Priest anniversaries in the diocese of Eichstätt: A celebration of faith and community

Priest anniversaries in the diocese of Eichstätt: A celebration of faith and community

On the Solemnity of the Princes of the Apostles Peter and Paul, June 22, 2025, numerous clergy in the diocese of Eichstätt will celebrate their priestly anniversaries. The different age groups show a variety of stages in life and remarkable contributions of the anniversaries to pastoral care in the region. The festive occasion is celebrated by the believers with much gratitude and reverence.

In the category of 60-year-olds, two names in particular stand out: Josef Bierschneider and Franz Meier. Bierschneider, who was born in Wimpasing in 1936, not only served as a co-operator in various communities, but was also a pastor in Berg and Hausheim for many years. Retirement brings him to Beilngries. His colleague Franz Meier, born in 1941, also began his career in the cooperator sector and later headed the parish of Pfraunfeld and the parishes of Enkering and Kinding. His achievements were recognized in 2012 with the Kinding Market Citizen's Medal.

A life's work

Another notable celebrant is Prelate Johann Limbacher, who recently died at the age of 85 and who served for a long time as vicar general to three bishops. His work is considered formative and influential, making the legacy he leaves behind seem all the more impressive.

Of course, the 50-year-olds shouldn't be missed either. Among them is Pius Schmidt, who grew up in Morsbach and has an impressive list of activities, including as sub-regency of the Episcopal Seminary in Eichstätt. He was also a spiritual leader in the monastery and spent many years as a hospital chaplain at the Ingolstadt Clinic. Another notable jubilarian is Bishop Emeritus. Dr. Walter Mixa, who was ordained in 1970 and held a number of responsible positions before retiring in 2010.

Anniversaries from different perspectives

We look at the 25th priestly anniversaries with Johannes Trollmann, who began his career in 1995. In addition, Prof. Dr. Imre von Gaál, a Hungarian priest who was born in Chicago and has worked in Eichstätt since his ordination, another jubilarian who paved the way for many diocesan priests in the USA with his academic career and who also remains firmly rooted in the diocese of Eichstätt.

• 60-jähriges Priesterjubiläum:
  • Josef Bierschneider – Kooperator und Pfarrer
  • Franz Meier – Pfarrei Pfraunfeld und Dekan
  • Prälat Johann Limbacher – Generalvikar
• 50-jähriges Priesterjubiläum:
  • Pius Schmidt – Subregens und Spiritual
  • Bischof em. Dr. Walter Mixa – Ehemaliger Bischof
• 25-jähriges Priesterjubiläum:
  • Markus Fiedler – Pfarrer von Postbauer-Heng
  • Professor Dr. Imre von Gaál – Professor und Kaplan

These celebrations reflect the richness of the Catholic Church in Eichstätt and honor the commitment of many who have dedicated their lives to the faith and people. It is a very warm gathering that not only honors those celebrating an anniversary, but also brings the entire community together. As [nn.de](https://www.nn.de/region/neumarkt/geistliche- Feiern-im-bistum-eichstatt-grosse-priesterjubilaen-im-ganzen-landkreis-1.14732440) reports, these characteristics contribute to strengthening the community.

Some jubilarians stand around the high festival, which also marks the 75th birthday of Bishop Emeritus. Dr. Walter Mixa pays tribute. He celebrated his birthday on April 25, 2016 with a thanksgiving service in the Maria Brünnlein pilgrimage basilica, which remains another important moment in his eventful career [bistum-augsburg.de].

The anniversary celebrations in the diocese of Eichstätt show how closely history, pastoral care and people are intertwined. These solemn occasions are not only a look back, but also an outlook on the coming challenges and opportunities in the service of the faith, as can be seen on dekanat-eichstaett.de.