Looking forward to the reopening of the Église St. Georges
What has happened so far?
Warmest moments on the coldest Memorial Day
The weather forecast announced 9°C with cloudy weather and possible rain! These are tough conditions for an open-air trade fair and an open-air concert event! The organizers were accordingly worried about the day. Would their preparations be worth it?
Their worries were unjustified! The mass could begin punctually at 11:00 a.m. with a full tent. Our French-speaking priest, Father Radermecker, took the reins with aplomb and led the mass through the Euregional requirements. Accompanied by the beautiful choral singing of the Moselle Singers, the visitors to the mass experienced a uniquely beautiful and profound celebration! Instead of a sermon, Father Radermecker gave space for theological and philosophical reflections, which were then presented in German by the Ambassadeur. The French version was handed out to the visitors in paper form during the mass so that everyone could follow the mass. The intercessions were read out in several languages. The Our Father was performed musically by the Moselle Singers, and everyone was able to join in the prayers in their own language. The priest, Mr. Radermecker, distributed communion personally by walking through the rows. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the local parish helped out flexibly and very helpfully. At short notice, specially blessed hosts were quickly brought in from the nearby pilgrimage site of Banneux, so that the Mass could take place in all form and holiness. Thanks once again to all those involved who adapted to the necessities of the situation in such a flexible and gracious manner. The friendship that transcends national borders was realized here in dedicated practice.
Pierre and Audrey then delighted the guests with a menu that everyone found very tasty at a very reasonable price. Despite the cold, the heat cannons that had been brought in in the meantime enabled the guests to enjoy lunch in comfort on the terrace in front of the Brasserie St. Georges. Thanks to Pierre and Audrey's team for their kind and accommodating service.
The flag-wavers from Würselen performed for the 14th time under the direction of old master Heinz-Josef Bülles. Young people full of enthusiasm for the art of flag-waving demonstrated their desire to throw the flags in the air, to throw flags to each other, single or double! They even promised to add more tricks next time. All in all, a wonderful end to the day.
Mayor Valérie Dejardin personally expressed her delight at the wide range of activities.
The guests then searched for the hidden stones on Saint Georges Square under the guidance of our chairwoman Catharina Scholtens. Great prizes were waiting for the winners, which were presented by Catharina during the concert break.
Now the Moselle Singers played and led the now blessed and invigorated Memorial Day visitors into the joy of life. As every year, their wonderful songs, singing and accompanying music brought incredible conviviality to the tent. Conductor Leo van Weersch and his troupe even managed to lead a polonaise out of the warm tent and into the open air, with the guests having a great time and, above all, being happy when they could sit down at their tables again! A unique musical event! On the other side of the square, people were also battling with the cold at the arts and crafts market. Nevertheless, visitors to the two events managed to complement each other and were also able to visit the wonderful exhibition in Uli Westerfrölke's castle garden.
At 4 p.m., the program came to an end in the now dry weather and bright autumn sunshine. The Mosel singers bid farewell with a glorious final song and the guests boarded their buses and cars to enjoy this special Sunday at home.
Then it was quiet again on the square, with the autumn sun shining on the still gleaming stones of Place St. Georges. Thanks to all the participants and guests for this wonderful day, which once again showed that it is possible to connect with one another across borders, to experience joy and, above all, to demonstrate the value of peaceful togetherness.
Announcement of the Memorial Day
The program
11:00 - 12:00 Holy Mass on Place Saint Georges, celebrated by Dean of Kerkrade (NL) Steph Nevelstein, Pastor St. Catharinaparochie
12:00 - 12:15 Welcome at Place Saint Georges by Ambassadeur Dr. Jörg Schmitz-Gielsdorf and HLP Chairwoman Catharina Scholtens (Stichting Hertog Limburg Pad, NL)
12:15 - 13:00 Search game on the Place Saint Georges
13:00 - 13:45 Possibility to visit the exhibition "Objets cinétiques" by Ulrich Westerfrölke in the castle garden in Limbourg www.westerfroelke.de
(open all day from 11 am to 6 pm) and the "Petit Marché Coup d'Coeur - art-artisanat-design" on Place Saint Georges (open all day from 9 am to 4 pm)
13:45 - 14:15 Flag waving
14:15 Concert of the Moselle Singers (part 1)
15:00 Concert break & award ceremony for the search game
15:15 Concert of the Moselle Singers (part 2)
16:00 End
Now it's official! After a long, long prehistory, it is now certain that the listed church of St. Georges will be completely renovated. Wallonia will release a sum of 1.2 million to reopen our church to the public. What a joy after more than 40 years of the church being closed! A reason for us to include all those who have worked on this in our prayers!
In addition to the exhibition of objects by Ulrich Westerfrölke in the castle garden, there will also be an all-day arts and crafts market on Place St. Georges.