Mechernich – For a Christian, it's a statement that saddens, that hurts, a lot. "When we ask about the church in public today, the first words that come to people's minds are leaving the church, closing the church, scandal and abuse," says Jaison Thazhathil. It used to be different. There were times when people associated good things with church. "Sacraments, blessings, processions, chapels and pilgrimages," says the new Superior General of Communio in Christo, who in his sermon for the celebration of the Founder's Memorial Day, however, by no means fell into despondency.
On the contrary, in the spirit of Mother Marie Therese, he had words of encouragement for the faithful in the well-filled Mechernich parish church of St. John Baptist. "Dear sisters and brothers, despite the change in perception, the Church remains holy because it is from God," Jaison Thazhathil continued, "But God must lead His Church through people who are fallible and powerless, who need our support. This is what Mother Marie Therese says: Communio in Christo is a help and support for the Church, especially at this time. An offer from Mechernich to the German Church and the Church worldwide."
Model image of the church in miniature
His deputy, Deacon Manfred Lang, had also clearly stated in his welcome that Communio in Christo, founded by Mother Marie Therese, understands itself as a confirmation of the spirit-led Second Vatican Council, as a model image of the Church in miniature. "Moreover, it is the instrument in the hands of the Pope to lead the Church and the world out of the present crisis, according to the mystic Mother Marie Therese, who already 40 years ago foresaw the crisis and decline of the Church and faith in her encounters with God," continued Manfred Lang, who had earlier remembered Superior General Karl-Heinz Haus, who died on January 17.
Almost exactly one year and one month ago, the had personally handed over the foundation of Communio in Christo into the hands of Pope Francis during a special audience at the Vatican in November 2021." He did so by handing over to the Holy Father the Rule of the Ordo Communionis in Christo, a letter of accompaniment and the golden cape cross that Mother Marie Therese had worn at the founding in Mechernich on December 8, 1984.
A historic moment," said the permanent deacon. Superior General Karl-Heinz Haus had thus fulfilled a personal mission of the charismatic foundress, who died in 1994 and was buried in Mechernich. Mayor Dr. Hans-Peter Schick reported in his greeting: "Superior General Haus told me personally a few days later about his strong impressions during the meeting with the Holy Father. I had the impression that he was very, very happy. As if a hundredweight burden had been lifted from him - and now everything was on the right track. Only a little later, this great priest and friend died on January 17, leaving a gap that would be impossible to fill."
A sign of continuity
"But it had to go on," said the first citizen of the city of Mechernich: "Ten months later now, a generational change has taken place at the head of the Ordo Communionis in Christo." Now, he said, it is up to Jaison Thazhathil to lead Communio in Christo into the future together with his many comrades-in-arms.
He, like his deputy Manfred Lang, was democratically elected to office by the worldwide members of the Ordo. Having already served and worked alongside Karl-Heinz Haus for 14 years, his election is thus also a sign of continuity. For Deacon Manfred Lang, he does this "on the firm foundation of the most important commandment, the love of God and neighbor."
It is precisely this love of neighbor that has also given rise to the Social Work of Communio in Christo - with a long-term care facility for the most seriously ill, a hospice and a home for the elderly. "I would like to expressly thank the employees for showing such loving commitment throughout the year," Father Rudolf Ammann, Spiritual Director of Communio in Christo, had emphasized in his opening words. He also thanked the host, Father Erik Pühringer, for his hospitality and for participating in the Eucharistic celebration as concelebrant.
It was an imposing picture in the sanctuary anyway, because numerous clergy had come to celebrate with the Communio in Christo. For example, Father Innocent Izunwanne CSSp, Provincial of the Spiritans in Knechtsteden, had come. Paul Cyrys SDS, Superior of Steinfeld was also present. He had at his side the former Superior of Steinfeld and very well known in the Eifel region, Father Hermann Preußner SDS. In addition, many nations were represented among the priests - also an expression of the worldwide activity of Communio in Christo.
Intercessions in six languages
This should also be reflected in the intercessions. They were held by Sister Anima, Marie-Thérèse Dijkstra, Sister Lidwina, Christiane Esmeier, Sister Christy and by Hilde Bouschery in English, Dutch, Polish, German, Malayalam and French.
The singers of the singing association "Eifelklang" provided a particularly festive setting. Under the direction of Dominik Bützler, the approximately 50 musicians performed the Missa Brevis by Charles Gounod and Ubi Caritas by Maurice Duruflé in the organ loft. They also supported the singing of the congregation with their vocal power.
Before this could be heard again during the closing hymn "A great city rises," Mechernich's mayor, Dr. Hans-Peter Schick, had taken the opportunity in his greeting to congratulate the new Superior General and to promise him the usual support of the city of Mechernich. "We are happy to have them in our city," noted Dr. Hans-Peter Schick.
It was in this same Mechernich that Mother Marie Therese founded the Communio in Christo. "In which everyone is welcome and in which everyone should feel at home, whether lay people, sisters or priests, regardless of belonging to a religious community, diocese, country or language," emphasized Superior General Jaison Thazhathil: "Because the Communio offers everyone the possibility of finding a home, a place where they can pray together, witness to the faith and work together without losing their identity. This possibility is what is new about the Communio. By founding the Communio through divine inspiration, Mother Marie Therese put this possibility into the world on December 8, 1984, more precisely, here in Mechernich, and yet for the whole globe."
pp/ Agentur ProfiPress
