Just having the chance to write. This morning we had some free time to visit the town of Garmisch before catching the shuttle to Oberammergau for the Passion Play. The history of this Passion Play is quite interesting - dating back to the middle of the Thirty Years War. In 1633, after months of suffering from the Bubonic Plague which killed 15,000 people in the area around the town, the frightened people of Oberammergau took a vow to perform the "Play of the Suffering, Dying and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ" every ten years if they were spared. Miraculously, from that point on, they all survived and, true to their promise, the first performance was in 1634. This simple performance was held in a meadow and acted by the villagers. After 1674 they decided to change the date, so as to fall every ten years, beginning in 1680. The only time it was not performed was during World War II.
We had a VERY unique show becuase in the middle they had to stop the show because of hail. Yes, hail. A very bad storm came up and it hailed in the middle of the show. First time they've had to stop the show in the middle in a long time. It was a wonderful witness of faith.
This morning we had Mass in the hotel, then packed up our bags, boarded the bus, and returned to Munich airport for the return trip. As I write, the pilgrims are on the plane returning to the US. I, however, took a small side trip and am visiting Christian Feind [many from Lewistown will remember him, he was John Kriauskas' exchange student a number of years ago].
The group will be back in Waynesboro & Lewistown by about 11pm Eastern Time.
I hope you've enjoyed traveling with us. Please pray for our safe return.
Fr. Bateman
It's been great traveling with you. Enjoy the last day and my prayers are with you as you all return home.
ReplyDeleteTami T.
What an amazing trip you've taken all of us on! Thank you for your wonderful blog. As of now I know the pilgrims are back in the US and we join you in giving thanks for a safely completed journey. Thank you again for making the pilgrimage virtual for many of us -- we've enjoyed every minute!
ReplyDeleteI like the addition of the video. It gave me a better understanding of the play. Thank you for including this.
ReplyDelete