Pilgrims of Hope: Pilgrimage to Maria Eich unites the community in faith

Pilgrims of Hope: Pilgrimage to Maria Eich unites the community in faith

On September 17, 2025, 35 members of the Germering Catholic Church made a pilgrimage to the tranquil pilgrimage site of Maria Eich, a popular destination southwest of Munich. This pilgrimage had the motto “Pilgrim of Hope”. The participants set out to pause at four stations and devote themselves to the topic of hope with prayers, songs and spiritual impulses. At the subsequent mass in the pilgrimage church, other parishioners joined in to celebrate and participate together.

Pastor Andreas Christian Jaster particularly emphasized the importance of community in his sermon. He encouraged those present that there was nothing to lose in the city church, which was founded almost 15 years ago, but only to gain. This message was very well received, especially since personal concerns of people who were unable to make the pilgrimage were symbolically carried in backpacks and brought to the altar.

A place of reflection and closeness to nature

Maria Eich is not only a place of hope, but also a beautiful place of pilgrimage, which was created around an old oak tree and a small figure of the Virgin Mary. This figure of the Virgin Mary was placed in a knothole by two boys at the beginning of the 18th century and can now be found in the baroque Chapel of Grace. The location in the Kreuzlinger Forest, embedded in the Würmtal, combines urban life with nature and offers visitors numerous opportunities to relax.

The surrounding area is a true paradise for cyclists and hikers: well-developed cycle paths, beautiful hiking routes and inviting walking opportunities invite you to leave everyday life behind you and recharge your batteries. The quiet places with benches under old and young trees provide contemplation and make church services a special experience.

Things to see and offers in Maria Eich

Lined with the natural beauty of the surrounding area, the sights of Maria Eich are another reason to visit this place. Next to the modern pilgrimage church and the soul garden, a candle table between the cross and the outdoor altar tempts pilgrims to write down their thoughts and light light for their concerns. A pilgrimage shop complements the offering and ensures that memories of this spiritual place last for a long time.

Augustinians have lived and worked in Maria Eich since 1953 and look after the pilgrimage site and the many pastoral care offers. There is also an annual program with information about church services that satisfies the spiritual hunger of the pilgrims and offers other events in the community. And as the final snack under the oak trees proves, social gatherings are not neglected here. It's simply a place where hope and community go hand in hand.