Departure to hope: Bishop Elbs Embassy to Advent 2024

Von WOM

In Advent, the time is all about departure. Bishop Benno Elbs from Feldkirch emphasizes in his shepherd's word that the Advent season is not just a phase of waiting, but an invitation to actively approach Christ. "If we don't want to pass him, it makes sense to go in the same direction from which he comes," explains Elbs. This path is shaped by justice and charity, which leads us directly to the crib, where the love of God becomes visible.

He emphasizes that giving love and setting hope in Advent is important in order to give your own life a new direction. Elbs' message will be read in the services of the Diocese of Feldkirch on the 1st Sunday.

the view of the Holy Year 2025

Bishop Elbs also focuses on the Holy Year 2025, which is under the motto "Pilgrim of Hope". Pope Francis wants to put the importance of hope in the foreground. "Hope is the most beautiful that we can give other people," emphasizes Elbs. This Christian hope helps people to remain steadfast even in difficult times, be it at the bedside or in moments of grief and despair.

The encouragement of being open to a positive future and trusting the work of God is associated with the prospect of pilgrimage trips. Pilgrims are a central element of every holy year. Bishop Elbs invites everyone to visit the holy gates in the large pilgrimage churches in Rome and the pilgrimage churches in the Diocese of Feldkirch. In this context, he mentions the basilicas in Rankweil and Bildstein as well as the St. Peter monastery church of the Dominican in Bludenz as "churches of hope".

For the Diocese of Feldkirch, the Holy Year is an important event that will open on December 28 with a service in Dornbirn St. Martin. Bishop Elbs and the diocese call to participate in the planned spiritual initiatives in order to live the message of hope together. The diocese will continue to inform more about this.