“God does nothing but provide.” With these words, Father Schöneich summarized what the parishioners and the sisters were able to experience with great joy and deep gratitude during the anniversary celebrations on the 150th anniversary of Father Gerhard Dall's death. At the same time, it captures the essence of what profoundly shaped Mother M. Anselma Bopp, the foundress of our Congregation, and Father Gerhard Dall in their thoughts and actions, even in the most difficult times: unconditional trust in God's fatherly care in everything. Those celebrating were able to experience this in many different ways during the jubilee days.
During the evening prayer service with music, prepared by Father Schöneich and the parishioners on the anniversary of Father Dall's death (July 12), we heard of how Father Dall not only perceived the needs of his parishioners, but was also, with a rock-solid trust, open to the signs of God's providence in order to provide concrete help. This trust also inspired the foundress of our Congregation, who, despite all opposition, remained faithful to the call to come to Thuine and, in a true obedience of faith, together with Pastor Dall, became a blessing for many, right up to the present day. A time with wonderful organ music (Pastor Schöneich) and then singing together was followed by thoughts presented by the parishioners (Mrs. Jörling, Mrs. Schröder, Mrs. Schmees).
One day later, the parishioners and the sisters gathered together with the parish clergy as well as former priests of the parish and rectors of the convent for a Mass spread out over multiple stations. At the grave of Father Dall, whose gravestone had been restored for the anniversary, we listened to the Word of God in the sunshine. We heard in the Gospel from the 15th Sunday of Ordinary Time how Jesus sent the disciples out two by two to proclaim the Word of God and to do good, just as the early days of the work of Father Dall and Mother M. Anselma were rich in blessings.
After the Liturgy of the Eucharist, which took place in the parish church where Father Dall had so often offered the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, those gathered for the celebration finally made their way to the Pastor Dall House, where various groups from the parish had prepared all kinds of wonderful things for a pleasant get-together. Grilled sausages, cold drinks and a guessing game about Pastor Dall and Mother M. Anselma made for a happy conclusion to a successful beginning of the "Dall Jubilee".
After the musical evening devotion (July 12) and the Mass (July 13), the sisters and parish community can now look forward to the third part of the anniversary triduum: a talk on Pastor Dall followed by a discussion (September 5).
