News Archive

Sisters Travel to Germany August 1-21, 2005

World Youth Day was held in Cologne, Germany from August 16-21. The Sisters of the Holy Redeemer are very excited about this event, especially since 9 sisters from the American Province joined sisters from Africa and Germany for this occasion. The sisters left from Huntingdon Valley on two separate dates, with 5 sisters leaving on July 31 and 4 sisters leaving on August 1. On July 31, Sisters Anne Marie, Janet, Linda, Brenda Marie and Ana departed from Philadelphia International Airport and arrived in Wuerzburg, Germany on August 1. Joining them on August 2 were Sisters Ellen, and Kathleen and Kathrin Pies and Maryanne King after they departed from Philadelphia on August 1.

From their arrival until August 11, the sisters visited with their German sisters. Newer members had the opportunity to visit Mother Alphonse’s homeland and the roots of theCongregation in Niederbronn and Oberbronn and visit with sisters from other congregations founded by Mother Alphonse Maria Eppinger.

On August 11, Sisters of the Holy Redeemer from Tanzania, Africa, as well as many youth associated with the sisters in America, Africa and Germany arrived in Wuerzberg. In particular, joining the group were Kim Kessler and Fr. Bolger with the St. David’s Youth Ministry. Also represented were other European congregations founded by Mother Alphonse Maria, and many youth from these various countries.

Workshops presented in English were: Sister Kathleen presented a workshop on Prayer and Writing, Maryanne King presented a workshop on Prayer and Music, and Srs. Brenda and Ana presented a workshop on Prayer and Theatre. Sr. Anne Marie prepared a presentation on Liturgy. Sr. Anne Marie was also involved in international constitution committee meetings during her visit.

Finally on August 15, some of the group left for Cologne to join thousands of others for the Central Events of World Youth Day.

Pope Benedict XVI and about 400,000 registered participants were present. They were accompanied by 600 bishops and cardinals as well as by 4,000 international journalists. For ten days the eyes of the world were on Germany, North Rhine-Westphalia and the Cologne region. And our sisters were there in the midst of them! Hospitality during the World Youth Day festivities was provided for the sisters and pilgrims from St. David’s by friends and family of Kathrin Pies, our postulant who is from Cologne. This was an opportunity for Kathrin to acquaint all of the sisters with her family and city of Cologne.

What a blessing to be able to take advantage of this very special time to visit the Motherhouse in Wuerzburg as well as experience the amazing expression of Catholicism that is World Youth Day.

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“Everything in God, with God, and for God.”
– Mother Alphonse Maria Eppinger