Martinmas in Bavaria

Originally a Catholic country, Germany, like many other European nations, has retained many of its ancient liturgical year traditions.

On the feast of St. Martin, towns all over the country celebrate the Feast of St. Martin (Martinmas) with processions like the one we got to attend here in Reit im Winkl, Bavaria, yesterday evening.

The celebration began at about 5:30, just as the sun slipped over the rim of the surrounding hills. In a park on the edge of town, near the church, families gathered on the grass near the bandstand, home made lanterns in hand.

The belltower of St. Pancratius 

After the Church bells finished bonging the half hour, the MC (who, it turns out was the conciliar parish priest), called the proceedings to order with a few words and a prayer. The school children sang, recited, and performed in a short play about the life of St. Martin. The primary school band played, the officiant blessed several baskets of the 'bread of St. Martin,' (which was distributed afterward), then the children, candle-lit lanterns in hand (with Moms guiding the smallest), walked in procession around the perimeter of the park following a torch-bearer leading St. Martin on his horse.

Holy St. Martin was played by a boy about twelve years old, who knew how to ride, and had an authentic-looking cloak and helmet. The entire procession was geared toward the primary grades; I didn't see any children over 10 or 12 -- but there were a slew of them -- probably 50 or 60 -- and all their parents and grandparents!

Such a unique and wonderful event to witness! It was beautiful! I couldn't understand a word anyone said, but I didn't need to! As Catholics, we enjoy a shared understanding that transcends barriers of time and space. Not only in the timeless ageless Mass (those of us who are blessed to have found it again), but in the continuity of the stories of the saints that belong to all of us all over the world -- and the unchanging meaning behind them.

I didn't have to understand the German dialogue of the children's play to know the significance of St. Martin's slitting his cloak in two and giving half to a beggar. There's no translation needed to appreciate the proud little grins of children showing off their lanterns to one another. And, let me tell you, a piece of St. Martin bread shared with my granddaughter on a chilly November night lit by lantern light is delicious in any language.

Happy Blessed Martinmas, friends, wherever you are!

#lebenindieserecke

Sophia Philomena!