During the celebration of the patronal feast of the European Maria Regina province in Coesfeld, we thanked Mary, our mighty intercessor, and we asked for her help, “Mary, Queen of Heaven, we thank you for your protection during this time and we ask you to further save us from harm to body and soul.“
The sisters of the local community at Kloster Annenthal came together to go in procession to the old statue of Mary, the Mother of God, which dates back from our founding years in Coesfeld. There, seats had been prepared for all the sisters so that we could wholeheartedly thank Mary and ask for her help. The sisters from Haus Emmaus supported us with their music. Together we prayed the following litany of thanksgiving:
LITANY OF THANKSGIVING FOR GOD’S EVERLASTING FAVOR SINCE THE CREATION OF THE WORLD –combined with gratitude to all those who support others:
LORD, especially in these days there are many people
who care for others, the common good, and life
and sometimes even risk
their own health –
in hospitals and doctor’s offices,
in pharmacies and supermarkets,
by the police or fire brigade,
in emergency services and public transport,
in politics and administration.
We include all of them and many others
in our thanksgiving to you, our Lord and God.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever!
Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
for his steadfast love endures forever!
To him who alone does great wonders,
for his steadfast love endures forever!
To him who by understanding made the heavens,
for his steadfast love endures forever!
To him who spread out the earth above the waters,
for his steadfast love endures forever!
He who gives food to all flesh,
for his steadfast love endures forever!
Give thanks to the God of heaven,
for his love endures forever! Amen. (Dr. Christian Schramm, according to psalm 136)
Following the prayer service, ice-cream was served to all the sisters. The great delivery of ice-cream from our local ice-café was an opportunity to support our home economy, which the owner highly appreciated.
Report: Sr. Josefa Maria Bergmann
Photos: Sr. M. Hermengard Willemsen and Sr. Josefa Maria Bergmann
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