Uncertainty in the Isartal: Korbinian Wirzberger before saying goodbye!

Uncertainty in the Isartal: Korbinian Wirzberger before saying goodbye!

In the calm Isartal valleys, something is brewed that deals with the Catholics in Mittenwald and the surrounding area. The two pastors, Korbinian Wirzberger and Cezary Liwinski, are facing an uncertain future. The personnel removal within the archdiocese of Munich-Freising has now also strongly affected the parishes in this region.

Pfarrvikar Korbinian Wirzberger, who is under pressure less than a year after the retirement of his predecessor, Pastor Michael Wehrsdorf, only knows too well how quickly things can change in the church service. "Mother Church has her plans, but I don't know anything about it," says the 41-year-old, who has taken over pastoral care for around 6,000 Catholics in the parishes in Mittenwald, Krün and Wallgau for almost four years. He enjoys being popular and trust among the parishioners, but the uncertainty about his professional future is creating him.

Already while the farewell to Wehrsdorf it was made clear to him that he would soon have to change the job. "I should go somewhere else this year," said Wirzberger. So far, he has not been informed of a specific instruction or even planning. "Perhaps Munich has a plan - not me," he says resigned. Originally, retreats were scheduled as preparation for a new role from mid -October to mid -November, but in view of the lack of information, this appears increasingly unrealistic.

The Situation of Father Cezary Liwinski is similarly uncertain. The 56-year-old Salesian has been living in the region since 2018 and feels comfortable there. So far, he has also had no clarity about his future. "I really don't know anything," admits the Pole native, who is waiting for information from the Ordinariate or his order. Talks are currently underway about its future use, but an official message is still pending.

The lack of transparency in these personnel issues leads to great resentment. The spokeswoman for the Ordinary has assured that there will be a detection by the end of October, but the uncertainty remains for both pastors and the community. Unlike in many other professions, flexibility is apparently required in the church, which leads too much for confusion and discomfort with Wirzberger and Liwinski.

The words of the two priests reflect the perceived fainting that they experience in their current positions. While waiting for a decision is created, the municipalities are looking for stability and continuity in their pastoral care. Many hope for soon to clarify the situation in order not only to support the pastor, but also the community in this uncertain time.