Bishop Edward Malesic and Father Dan Schlegel, secretary and vicar for clergy and religious, are journeying with about 60 faithful from the Diocese of Cleveland on a pilgrimage to Poland, the Czech Republic and Germany. The trip was organized by the Catholic Community Foundation. Highlights of day nine are featured in the photo gallery above and in the story below.
As the pilgrimage nears its conclusion, the travelers headed from Prague into the Oberammergau area of Bavaria, Germany.
They visited the medieval city of Regensburg, Germany on the ninth day of the pilgrimage where they toured the old town. Regensburg is in eastern Bavaria at the confluence of the Danube, Naab and Regen rivers and it is the fourth-largest city in the state of Bavaria.
Josef Ratzinger, now Pope emeritus Benedict XVI, taught theology and served as vice president 1976-1977 of the University of Regensburg. His late brother, Father Georg Ratzinger, had served as director of the Regensburg Domspatzen choir.
Many in the group toured St. Peter’s Cathedral in Regensburg. The original church, called Niedermunster, was built in about 700 and stood west of the current cathedral. After the old church was destroyed by fire in 1273, a new one was built. It was completed about 1520 and has been renovated several times.
The next stop was Ettal Abbey, a Benedictine monastery, where the group attended Mass. The abbey was founded in 1330 and is one of the largest Benedictine monasteries as well as a major visitors’ attraction.
The pilgrims enjoyed a dinner at their hotel and are preparing to attend the famous Oberammergau Passion Play.
(Photos and information provided by Father Dan Schlegel and Deacon Dennis Conrad.)