Solemn introduction: Dominicus Meier becomes the new bishop of Osnabrück

Solemn introduction: Dominicus Meier becomes the new bishop of Osnabrück

Osnabrück - Dominicus Meier was introduced in a moving ceremony as the new bishop of Osnabrück in a fully occupied cathedral. Around 1,000 believers and representations from politics and society were present when the 65-year-old received his papal appointment certificate from Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, the Vatican ambassador. A few moments later he took a seat on the Bishopshafle, which marked the symbolic start of his term in office and represents the new beginning of the diocese about 18 months after the resignation of his predecessor, Franz-Josef Bode.

Lower Saxony's Prime Minister Stephan Weil and the chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, the Limburg bishop Georg Bätzing, was also among the guests. Dominicus Meier, who was born as Michael Meier and grew up in the Sauerland, is an experienced theologian who most recently worked in Paderborn.

a call for charity

During his sermon, Meier emphasized the importance of attention and charity in our society. "Attention is a trait that is good," he said and asked those present to turn to the weak and disadvantaged. He expressed that many people were often distracted by their own worries and that the needs of their fellow human beings do not perceive.

"We are doing well to live more carefully and deal with the real concerns of our siblings in the community," emphasized the bishop. In times when national and selfish currents are rampant, this is an urgent message to promote social cohesion. The bishop appealed to strengthen solidarity in an increasingly polarized world.

a bishop of the encounter

Dominicus Meier brings a fresh perspective to his new office. In the run -up to his takeover, he explained that he did not bring a prefabricated plan. Instead, he wanted to explore his new communities on the edges, especially in Bremen and on the East Frisian Islands. "I want to meet the people on site, celebrate service, drink coffee and also eat a sausage," he described his approach. The formal visitations in which he would like to interact more systematically with the communities are planned for Easter 2025.

The challenges that the diocese is facing should not be underestimated. The number of exit from the Catholic Church reaches record heights and there is a lack of priests. In 2023, more than half a million Catholic Christians lived in the diocese of Osnabrück, each of them represents a connection to faith.

Dominicus Meier also takes over an diocese that still deals with the consequences of the withdrawal of his predecessor, which resigned due to errors in dealing with sexual abuse cases. It remains to be seen how Dominicus will master the challenges and lead the diocese through this difficult time. The eyes of the community are aimed at him, and many hope for a new path that is characterized by charity and encounter.