Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Weingarten (Agenzia Fides) - The Benedictine Abbey of Weingarten, in Baden-Wuerttemberg (southwest Germany), may soon welcome Syrian refugees: As reported to Fides Agency, the proposal was launched by Mgr. Gebhard Fürst, Bishop of Rottenburg, in response to Pope Francis’ appeal. The historic Benedictine monastery is currently empty and the local Church could temporarily welcome refugees. The abbey stands on the hill dedicated to St. Martin who - said the Bishop - is revered as the patron saint of beggars, prisoners and displaced persons and of every person who is in need. Mgr. Fuerst pointed out that the concept of solidarity today has expanded to the "sharing of a living space". Today, "we must take care of people who have lost everything, who are traumatized and in need of care", the Bishop said, recalling the commitment of the institutions. For Don Ekkehard Schmid, pastor of the parish of St. Martin, adjacent to the monastery, "the Bishop’s project is a great suggestion". Soon the monastery could accommodate a limited number of refugees, destined to increase in the future. (MS -PA) (Agenzia Fides 14/10/2013)
