Deepl Translation:

Mechernich – Just how much the people from across the Mechernich parish area hold their parish priest, Felix Dörpinghaus, in high regard became clear the moment one entered St John the Baptist’s Church for the celebration of his priestly jubilee: Despite record-breaking heat, the church was filled with some 250 worshippers who had come to congratulate Father Dörpinghaus on the 60th anniversary of his ordination. The honouree, known for his modesty, was clearly overwhelmed by such an outpouring of support and by the applause from the congregation, which echoed through the church.

The 88-year-old was treated to a musical performance. Singers and musicians from the two choirs of Mechernich and Steinfeld, accompanied by an orchestra, filled the church with nothing less than Mozart’s Coronation Mass. It had been the honouree’s personal wish that the service be accompanied by the two choirs under the direction of Erik Arndt. A gift not only for him, but also for everyone in the church.

Donations instead of gifts

Furthermore, Father Dörpinghaus had asked for donations to the ‘Eifeler Brunnenhilfe’ – a charity project in the Mechernich parish area aimed at supporting the provision of drinking water in India – instead of gifts. The priest accompanied his appeal for donations with the words: “60 years of sharing blessings. 60 years of living the faith.”

Sixty years ago, on 29 June 1966, Felix Dörpinghaus was ordained a priest at Passau Cathedral. “As a child, he had still experienced Mass being celebrated in Latin with the priest’s back to the congregation. That changed radically with the Second Vatican Council,” said Father Erik Pühringer in his homily during Mass. Father Dörpinghaus had witnessed the shift from a punishing God to a loving God: “Despite all the upheavals he has experienced, Father Dörpinghaus has always passed on the message of God’s salvation to people. God’s love is for all people – without exception!”

“From heart to heart”

When Father Pühringer wished the jubilarian another 60 years as a priest, spontaneous applause broke out amongst the congregation. As the senior priest of the Mechernich pastoral area, Father Pühringer spoke clearly about the jubilarian’s particular popularity: “Father Dörpinghaus is loyal and dependable. He is a man who does not hold himself back in any way, but regards his ministry on God’s behalf as his calling.”

Father Dörpinghaus himself thanked the musicians and those attending the service “from heart to heart”: “Joy always comes from God’s joy, for He shares it with us. This gift from God remains in our hearts forever and is never lost. So let us give joy from our hearts!” In keeping with this, he had chosen Psalm 118 as the Bible verse for this special day: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Celebration at the Johanneshaus

The celebrations continued in high spirits for the honouree after the service. At the Johanneshaus, he cheerfully accepted the many congratulations from his numerous guests, companions, friends and relatives. His two nephews, Maximilian Banse and Hans-Michael Banse, along with his wife Sabine Banse, had also travelled from Düsseldorf to attend the anniversary celebration. A day marked by joy – and appreciation.

pp/Agentur ProfiPress