Masses of devotees make their way back from Telgte, with the journey commencing in Osnabrück on July 6.
172nd Pilgrimage from Osnabrück to Telgte: A Journey Steeped in History and Faith
The 172nd Pilgrimage from Osnabrück to Telgte, a well-known Catholic procession in Germany, is set to take place on the 6th and 7th of July. This religious and cultural tradition, which dates back to the early modern period, holds significant historical significance in the region.
The pilgrimage centres on the Marian pilgrimage to the Gnadenbild at the Church of St. Clemens in Telgte, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Over the centuries, it has served as a spiritual journey for many, emphasising penance, prayer, and community worship.
The pilgrimage underscores the continuity and resilience of local customs, reflecting the persistence of religious practices amid historical changes in Germany. It represents enduring Catholic devotion and faith, especially during times of religious strife and secularization.
The pilgrimage from Osnabrück links various social groups and generations, fostering a shared identity and local pride. It connects the city of Osnabrück with Telgte, reinforcing historical routes and communal bonds.
The pilgrimage will begin in Osnabrück on Saturday at 1:30 AM, with a bus available for travel from the city. The route, approximately 48 kilometers long, will conclude in Telgte on the 7th of July. The return journey will begin at 8:00 AM on the same day.
Auxiliary Bishop Johannes Wübbe will celebrate the Pilgrim Mass in Telgte on the 7th at 5:30 AM, with a homily at the 10:30 AM service in Oedingberge. Martin Schomaker, the spiritual leader of the pilgrimage, will give a homily during the rest stop at the Klause in Oedingberge at 12:15 PM.
The Family Mass at 6:45 AM in Telgte will be led by the Mehrgenerationenchor Hagen a.T.W. Bishop of Münster, Felix Genn, and Bishop Emeritus Franz-Josef Bode of Osnabrück will join the pilgrimage in Telgte. It is also possible to join the pilgrimage in Ostbevern.
Children and youth travel free on the round-trip bus ride, with a fare of 14.50 euros for adults. No registration is required. The pilgrimage's theme this year is "Walk with us." The bus will return to Osnabrück after the closing service, which starts at 7:30 PM.
This year's pilgrimage marks an ongoing link to centuries-old religious practice, reflecting historical continuity in faith, culture, and community life in this part of Germany.
The pilgrimage, symbolizing the perseverance of faith and tradition, includes a travel aspect and is centered around a specific lifestyle, one immersed in religious devotion and communal bonding. Imagining a journey with the pilgrimage, one could embark on a bus from Osnabrück for the 48-kilometer trek, experiencing the culture and history of the region while embracing this year's theme of "Walk with us."
