1000 believers celebrate in Cologne: faith festival inspires the city!

1000 believers celebrate in Cologne: faith festival inspires the city!

The faith festival “come & see” recently took place in Cologne, which began on Corpus Christi and attracted numerous visitors to the city over four days. Around 1,000 participants celebrated their faith together and took part in workshops, lectures and church services. Finally, Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki celebrated the service, during which he spoke visibly moved by the personal testimonies of the believers. The aim of the festival is not only to deepen the Catholic faith, but also to look forward to the anniversary in 2029, which marks 750 years since the first Corpus Christi procession in Cologne.

During the festival, communal worship was held in a hall attended by about 1,000 people. Woelki emphasized the importance of the experience of faith in everyday life and encouraged the participants to actively live this experience. According to the organizers, the concept of the festival is based on the idea that faith should be experienced and shared in community. Woelki also announced the next faith festival for the period from June 4th to 7th, 2026, with the impressions and experiences already collected intended to encourage people to continue to participate in the life of faith in the future. This reports Cathedral radio.

A celebration of faith

The traditional Corpus Christi celebration in Cologne was particularly festive this year. The liturgy lasted almost three hours and took the faithful through the picturesque old town of the Rhine metropolis. Various blessings were carried out at stations such as the Minorite Church, with Archbishop Woelki singing the “Te Deum” and giving the Eucharistic blessing. “We can trust God, not just in the weather,” was his statement about the relief at the good weather, which attracted countless believers from the surrounding area and from far away to the city. Political celebrities and believers of all ages were also represented, which underlines the importance of the event in Cologne parish life.

It's no secret that membership in the Catholic Church is declining, but the joyful celebrations prove that many people remain true to their spirituality. The procession, which almost overflowed the cathedral, has a tradition and attracts tourists and onlookers who want to experience a piece of Cologne customs. This means that the cathedral becomes one of the most visited churches every year, similar to Christmas and Easter. Well-known songs such as “Great God, we praise you” rounded off the celebrations and brought everyone present together. This community experience not only strengthens faith, but also bonds within the community, as described on katholisch.at.

Insight into the faith experience

The deep-rooted connection between believers and their faith is underpinned by biblical teachings. Jesus taught that he is the living bread that came from heaven, and whoever eats it will live forever. This message was echoed in the festival's services and discussions, reminding penitents that participation in these rituals is not only spiritual but also life-changing. The exchange about personal faith and the message of Jesus offers a valuable space to reflect on divine topics in today's world.

“Whoever eats his flesh and drinks his blood has eternal life,” Woelki encouraged the participants to actively participate and deeply understand their religious practice. This conviction has nurtured the patience and courage of believers to remain faithful to their church even in challenging times. Such celebrations like “come & see” are therefore not just gatherings, but a powerful expression of the life of faith and togetherness, which remains despite the changeable nature of time katholisch.at reported.