On Saturday, 3rd October a wonderful gathering of SSCC brothers and secular branch members, civil dignitaries, former SSCC members, friends and associates gathered in the parish church of St Christopher, Werne, for a thanksgiving and celebratory mass to mark the 100th anniversary of Germany as a Province.
The Provincial, Fr. Martin Königstein presided at the Mass with Frs. Derek Laverty (Rome) and Patrisius Breket Mudaj (Berlin) concelebrating. Heinz-Josef Catrein gave the homily. The celebration was enriched by a beautifully decorated church and music and singing. One song was especially composed and performed for the occasion. It was a truly international celebration: Fr. Wojtek KOTOWSKI, Provincial of Poland), Fr. Adalbert Mantubu Mfiyolo , (Congo and based in Munster), and Patrisius and Dionisius Karitas Ribu Watun (Indonesia).
After the mass a reception was held at a nearby hotel where speeches were given by Fr. Derek (on behalf of the Congregation), Patrisius (explaining the “Berlin Project”), Fr. Juergen Schaefer (local Parish Priest), the local mayor and finally Fr. Manfred Kollig, sscc (Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Berlin) who reflected on the past and the present story of the arrival and service of SSCC in Germany in the context of the “Christian hope that never dies”. The speeches were complimented with interludes of music recitals. The celebrations finished with a delicious offering of food and drink.
10/05/2020