During the first week of September, Father Alejandro Moral had the opportunity to visit 36 religious and novices in five of the communities that make up the Province of Germany.
Accompanied by the counselor for Northern Europe, Father Ian Wilson, and the General Curia’s bursar, Father Franz Klein, the Prior began his canonical visit on September 3rd by visiting the “always loving and simple” community in Berlin. There, he was able to witness firsthand the work the Augustinians are doing in providing spiritual care for the sick and in pastoral service throughout the city.
After a couple of days in the German capital, the Prior General had the chance to visit the two brothers who make up the Augustinian presence in Erfurt, the place where Luther began his studies and preparation for religious life.
“I believe that the work Father Jeremias is doing in the field of ecumenism in the city of Erfurt is truly remarkable. We wanted to return there after so long because of the significance this place holds in the history of the Order and, above all, to continue nurturing our relationship with other Christians. There is a very rich dialogue,” the Prior General states, “even though everyone has their own perspective. What matters is that this understanding takes place with the desire to always move forward together.”
The Miracle of Münnerstadt: The Virgin Among the Bombs
In the small town of Münnerstadt, with no more than 10,000 inhabitants, where the Order has had two communities for centuries, the Prior General, along with Father Franz and Father Ian, was able to see firsthand the important work the friars are doing within the parishes.
“It was wonderful to share with the friars the theatrical performance that tells the story of the Virgin Mary’s miracle during World War II, which saved the town.”
From there, the group continued on to Würzburg, the site of the Provincial House and a place of ministry where two communities reside.
At the Maria Eich Shrine
Finally, Father Alejandro visited the Maria Eich Shrine, near the Bavarian city of Munich. Here, the Order has a “very comfortable house,” surrounded by a beautiful natural setting, where the two new novices are studying. They are Samuel Michael Sankowsky, of German origin, who took the habit alongside Johannes Schubert, from Vienna and a member of the Vienna Vicariate. Both will continue their preparation for religious life under the guidance of the novice master, Father Christian Rentsch.
Father Alejandro acknowledged the immense “richness of being able to share time with these young men, to learn about their spiritual journey, and to see that despite their young age, they are also very mature, well-prepared, and filled with a strong desire to fulfill the mission.”
After this last visit, the Prior General expressed his hope to continue with the task of evangelization in Germany, thanking the Provincial Prior, Father Lukas Schmidkunz, and his friars for these weeks of “fraternity, prayer, and dedication.”
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