“Germany: Mission country? new times for the Gospel” is the slogan of the traditional Day of Catholics of the diocese of Speyer, to be celebrated at Johanniskreuz on 30 June. In his letter of invitation to the faithful, sent out on 24 June, Anton Schlembach, bishop of Speyer, points out: “A fundamental word of ecclesiastical life has come back into fashion in an almost imperceptible way: mission. Long suppressed, passed over in silence, or even regarded with suspicion, the term has acquired new significance today. In Germany too, especially after reunification” he continues “we are witnessing the great challenge of many people who no longer consider faith in God indispensable for their project of life”. The Day is being celebrated under the sign of “insistent” questions, such as: “Does Christianity still have a future in our society? How can we live as Christians in a convincing way, and how can we transmit to others the treasures of our faith?”. “We hope – the bishop concludes – that the Day may give us new impulses and enthusiasm in our pilgrimage of faith in the footsteps of Jesus”. The homily on the Day, now in its 67th year, will be given by Helmut Krtätzl, honorary bishop of Vienna.
