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, which was consecrated in 1500 in honor of the "innocent child", attracts people from near and far. It is not only a landmark of the community that emerged from the towns of Gachenbach, Peutenhausen and Weilach in 1978, but also a place of great piety. Especially the patronal feast on September 8, on the occasion of Maria's birth, attracts many believers. The pilgrimage to this sacred place has a long tradition and developed, especially after 1520, when the Palatinate Count Ottheinrich regularly made a pilgrimage, often with the desire for children in the heart.

Group trip 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 hold in the tranquil Neumarkt/St. Veit, where they reached their daily goals. With a hearty breakfast break in Pleiskirchen, we continued to the basilica in Altötting, where all pilgrims gathered into an impressive overall picture of 660 participants. Among them were also 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 a pilgrimage again next year.

Maria Beinberg – A place of faith

The pilgrimage church Maria Beinberg is not only a popular destination, but also associated with a special story. Ritter Bernhard originally had a small chapel donated "Der Preiser" in the 15th century, which was later expanded to the church. The baroque hall church still shows impressive frescoes from the 18th century, which address the piety and veneration of Mary. Among the works of art is an impressive representation of the crucifixion of Jesus, which conveys a message of forgiveness. In addition, seven figures personify the seven deadly sins that are pleading 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.