Festival of hope: Cardinal Marx celebrates Ulrich's Week in Augsburg

Festival of hope: Cardinal Marx celebrates Ulrich's Week in Augsburg

There was a special atmosphere in Ulrich's Basilica in Augsburg when Cardinal Marx celebrated the opening of Ulrich's Week for the first time. This religious celebration simultaneously commemorated St. Ulrich and the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which further enhanced the occasion. As part of the celebrations, the anniversaries of bishops and auxiliary bishops of the diocese will also be honored, including 30 years since the episcopal ordination and 65 years since the priestly ordination of Auxiliary Bishop Josef Grünwald as well as 25 years of episcopal ordination of Auxiliary Bishop Anton Losinger.

It is also a striking moment because this year marks the beginning of the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV. In his moving sermon, Cardinal Marx established the connection between Bishop Ulrich and Pope Francis. Both personalities affirmed the “core of the gospel”: the church as a point of contact and support for people in need. This message united those present in a common act of faith and underlined the Christian mission to improve the living conditions of those in need.

History and meaning of St. Ulrich

St. Ulrich, one of Christianity's most important saints, is described as a "transparent of Christ" who embodies living illustrations of the Gospel. Ulrich was already a legend during his lifetime, and he remains a living saint to this day. His vita, written by Gerhard, his last chaplain, tells of his life and work.

At the age of 33, Ulrich took on a prestigious position as Bishop of Augsburg and was known for his modesty, hospitality and conscientious administration. He worked intensively to rebuild the city and found a hospice for the poor. What is moving is his devotion to Holy Mass, which he celebrated daily, and his simple life, which stemmed from a humility that is often required in Christianity.

The reference to the Council of Nicaea

The Council of Nicaea, which shaped Ulrich's work, took place in 325 in the ancient city of Iznik, which plays an important role in the history of Christianity.

Historiographical findings speak of a lively Christian community in the region, which is documented by archaeological excavations and letters. Iznik was not only an important meeting place for the bishops, but also the scene of numerous historical events that shaped the religious community. The underwater basilica in Iznik, which dates from after 390, could also be a place of commemoration of the events of the council, despite the catastrophic circumstances of the surrounding excavations.

This year's program for Ulrich's Week promises to also address the important holy sites and the significance of the Council. Numerous church services, pilgrimages and concerts are planned in the coming days. A highlight will be the high mass on Friday, July 4th, at 10 a.m.

The opening ceremony of the Ulrich Week came to a crowning conclusion with a celebratory reception in honor of the episcopal anniversaries in Haus Sankt Ulrich. Music from the Domsingknaben and the Ulrichsbläser created a festive setting and brought the unifying message of the Christian faith to life.