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Christmas in the High Cathedral: Hope and peace for the weak
At Christmas, Archbishop Bentz speaks about life's weaknesses and calls for commitment to the weak in Paderborn Cathedral.
Christmas in the High Cathedral: Hope and peace for the weak
Today, Christmas, December 25, 2025, a moving Christmas mass took place in the High Cathedral in Paderborn, celebrated by Archbishop Dr. Udo Markus Bentz was directed. The archbishop spoke forcefully about the frailty of life, especially in old age and during periods of illness. He discovered that God even values the difficult aspects of life. Echoing this idea, he emphasized that trusting in God in difficult times can be viewed as an honor. Such trust encourages supporting the weak, alleviating suffering and overcoming exclusion, as the clergyman explained here.
A highlight of the service was the incense of the nativity scene, a symbolic act meant to represent peace and hope in humanity. Supported by Auxiliary Bishop Josef Holtkotte and the Apostolic Protonotary Alfons Hardt, the mass was musically appealing, for example through the performances of the girls' choir under the direction of cathedral cantor Patrick Cellnik and cathedral organist Tobias Aehlig.
Insight into the holiday services
This morning several masses took place in the cathedral, the highlight of which was the pontifical mass at 10:00 a.m., which was also broadcast in sign language and as a live stream. In addition to Archbishop Bentz, Cathedral Chapter Althaus and Cathedral Provost Göbel celebrated further masses at 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. The day ends with a Christmas devotional at 5:15 p.m., followed by an evening mass at 6:00 p.m. led by Auxiliary Bishop König, which included a special remembrance for the late Marianne Krimmler [according to the information from the cathedral website](https://www.dom-paderborn.de/ Gottesdienste-1/Aktuelle- Gottesdienste-Beichtopportunien/).
After the Christmas celebrations, the services in honor of St. Stephen continue from December 26th, before the celebrations set another highlight on December 28th with a pontifical mass at the end of the Holy Year. Here too, numerous mass celebrations in the High Cathedral are led either by cathedral capitulars or auxiliary bishops.
Promote solidarity and community spirit
In the midst of these contemplative days, it is important to think outside the box. In recent years, the Central Welfare Office for Jews in Germany (ZWST) has decided on important initiatives that strengthen cohesion in society. There are numerous programs to support people with disabilities, educational trips for older people and leisure activities for children and young people. Particularly noteworthy is her commitment to refugees from Ukraine who are looking for a new home in Germany.
In many cities, parishes have now set up welcome cafés to make it easier for Ukrainian refugees to arrive. These meetings take place weekly and not only offer delicious coffee and cake, but also a platform to make new contacts and develop a sense of community, as [described here](https://www.change-magazin.de/de/diese- Glaubensstätten-foerdern-den-einanderhalt).
During these festive days, messages of cohesion and support are particularly important, and both church services and community offerings help to strengthen people's social bonds and shared faith.