For us, Libori began on Friday with the “Evening of the Universal Church” in a beer tent in Paderborn. Bishops and priests from all over the world were welcomed in a relaxed and cordial atmosphere. We also had Father Khisi from Malawi with us, who was able to welcome “his” Archbishop George Desmond Tambala OCD from Lilongwe. He also came to visit the mother house on Tuesday.

Afterwards, there was lively conversation in all kinds of languages over barbecue and salad. The anticipation for Libori and the joy of seeing old friends again or meeting new ones was clearly palpable. This year, the proceeds from the bazaar went to the rehabilitation center of our Indonesian sisters in Atambua (West Timor), among other things.

We were able to follow the elevation of the relics and the installation of the shrine, as well as some pontifical services, live in the cathedral or via broadcast. In the “monastery shop” in front of the cathedral, there was an opportunity for wonderful and enriching encounters. Members of religious orders had set up a colorful assortment of their monastery products and offered conversations.

Wednesday was the “Day of Religious and Missionaries.” The whole city was teeming with religious, many of them from India and other countries. After the pontifical Mass with Auxiliary Bishop Matthias König, who mentioned our project in Dowa as a hopeful new beginning in his sermon, everyone was invited to lunch and a gathering. There was barely enough room for the 180 guests. Afterwards, the missionaries met with Archbishop Dr. Bentz and Auxiliary Bishop König, and exchanged their hopes and concerns in their respective countries. Father Khisi and Sister M. Klara from Malawi were also present there.

The clowns from “Nase-weise” also contributed to the good Libori mood, providing hearty laughter and photo opportunities.

Further activities in July, August, and September 2025

In July, we offered swimming retreats for guests, using the nearby municipal outdoor swimming pool. In August, guests enjoyed a weekend of reading and relaxation at our motherhouse. On Assumption Day, the sisters attended a seminar on “Mary and Herbs.” At the end of August, our sisters and Koinonia members were at the monastery market, offering waffles and baking mixes to take home. In September, we took families to the zoo for a guided tour on “Animals of the Bible.” It was very interesting.

In September, the glass steles with the verses of the Canticle of Creation were erected at our pastoral association in Salzkotten. Eleven steles were painted by a young artist for a 54-kilometer pilgrimage cycle route. A QR code on the steles can be used to access reflections for adults and children on the elements, brotherhood, and responsibility for creation. After two and a half years of preparation with 40 committed volunteers from the eleven parishes, the pilgrimage cycle route will be officially inaugurated on the feast day of St. Francis. We are very happy about this successful pastoral work and the good cooperation with the many volunteers and the city of Salzkotten.

Written by Sr. M. Alexandra Völzke