Bamberg gardener pilgrims with friends from Poznan to the Black Madonna

Bamberg gardener pilgrims with friends from Poznan to the Black Madonna

Altötting, Deutschland - An unforgettable pilgrimage attracted the Bamberg gardeners and the Poznan Bamberker to Altötting in early October 2024! This special pilgrimage, which is a symbol of the close friendship between the cities, was launched by the estimated 1st board of the upper gardener association Bamberg, Michael Niedermaier. The tradition was cultivated in 2004 and 2008 when the groups traveled to the black Madonna of Tschenstochau and Rome. Now in Altötting, filled with spirituality, they experienced another important chapter of this friendly connection.

The trip started prayer and singing for the Bamberg on Saturday morning. The first spiritual highlights were waiting in the famous Asam Church in Rohr, where the talented tenor Michael Panzer delighted with a moving Marienlied. In the evening they finally reached Altötting and joined the magnificent procession of lights around the chapel of grace, which was a moving experience for all participants. The festive highlight took place on Sunday at 10 a.m. in the basilica of St. Anna, where none other than old oral bishop Prof. Dr. Ludwig Schick celebrated the service.

an event full of emotions

In his touching sermon, Schick emphasized the importance of gratitude and the vital friendship between Germany and Poland, which is all the more important in these challenging times. Accompanied by Michael Panzer's moving vocals “Panis Angelicus” during communion, the whole atmosphere literally swung from emotions. After the feast, the old ore bishop received a special letter from the Poznan Archbishop Stanislaw Gadecki and was surprised by his Polish friends with a birthday serenade-a beautiful gesture that honored his recent celebration of his 75th birthday.

The pilgrimage found its crowning conclusion in the Mercy Chapel, where Marienlieder were sung together. The Polish song "Tscharda Madonna" in particular touched the hearts and let the tears flow. Fulfilled with faith and gratitude, the Bamberg gardeners returned home, while the pleasure for the Polish guests continued: they traveled to Neuschwanstein and Munich Castle before they ended two eventful days in Bamberg with Mayor Andreas Starke in a convivial atmosphere - a pilgrimage that will be remembered!