Erfurt (dpa/th) - altar boys and girls from the diocese of Erfurt are going to Assisi in Italy next Saturday (13 August). Before leaving, Auxiliary Bishop Reinhard Hauke will give the travel blessing to the 53 girls and boys in Erfurt Cathedral, the diocese announced on Monday. On Sunday (August 14) and Monday (August 15) Bishop Ulrich Neymeyr will be there in Assisi to spend time with the 15 to 18 year olds.
Assisi is the birthplace of Saint Francis and Saint Clare. Francis, born in Assisi around 1181, is said to be one of the best-known saints and was the founder of the Order of Friars Minor. Clare, also born in Assisi (1194), followed Francis and founded the order of Poor Clares with him. According to the diocese, the young Catholics from Erfurt will get to know important places in the life of the two saints during a city rally.
The trip is the first of two. Just two months later, from October 22 to 28, 2022, the next pilgrimage for ministries to Assisi will take place - then for younger participants. "The summer pilgrimage for 15 to 18-year-olds is a one-time additional offer to the regular autumn trip to replace the canceled pilgrimages of the last two years," explained Judith Lidzba, education officer in the area of children and youth.
