corpus Christi, which was viewed in all its diversity. Unfortunately there were fewer altar boys and girls this year than last year, but that didn't dampen the festivities.
Corpus Christi procession through the Martinsviertel
In ideal weather conditions, the procession through the Martinsviertel was a solemn sight. The first stop took place in the Emilia retirement home and was prepared by the senior pastoral care. Here the believers met and discussed thoughts and prayers. At the second station in front of the community center on Schloßgartenplatz, the Spanish-speaking community organized the celebration, which offered a happy atmosphere and invited people to talk and exchange ideas with those present.
The procession ended in the Church of St. Elisabeth, where the participants received the ceremonial final blessing. Afterwards, a social gathering took place in the rectory, where the parishes of Heilig Kreuz, St. Elisabeth and the Spanish-speaking community contributed food such as bread, cheese, wine and water. It was a beautiful moment of togetherness that strengthened the community.
The meaning of the festival of Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, also known as Solemnity, commemorates the institution of the Eucharist. The festival is considered a living witness of faith for Catholics in everyday life. It is an opportunity to provide a festive setting for faith communities and to promote connection with each other. Similar festive services with flag delegations and processions also took place at celebrations in other communities, such as St. Vitus, as the ARD Mediathek reports.
In addition, an open-air service was held in Bonn, where the community was strengthened through various activities. The celebration ended not only with a final blessing, but also with a celebration of encounters that promoted togetherness and exchange. Such celebrations are important to strengthen the community and inspire each other. This also describes the significance of the festival of Corpus Christi and the processions.
A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who prepared and carried out these celebrations in Darmstadt, and last but not least to the numerous community members who actively took part in the festivities.