1. Pilgrimage from Gundelsdorf: On the way to Maria Beinberg!

<ol> <li>Pilgrimage from Gundelsdorf: On the way to Maria Beinberg!</li> </ol>

The 38th pilgrimage from Gundelsdorf to Maria Beinberg took place on October 7, 2025. In bright sunshine, 28 participants set out on the journey with a decorative cross. As the Augsburger Allgemeine reports, Pastor Thomas Rein accompanied the pilgrims to celebrate Holy Mass in the pilgrimage church, which has been a popular destination for pilgrims since the 16th century and is located in the municipality of Gachenbach.

The church, consecrated in 1500 in honor of the “Innocent Children,” attracts people from near and far. It is not only a landmark of the community, which was created in 1978 from the towns of Gachenbach, Peutenhausen and Weilach, but also a place of great piety. The patronage ceremony on September 8th, on the occasion of Mary's birth, particularly attracts many believers. The pilgrimage to this holy place has a long tradition and developed especially after 1520, when Count Palatine Ottheinrich made regular pilgrimages, often with the desire for children in his heart.

Group travel and community experience

Further groups from Alberszell and Hohenwart joined us on the route in Scheyern, so that the number of pilgrims rose to a total of 50. During a coffee break in Schernbuch, the pilgrims were able to recharge their batteries before arriving in Kirchdorf around 6 p.m. The next morning they continued their journey via Haag an der Amper, where another church service took place. Four other participants also joined in Moosburg to make a pilgrimage to Vilsheim with the “Hallertauern”.

The pilgrims made another stop in the tranquil Neumarkt/St. Veit, where they reached their daily goals. After a hearty breakfast break in Pleiskirchen, we then continued to the basilica in Altötting, where all the pilgrims gathered to form an impressive total of 660 participants. Among them were seven pilgrims who were there for the first time. This community of believers was so enthusiastic about the experience that they expressed the desire to make the pilgrimage again next year.

Maria Beinberg – A place of faith

The Maria Beinberg pilgrimage church is not only a popular destination, but also has a special history. Knight Bernhard “the Preisser” originally had a small chapel founded in the 15th century, which was later expanded into a church. The baroque hall church still shows impressive frescoes from the 18th century that focus on the piety and veneration of Mary. Among the artworks is a powerful depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus, which conveys a message of forgiveness. In addition, seven figures personify the seven deadly sins, begging for forgiveness, which underlines the spiritual depth of the place.

The pilgrimages to Maria Beinberg are not only important for faith, but also for community and exchange among the pilgrims. They provide a framework in which people can share hope and faith - and this year they did a great job again. Looking back at this year's pilgrimage, it is clear that the tradition of pilgrimages to Maria Beinberg will continue to be very popular in the future.