Divine Support Sustains Bishop Bertram Meier, continues to be his source of strength
Bishop Bertram Meier's 65th Birthday: A Day of Reflection and Celebration
Bishop Bertram Meier, the spiritual leader of the diocese, is set to celebrate his 65th birthday on July 20th. This date holds historical significance as it marks a central point in the resistance against the NS dictatorship.
Unlike traditional birthday celebrations, Bishop Meier has not expressed any specific wishes for his birthday. Instead, he prefers to focus on the spiritual aspect, emphasizing prayer and devotion.
The students' choir and orchestra of the Gymnasium Maria Stern will perform the Ulrichs Mass during the birthday celebration. This performance is particularly significant as the cathedral, now equipped with a new Ulrichs window, will host the Holy Mass.
Throughout his tenure, which began on June 6, 2020, Bishop Meier has shown a commitment to balance organizational responsibilities with pastoral care. He has had to navigate numerous challenges, including the initial years marked by numerous lockdowns.
Bishop Meier values confidence and composure, and he finds synergy effects and a global perspective reflected in their diocese enriching. He believes that it is not them who save the church and the world, but their Savior, Jesus Christ.
Giving Jesus Christ space or bringing Him into the conversation is Bishop Meier's main task and source of joy. He has been influenced by significant figures like Alfred Delp, Father Rupert Mayer, and Max Josef Metzger.
The church has lost a lot of trust in the past, a concern that Bishop Meier shares. He is actively working to rebuild this trust and strengthen the church's connection with its believers.
While specific plans for Bishop Meier’s 65th birthday remain undisclosed, it is expected to be a day of reflection, prayer, and celebration, embodying the spiritual values that he holds dear.
[1] Traditional birthday celebrations for Catholic bishops typically involve modest festivities such as thoughtful prayers, perhaps a cake or sweet treat, and occasionally the giving of religious gifts like books, icons, or rosaries. Often, the celebration can include attending Mass or offering prayers, emphasizing the spiritual significance rather than extravagance.
In line with traditional birthday celebrations for Catholic bishops, Bishop Meier's 65th birthday could involve modest festivities such as prayers, a cake, and religious gifts like books or icons. However, given his emphasis on spiritual values, the focus is expected to be on reflection, prayer, and celebration within the health-and-wellness and science context of aging.
