Silver priest jubilee: Eiden and Thielen celebrate in Münster!

Silver priest jubilee: Eiden and Thielen celebrate in Münster!

On June 11, 2025, the service in the Collegium Borromaeum in Münster made waves when seven priests from the diocese of Münster celebrated their silver jubilee of ordination. Diocesan Administrator Dr. Antonius Hamers was there and gave a moving sermon in which he addressed the ordination motto of the jubilarians: “Place your life under the mystery of the cross”. Lokalklick.eu reports that the primary sayings of the jubilarians were also mentioned in the intercessions. This special celebration was not only an occasion for reflection, but also an opportunity to honor the decades-long relationship between the priests.

For the priests, including Pastor Michael Eiden from Rees and Pastor Arndt Thielen from Geldern, it was a moving moment when they remembered their ordination promise and the last 25 years of their work. The service was followed by a breakfast together, which took place in friendly exchange, and a visit to Bishop Lettmann's grave in St. Paul's Cathedral, which made the day even heavier with memories and gratitude. bistum-muenster.de

Traditions and memories

The clergy have gathered annually for a study day for 25 years. In these meetings, they take turns visiting each other's locations in the diocese in order to get to know the reality of life of the people behind the church doors. Company tours in the textile and metal processing industries are among the highlights. However, they avoid old people's homes, kindergartens or hospitals in order to focus on the business aspects.

Particular attention was paid to the joint retreats that take place every two years. These spiritual breaks were particularly formative during the challenging Corona pandemic and strengthened the community of priests in difficult times, according to the reporting.

Outlook for upcoming consecrations

If you look at the future of the diocese of Münster, two new priestly ordinations are on the program for next Pentecost Sunday. Thomas Kuhn and Jonas Mieves are ordained by Bishop Emeritus Felix Genn, which at the same time points to the general trend that the number of ordinations has been declining in recent years, especially in North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria. A trend that concerns many and illuminates another aspect of church reality. kirche-und-leben.de

The celebrations for the silver consecration will also reach a festive climax in the home parishes of the jubilarians and promise another important day in the life of the priests and their communities.