A pilgrimage to Tasswitz (Tasovice, Czech Republic), the birthplace of St. Clement Maria Hofbauer, was organized on the 4th of September, participated by religious women and men from eight countries: comprising of Redemptorists from Vienna, Missionary Sisters of the Holy Redeemer MSSR from Austria, Japan and Ukraine, as well as the sisters from the Queen of the Apostles (SRA), etc.
Fr. Lorenz Voith CSsR, the Episcopal Vicar for the religious Orders and Communities to the Diocese of Eisenstadt, expounded about the “religious landscape” and the changing religious dynamics at the end of the 18th and early 19th century. Many religious congregations were discontinued, and some religious communities even ceased to exist. Yet, there were also new beginnings of spiritual awakening, as well as pastoral rejuvenation; Clemens Hofbauer was an example of such a new beginning.
The history is, perhaps, an encouragement for the present, when many religious orders are closing their communities due to the lack of members or have to part with centuries-old monasteries. The way of life of the religious communities and their pastoral priorities do change in the course of time as per the need of the hour and often continue to blossom in different forms, even if it is modest; today, the internationality or cosmopolitan nature is becoming more and more significant and vital for religious congregations. Religious Orders are and will remain a treasure and a dynamic force to the Church, and at the same time, they also bring in a creative challenge for the Church.
The Holy Eucharist at Tasswitz was celebrated with the liturgy and music flavoured by India, Japan, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Austria. After the Holy Eucharist, the Redemptorists at Tasswitz invited the pilgrims for the agape at the monastery. The pilgrimage was an event of spiritual fervour and a cultural delight.
The Clemens pilgrimage was organized by St. Clemens Hofbauer Committee, Vienna. The next Clement pilgrimage is planned for the 3rd of September 2022.
