Saint of the Tyrolean martyr Engelbert Kolland celebrated in Rome

Saint of the Tyrolean martyr Engelbert Kolland celebrated in Rome

On World Mission Sunday, October 20, 2024, there was an important event on St. Peter's Square in Rome, which brought together many believers from Tyrol and beyond. Pope Francis spoke a total of 14 blessed act in a solemn act, including the remarkable Franciscan Father Engelbert Kolland, who was born in Ramsau and was baptized in Zell. Engelbert, who suffered martyrdom on July 10, 1860 in the course of a Christian persecution by radical Muslims, is the first North Tyrolean Holy and the only martyr from the Archdiocese of Salzburg, which gives this canonization an outstanding meaning.

around 300 Tyrolean travelers, most of the Zillertal, came to the ceremony to experience this special moment. In a previous journey that started on Friday, a delegation visited Engelbert Kolland's birthplace and celebrated a Holy Mass there. The visit to the grave of 15-year-old Carlo Acutis, who will be canoned in the coming year, also touched many participants, especially the children of the group, including four altar servers.

a highlight of the celebrations

The Singing Community Ramsau had the honor of presenting a specially composed angelbert song before the canonization began. This special song was presented to the audience on St. Peter's Square via loudspeakers. Not only the pilgrims took part in the ceremony, but also important personalities such as the mayors of Zell, Ramsau and Tux, who contributed to the festive atmosphere together with the rifle company and the Federal Music Chapel Ramsau in Zillertaler. After the Holy Mass, the musicians delighted those present with rousing marching music.

Following the honorary celebrations, the Tyrolean state government invited the delegation to lunch. Both Archbishop Franz Lackner and the Deputy Governor Josef Geisler emphasized the work of Dean Steinwender for promoting the worship of angels. A special highlight was also the thanksgiving fair in the papal basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, which was celebrated on Monday morning. The Salzburg Archbishop Franz Lackner led the service, whereby the Innsbruck Bishop Hermann Glettler accepted the requests of Pope Francis and encouraged those present to maintain a more loving coexistence and to follow Engelbert's model.

With deep impressions and with gratitude, the pilgrims finally returned to their Zillertal home. The canonization of Father Engelbert Kolland will therefore not only go into history as a personal triumph for the region, but also as a significant spiritual event. It is a moment that has opened a new perspective on faith and community, which further underlines the relevance of this celebration.