Reichenbach (Germany)
This year, the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God is celebrating the 125th anniversary of its Reichenbach Centre for people with the disabilities, in Germany. For the occasion, it had planned a number of events commemorating the Centre’s foundation (www.barmherzige-reichenbach.de/de/festjahr-2016).
The main event took place on 10 July, attended by the Prior General, Brother Jesús Etayo, accompanied by the General Councillor, Brother Rudolf Knopp.
It was at the Reichenbach Centre that Blessed Brother Eustace Kugler first came into contact with the Order and discovered his vocation. After simple profession, he joined the Reichenbach Community where he remained for several years. This was the main theme in the sermon given by the Auxiliary Bishop of Regensburg, Mgr Reinhard Pappenberger. Evidencing the close linkage between the Reichenbach Centre and Blessed Eustace Kugler, at the end of the Mass 125 white balloons were released, each bearing one of the key messages of Blessed Eustace: “The shortcut to heaven is via love”.
In his address, the Prior General, Brother Jesús Etayo, thanked the Hospitaller Family at Reichenbach for its daily commitment to stand by the side of people with disabilities, while the Chairman of the local Council, Franz Löffler, spoke of the excellent cooperation existing between our Centre and the local community, which guaranteed the genuine social inclusion of people with disabilities.
Mass and the commemorative event were followed by a typical Bavarian meal in a huge marquee. The Rome guests took the opportunity to visit an exhibition staged in the ancient monastery on the presence of the Brothers of Saint John of God in Reichenbach.
The Reichenbach Centre (www.barmherzige-reichenbach.de) is home to some 630 guests with disabilities, and has satellite centres at Bruck, Bernhardswald, Regensburg, Walderbach e Waldmünchen.
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