THE CHAPEL AT ESCHACH BEFORE IT WAS RENOVATED

ST LEONARD OF NOBLAC MASS FOR THE AGRICULTURAL COMUNITY AND BLESSING OF HORSES

Vicar General of Augsburg Diocese,Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel,celebrated the Mass of St Leonard of Noblac for the Eschach agricultural community on Saturday 8th November 2008 at 1000hrs.

Eschach has a tiny chapel which is dedicated to St Leonard.It also has a relic of the great son of Füssen.Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos in the altar. This was the 1st time a special Mass was celebrated followed by the Blessing of horses.Monsignor Knebel had wanted this event whilst he was still Parish Priest and the villagers invited him back to celebrate Mass.He was assisted by Father Julius Kreuzer and Deacon Fredl  Hoffmann.

The Chapel was packed with at least another 100 people outside and  33 horses and their riders.Some children even brought their two goats along for a blessing!

Monsignor spoke about the Bishop and how the church was changing even here in Bavaria.The church was no longer the "FolkChurch" but due to pluralism it was now the "Church of the Folk".That is why the small chapel serving the rural community is so important.The chapel is there for quiet prayer or saying the rosary.It helps the community to be closer to God because it represents God in the community.He then mentioned the life of St Leonerd who lived in France and was converted to Christianity in 496 at Christmas.He is the Patron Saint of prisoners as he secured the release of many prisoners.Many came to him following their release and gave their lives to Christ.He is also Patron Saint of Women in childbirth and horses.This is why the Blessing of horses followed the Holy Mass.
The riders and horses came from both Germany & Austria.  Hopfen,Füssen,Vils,Nesslewang,Rieden and Pinswang were amongst the towns and villages represented.Music for the parade was provided by the Musikkapelle Pinswang.

ALTAR IN ESCHACH CHAPEL HAS BLESSED SEELOS RELIC

Eschach is a tiny hamlet situated at the top of a hill between Füssen and Hopfen am See.It enjoys magnificent views of the two towns as well as the beautiful Allgäuer Alps.

Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos may well have visited this small chapel which serves the local agricultural community.Mass is celebrated there twice yearly.Once in Spring and also in Autumn.
     It has recently been renovated in record time by members of the local community  under their own steam.
Many thanks must go to all who helped in the venture,especially the Sacristan of the Chapel,Mrs Irmi Reiss who helped co-ordinate the whole venture.
The whole of the chapel including pictures,walls and doors underwent a spring clean!

            

                    

A photo of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos  hangs in the Chapel  as well as  the relic in the Altar

Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel in prayerful reflection by the altar at Eschach Chapel which contains the relic of Blessed Seelos.A photo of Blessed Seelos who was born in Füssen also hangs in the chapel


Father Byron Miller,Executive Director of the International Shrine of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos in New Orleans told us"

AN EVENING OF SONG & PRAYER WITH MARY

Everyone was talking to each other,when the "Pinswanger Weisenbläsern" started to play.Immediately all were silent and as the strains of the melody floated through the air the sounds of crickets and birds joined the chorus in praise of Our Blessed Lady,Mother of God.


Over 100 people had gathered in  the village of Eschach,just outside of Füssen  to sing the Praise to Mary,our heavenly mother.

The service was led by Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel,Parish Priest and Regional Dean.

He welcomed everyone and mentioned how this was a tradition which was worth keeping  in the Parish.

The "St Ulrichs Choir" from Pinswang also sang during the evening.

Unfortunately due to a broken arm the Böck sisters of Weisensee were unable to sing.
The weather was wonderful and the setting of the mountains a few kilometers

away gave a tranquil and spiritually uplifting atmosphere to the event.
All appreciated the music and after the service all had drinks,pretzels and rolls

 as they enjoyed the company of those around them and listened to the music.

A collection was taken during the evening for the renovation of the small chapel at Eschach,which serves the agricultural community.