EUROPE/AUSTRIA - Centennial anniversary of the death of Abbot Pfanner, founder of the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood and the Mariannhill Missionaries to be celebrated in his hometown of Langen

Langen (Agenzia Fides) – On the occasion of the centennial anniversary of the death of Abbot Franz Pfanner (1825-1909), founder of the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood and the Mariannhill Missionaries, on June 13 and 14 there will be a celebration in Langen (Austria), birthplace of Abbot Pfanner. According to information sent to Agenzia Fides from Fr. Thomas Fischer, CMM, Secretary General of the Mariannhill Missionaries, on June 13, at 4pm, there will be a blessing of the Way of the Cross erected along the “Abbot Pfanner Way,” which will be followed by a gathering at the Langen Community Center. On June 14, Archbishop Paul Khumalo, CMM of Pretoria (South Africa), will celebrate a Mass in honor of the occasion at 10am, in the parish church of Langen. A concert will follow in the square, given by the local orchestra in traditional attire. In the afternoon, at 2pm, there will be a conclusion of celebrations in the parish church, with a musical manifestation.
Among the various guests expected to attend the Langen event, in addition to the Archbishop of Pretoria, are Abbot of Mehrerau, Albert van der Linde, native of South Africa; the Superior General of the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood, Sister Ingeborg Muller, CPS; Vicar General of the Mariannhill Missionaries, Fr. Peter Grand, CMM, Vicar General of the Diocese of Feldkirch, Monsignor Benno Elbs; the Provincial Superiors of the Mariannhill Missionaries from Austria, Fr. Marcus Bucher; from Germany, Fr. Hubert Wendl; from Switzerland, Fr. Benno Hotz.
In this year, all the local communities of Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood and Mariannhill Missionaries are programming a series of activities. In Rome, on May 10 there was a special Mass with the Trappists and Missionaries of the Precious Blood at Tre Fontane Abbey. In South Africa, there was a special celebration presided by the President of the South African Bishops' Conference, on May 24 in Emmaus, where Abbot Pfanner died 100 years ago. For a biography of Abbot Pfanner and the story of the missionary institutes he founded, please see the Dossier published by Agenzia Fides in honor of the centennial anniversary. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 9/6/2009)