New bishop Dominicus Meier meets big challenges in Osnabrück

New bishop Dominicus Meier meets big challenges in Osnabrück

The diocese of Osnabrück is now experiencing a significant change in his leadership, since Dominicus Meier is introduced to his office as the new bishop. After 28 years, the diocese is guided by a new personality that faces major challenges. The solemn service, which takes place at 3:00 p.m. in the Osnabrück Cathedral, is visited by around 600 guests from various social areas. Among the invited guests are prominent personalities such as the former Federal President Christian Wulff and Lower Saxony's Prime Minister Stephan Weil.

The 65-year-old Dominicus Meier, who grew up in Grevenbrück in the Sauerland, has had a long church career. After graduating from high school, he joined the Benedictine Order in 1982 and accepted the order name Dominicus. Previously, Meier worked in Paderborn as an auxiliary bishop and will now steer the fate of the diocese of Osnabrück. Since there is already a bishop Meier in the German Bishops' Conference, he is now addressed as Bishop Dominicus.

challenges for the diocese

The diocese of Osnabrück, like many other dioceses in Germany, faces major challenges. More and more people are emerging from the church and the lack of priests is an urgent problem. This situation requires fresh approaches and a new perspective in community work. Meier is aware of the challenges and plans to start his new role with an open mind and without prefabricated concepts. He has announced that he will explore his diocese on the "edges", especially in Bremen and on the East Frisian Islands.

"I would like to meet people directly, celebrate services with them, drink coffee and exchange ideas at lunch, maybe with a good sausage," said Dominicus Meier in an interview. This shows his determined intention to seek proximity to the parishioners and to discuss their concerns directly.

his predecessor, Bishop Franz-Josef Bode, was the first German bishop to resign during his term due to mistakes in dealing with sexual abuse cases. Bode withdrew last year and left a sensitive context for his successor, who now has to pave the way for a new era.

The official visitation, i.e. the formal visiting dates, will only begin Meier after Easter 2025, which underpinned its intention to get to know the community informally and on a personal level. He wants to develop a deep understanding of the needs and challenges of people in the diocese before moving into the planning phase.

With a new bishop, not only a change in the line comes, but also a new hope for the faithful of the diocese, who hope for a transformative time in which their voices are heard and changes in the church are possible. Dominicus Meier is already a person who wants to respond to the needs of his community and who is willing to accept the challenges that are placed on the Catholic Church today.

dpa-infocom GmbH