Bätzing discusses floods and hope.

Catholic Celebration or Gathering - Bätzing discusses floods and hope.

During the closing ceremony of the Catholic Congress in Erfurt, the German Bishops' Conference's chairperson acknowledged the ongoing storms and floods in the country. In a speech directed at those affected, he conveyed a message of hope, saying, "We're thinking of those who've faced the wrath of storms over the past few days, particularly south of our nation, as they clean up or continue battling floods. May life be protected and preserved." Bishop Georg Bätzing made these remarks recently at the Erfurt Cathedral.

Earlier, the Catholic Congress organizers had anticipated strong thunderstorms, causing them to cancel their outdoor programming on the previous evening.

Bishop Bätzing wrapped up the 103rd Catholic Congress with the words, "We've endured together, talked together, prayed." He emphasized the significance of faith, saying, "Religions offer clarity, and these responses give life and society a sense of right and wrong." The Bishop of Limburg shared the pulpit for the homily with Professor Juliane Eckstein, a theologian from the University of Mainz.

The event started on Wednesday in Thuringia's capital. The organizers initially estimated about 20,000 attendees, but they'd need to confirm the final count on Sunday. The agenda featured cultural performances and worship services, along with numerous discussions. Notable attendees were Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck (Greens).

For more info, check out this link. Read through the programme here.

Read also:

1. Despite the anticipated storms in Erfurt, the Catholic Day events continued inside the city's Cathedral, with Bishop Georg Bätzing presiding over the proceedings.
2. The flood-affected regions in southern Germany, particularly in Thuringia, were in the prayers of the German Bishops' Conference during the Catholic Day celebration.
3. The theme of hope and faith was echoed throughout the 103rd Catholic Congress, with the Bishop of Limburg, Georg Bätzing, emphasizing the role of religions in providing clarity and moral guidance.
4. Amidst the conversations and worship services, the Catholic Congress in Erfurt highlighted the significance of Religions in modern German society, with topics like cultural performances and discussions on faith.
5. Even as the crowd in Thuringia's capital numbered close to 20,000, the full attendance count for the Catholic Congress was yet to be confirmed by Sunday, as clean-up efforts following the storms continued.
6. The German Bishops' Conference, under the chairmanship of Georg Bätzing, called for unity and resilience in the face of natural disasters like the storms and floods, affirming the Church's commitment to aiding its members and the wider German community.

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