Sep 16, 2025 | DAILY BREAD
Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs
Tuesday of week 24 in Ordinary Time
First reading 1 Timothy 3:1-13
Saint Paul outlines the qualities expected of leaders in the Church: integrity, moderation, fidelity, self-control, hospitality, and a good reputation both within and outside the community. Leadership in the Gospel is not about power or prestige but about witness. To live in such a way that the Gospel is made visible in daily life. Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, whose memory we celebrate today, embody these qualities not in comfort but in suffering. They led the Church with courage and fidelity during times of persecution, showing that true authority is rooted in service and sacrifice. Their example reminds us that every Christian, in their own capacity, is called to lead through witness, whether in family, community, or Church. What matters most is not eloquence or position, but the quality of life shaped by the Gospel: a life where love, humility, and perseverance speak louder than words. Let’s reflect: Does the quality of my daily life marked by integrity, humility, and service, bear witness to the Gospel in such a way that others can see Christ alive in me, even without words?
Don Giorgio
Sep 15, 2025 | DAILY BREAD
Our Lady of Sorrows
Monday of week 24 in Ordinary Time
First reading 1 Timothy 2:1-8
Saint Paul exhorts us to pray for everyone because Christ gave Himself as a ransom for all. His sacrifice was not limited, selective, or partial—it was universal, flowing from the infinite love of God. Prayer, then, is not just a pious act but a participation in this same love. To pray for all people is to echo the heart of Christ who stretched out His arms on the cross for every soul. Paul also reminds us that this prayer must be free of anger and argument; it is not a tool to justify ourselves or condemn others, but a way of interceding in the spirit of Christ’s self-giving. On this memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, we see in Mary the perfect example of this love: at the foot of the cross, she stood in silent prayer, uniting her own pierced heart to her Son’s sacrifice. Her sorrow was not bitterness but love, offered for all humanity. To stand with Mary is to learn how to let our prayers be shaped by the cross, universal, selfless, and rooted in the love that saves. Let’s reflect: Do I let my prayer flow from the universal love of Christ, free of anger or argument, and, like Mary at the foot of the Cross, intercede with a heart open to all, even in sorrow?
Don Giorgio
Sep 14, 2025 | DAILY BREAD
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross – Feast
Readings: Numbers 21:4-9, Philippians 2:6-11, and John 3:13-17:
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross invites us to contemplate the mystery of the Cross through the lens of Scripture. In Numbers 21:4–9, the bronze serpent lifted by Moses in the desert becomes a symbol of healing—a foreshadowing of Christ who, lifted up on the Cross, brings healing to our sin-wounded hearts. When we gaze upon the Cross with faith, we discover that even our deepest wounds can become places where God pours out new life. Philippians 2:6–11 reveals the depth of Christ’s humility: though He was God, He chose to empty Himself, taking on human nature and accepting death on a Cross. In this supreme act of humble love, we learn what true love is—self-giving, merciful, and without pride. Finally, in John 3:13–17, Jesus declares that He was lifted up so that all who believe in Him may have eternal life. The Cross, far from being a sign of defeat, becomes the doorway to everlasting hope. In carrying our own crosses with trust, we walk the path that leads not to despair, but to the joy of resurrection and eternal communion with God. Let’s reflect: What does the Cross reveal to me about the way I love, the wounds I carry, and the hope I place in God’s promise of eternal life?
Don Giorgio
Sep 14, 2025 | NEWS
Cochem. Following the Wine and Heritage Festival, the city of Cochem hosted its traditional reception at the Reichsburg castle last Wednesday. Mayor Walter Schmitz welcomed numerous guests from politics, administration, and local associations. He also welcomed the new wine royalty: Wine Queen Alicia Steffens and Wine Princess Lea Schlag, who had taken over their roles from Viktoria Göbel and Johanna Heimes.
In his speech, Schmitz gave an entirely positive assessment of the five-day Wine and Heritage Festival: “Despite the negative weather forecasts, we were able to celebrate a joyful, atmospheric, and peaceful festival—without any notable incidents.” He particularly highlighted the efforts of the city's employees, winegrowers, associations, and helpers. With over €261,000 in sales, a new record was also set.
The social highlight of the reception was the presentation of the 2025 Coat of Arms Plate, the highest award of the city of Cochem. The city council unanimously decided to bestow this honor on Sister Felicitas Pöller.
Born in 1954, she joined the Order of the Sisters of Mary in 1973 and took over the convent in Cochem in 2012.
Previously, she had worked as a teacher, home manager, and pastoral caregiver in elderly care. She quickly settled into life on the Moselle, where she had initially not wanted to go, even though her arrival had been bumpy: on the train, her bag containing all her papers was stolen. But she was warmly welcomed in Cochem.
From the very beginning, she was a point of contact for many people in all situations: “She was able to inspire, listen and get things done,” Schmitz praised. Sister Felicitas accompanied the sick and dying, offered comfort and confidence, and was deeply rooted in the life of the city. She organized aid campaigns for children in a Roma camp in Slovakia and stood up for those in need.
She was also known for her small gestures: she once casually mentioned to the mayor that the convent prayed every morning for the city and municipal administration.
When the convent was dissolved in 2025 after more than 70 years in Cochem, Sister Felicitas had to return to her former place of work in Berlin with a heavy heart, in accordance with her vows.
Her departure moved many Cochem residents deeply, and petitions and letters were sent in an attempt to persuade her to stay – in vain. “Cochem has lost a good Christian soul in her,” said Schmitz.
This made it all the more joyful that she has now returned to Cochem and been honored at the Reichsburg.
The guests responded to the decision with long applause. “After all her commitment to her fellow human beings, it was only logical to award her the coat of arms plate,” explained Schmitz at the presentation.
Wochenspiegel September 10, 2025
Image: Jens Weber
Sep 14, 2025 | NEWS
At the end of August, Sister Sylwia Frączek from Poland joined our mission in Indonesia.
Sister Sylwia is a catechist who eagerly and actively works with children and young people. We needed someone like her in Flores, in the parish where our sisters serve. The local people welcomed Sister Sylwia with great joy. Her arrival coincided with the celebration of Sister Augusta's 50th birthday, so the sisters and candidates organized a party in the community and invited their closest colleagues. Let us thank God for the development of our mission in Indonesia and remember this beautiful work in our prayers.
