As of: February 14, 2024, 6:42 a.m
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Melanie Schreuder, pastoral assistant in Holzkirchen (archive photo) © Thomas Plettenberg
This year, during Lent, a special candle will travel from station to station in Holzkirchen.
Pastoral assistant Melanie Schreuder explains in an interview what this is all about.
Holzkirchen
– The Holzkirchen pastoral assistant Melanie Schreuder (32) also accompanies mourners as a pastor, for example as part of the mourning café she developed.
This is where the idea came from to let a candle go during Lent, which begins today, Ash Wednesday.
She stops at various stations in and around Holzkirchen - from the community library to the Agatharied Hospital.
At these stations, mourners can design the candle in memory of their deceased - to light it during a prayer service and at the Easter Vigil in belief in (or at least in the hope of) the resurrection.
Ms. Schreuder, you want to set up a candle at different stations in Holzkirchen during Lent, which mourners can then design.
Why?
Melanie Schreuder: “The idea emerged from the mourning café.
The participants expressed the desire to find a more modern way to express their grief.
In addition to commemorating All Souls’ Day, they wanted to have an option that leaves room for individuality, but at the same time creates a connection between mourners.”
A connection between mourners
How exactly does the candle design work?
Schreuder: “Materials are available at the respective stations.
Wax crayons, wax letters and symbols.
There is also a small text that explains how the candle can be designed.
It is 60 centimeters long and ten centimeters thick, a little smaller than an Easter candle.”
The candle can be found in the Seemüller Pharmacy in the HEP and in the Gasthof Alte Post, among other places.
Do you really believe that people take the time to do crafts with wax when they are quickly buying medicine or in the pub?
Schreuder: “I think so.
I chose the stations consciously.
Because I know from conversations that single seniors in particular like to chat with pharmacy employees.
You know these because they regularly get their medication there.
Funeral parties regularly come together in the Alte Post to drink coffee after the funeral.
It doesn't necessarily have to be an elaborate motif.
But, for example, the first letter of a deceased person.
Whatever helps to process the grief.
Because the candle takes its shape through the contributions of many, mourners can see: I am not alone.
You can feel a connection with other people.”
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How does commemoration of the dead fit into Lent?
Schreuder: “The Easter season in particular is characterized by sadness.
The idea is to light the candle for the first time towards the end of Lent as part of an ecumenical devotion for mourners in St. Joseph.”
What happens to the candle after the service?
Schreuder: “Afterwards she stays in St. Josef Church.
It can be ignited on certain occasions.
Around Easter night.
The idea of resurrection is in the foreground.”
The candle can be found here
The candle will be in the Holzkirchner community library from February 14th to 19th, 2024.
Then until February 22, 2024 in the Seemüller Pharmacy in the HEP.
From February 23rd to March 2nd, 2024 in the Agatharied Hospital, then until March 8th, 2024 in the Alte Post restaurant in Holzkirchen.
Further stations: St. Laurentius (March 14th to 16th, 2024), St. Josef (March 18th to 23rd, 2024).
It will be sparked for the first time at the service on Saturday, March 23, 2024, 4 p.m., in St. Josef.
Bettina Stuhlweissenburg