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Festive service to mark the start of the Diaspora Campaign 2025!
On November 7, 2025, a pontifical mass to open the diaspora campaign took place in Cologne Cathedral, led by prominent bishops.
Festive service to mark the start of the Diaspora Campaign 2025!
A festive service to open the Diaspora Campaign 2025 took place in Cologne on November 7, 2025. Under the motto “Strength what supports you,” numerous believers gathered to follow the invitation to reflect on the foundations of life and faith. The Bonifatiuswerk launched this initiative to promote encouraging solidarity and missionary witness, especially in environments with different or non-believing beliefs, such as domradio.de reported.
Numerous concelebrants, including Bishop of Oslo Fredrik Hansen PSS and Archbishop of Riga Zbigņevs Stankevičs, were present to mark this special occasion. The musical arrangement of the service was carried out by the vocal ensemble of Cologne Cathedral under the direction of cathedral music director Alexander Niehues. The singing of the Finnish soprano Kirsi Tiihonen, who performed a piece by Jean Sibelius for communion, was particularly moving.
A look at the gospel and its teachings
As part of the service, the Gospel for the consecration day of the Lateran Basilica, according to John 2:13-22, was read. It tells of Jesus' appearance at the Passover festival in Jerusalem, where he drives out the sellers and money changers from the temple. In his interpretation, presented by Peter Köster, the programmatic significance of Jesus' appearance was emphasized, particularly in relation to the confrontation with theological authorities and the announcement of the end of the temple cult. It was about knowing true worship in spirit and truth, as described in John 4:23.
These themes formed the framework for the opening of the event, which not only stimulated reflection but also strengthened community among believers.
Diverse media support
The diaspora campaign will also receive media coverage. On Sunday, November 9th, WDR 5 will broadcast a report about “This Side of Eden”. For interested listeners, there will be two live interviews on November 8th: one with Monsignor Georg Austen and another with Bishop Hansen.
On bonifatiuswerk.de There will be numerous other interviews and articles in the coming week, including topics such as “Internship in the North” and the example donation project “Klara’s Kitchen”. This media presence creates additional opportunities to deal with the diaspora problem and strengthen the community in the mission.