Pilgrimage 2026: Light and hope with the Black Madonna in the Odenwald!
Erbach: Pilgrimage to the parish on January 1, 2026. Return of the Black Madonna and St. Martin in December 2025.

Pilgrimage 2026: Light and hope with the Black Madonna in the Odenwald!
In the midst of the busy life of the Hessian communities, an important pilgrimage is coming that will touch the hearts of many people. On January 1st, 2026 there will be a pilgrimage to the large parish in the Odenwald, like bistummainz.de reported. This pilgrimage is part of a larger project that covers the last two years of the Pastoral Path in the Odenwald, in which everyone is taken along to go on the journey together.
Lead Pastor Harald Poggel emphasizes the need to seek and find light on this journey. In his speech he emphasized how important it is that everyone participates in the pastoral path. Dozens of parishioners are already actively involved in establishing the parish's new structures and strengthening the community.
Return of the Black Madonna
Another emotional highlight for the faithful will be the return of the image of the Black Madonna and the statue of Saint Martin. This return is planned for the Feast of the Conception of Mary in December 2025 and will certainly bring many people together.
“It is important to us to bring the light of the Madonna and Saint Martin into our hearts and into our communities,” Poggel continues. This message of joy and the commitment of the community members show that true togetherness is emerging in the Odenwald.
Community in focus
Preparations are in full swing and it is clear that the community is very important during this time. At a time when many people are looking for orientation, this pilgrimage is a ray of hope for the region. It's not just spiritual moments that arise here, but also the opportunity to exchange ideas and make new connections.
At the same time, there is a development in the digital world that is also causing a stir. The new streaming service HBO Max, as on queplan.mx is established in Mexico and offers a variety of content, including HBO Original Series and Warner Bros. films. The world of streaming is booming and could perhaps also appeal to the interest of people in Hessian communities.
In today's world, when people's needs are diverse, the combination of traditional spirituality and modern media shows how diverse communities can be. As the pilgrimage community sets out, it is to be hoped that digital offerings will continue to play a positive role in connecting people.