On November 16, 2025, Schoenstatters from all over the world celebrated the 140th anniversary of the birth of their founder, Father Joseph Kentenich. On this special date, many people make a spiritual pilgrimage to Gymnich, the place where he was born in Germany. Therefore, it is only fitting that this “round” anniversary be celebrated there in a festive manner and in family communion.
On Sunday morning, in addition to the parishioners of the local parish, members of the Schoenstatt Family from the surrounding area and other regions gathered there to attend the festive Mass in the parish of St. Cuniberto. A group of Brazilians who had arrived by bus was also present. It was a joy to welcome the Archbishop of Cambrai (France), Monsignor Vincent Dollmann, who accepted the invitation to preside over the celebration. Among the concelebrants were Father Hans-Peter Kippels, parish priest of the Pastoral Region of Erftstadt; Father Joseph Pikos, parish vicar of Gymnich; and several Schönstatt priests and chaplains from different countries. In the entrance procession, they were accompanied by a delegation from the local shooting associations. The Neue Wege (New Ways) choir, conducted by Johannes Speckamp, enlivened the Holy Mass with joyful songs that expressed the joy of faith.
Firm in faith and love
In his homily, Archbishop Dollmann referred to the Gospel of the day, in which Jesus anticipates some apocalyptic signs of the future and, at the same time, encourages his disciples: “By standing firm, you will gain your lives!” (Lk 21:5-19). Archbishop Dollmann recalled the testimonies of faith of our time and described Father Kentenich as a priest who remained firm in faith and charity even in the most challenging situations, including prison and the Dachau concentration camp. We can follow his example in our daily lives by being faithful in prayer. Today, on the 140th anniversary of Father Kentenich’s birth, we turn to Mary with complete confidence, just as he did, with the old prayer: “Virgin, Mother of God, let me be all yours…”
Family joy and communion
As Father Kentenich’s family, we were able to experience this through the program held at the parish house. Everything was decorated and prepared. A specialty from the Rhine region was served: pea soup with sausage. There was a lively exchange of ideas, and in some speeches, the characteristic humor of the area, which we already knew from Father Kentenich’s own lectures, was evident.
Connection to the homeland
Next, Sister M. Doria Schlickmann took the floor. Her presentation, entitled “Attachment to the homeland in the life and teaching of Father Joseph Kentenich,” dealt with this topic.
Father Kentenich attaches great importance to the homeland. He experienced his hometown, Gymnich, as a safe place, where he spent a relatively carefree childhood in a large family. The religious atmosphere that surrounded him made him want to become a priest from an early age. He was convinced that our ultimate and deepest longing for homeland and security converges in the longing for God.
Sister M. Doria also made her Rhineland origins clear by spicing up her presentation with humor and a Rhineland touch, drawing on jokes from the Kölsche Krätzcher collection (jokes in Cologne dialect), which Father Kentenich himself used with his students.
The contemplative religious songs, masterfully performed by Mrs. Randy Treybig, help to ensure that what has been heard remains in the memory.
The dedication of the support association in Gymnich
Mrs. Klara Schmitz took us on a journey through the history of Father Kentenich’s birthplace and the creation and work of the Support Association, which was also celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Mr. Ludwig Reimers gave us an overview of visitor numbers, original experiences, and data from recent years. He is always ready to welcome visitors to the birthplace and offer them a guided tour, but he points out, with a smile, that now it is the sisters who accompany most of the groups and guide them. It is an honor for the Support Association to welcome groups from many countries. The competence and dedication with which the association is always present are impressive.
No birthday party would be complete without coffee and cake, so the day of celebration ends in a joyful atmosphere.
Special moments
For the pilgrims from Gymnich, one of the quietest but also most special moments of the day is the visit to the house where Father Kentenich was born. Being in this historic place, where 140 years ago Heaven touched Earth with the birth of little Joseph Kentenich, who would become the Father and Founder of the international Schoenstatt Family, is a special gift. In this way, we were able to represent many people who were unable to attend this occasion.
