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