Gathering with Devotees in Staade
In the heart of Oberviechtach, Germany, the Workers' Welfare Association (AWO) hosted their 36th annual Advent celebration. This event, a cherished tradition, brought together members of the community to celebrate the Advent season with singing, socialising, and reflections on the meaning of the holiday.
The programme for the evening was carefully curated by Erna Niederalt, who returned to host the event after its success last year. The event began with a warm welcome from AWO chairman, Wilfried Neuber, who greeted several individuals and groups, including the third mayor, Johann Hösl, members of the senior meeting, the friends of the VdK with chairman Peter Fugmann, and the residents of the senior and nursing home.
Neuber set the tone for the evening with a Christmas carol from Haiti, followed by a series of peaceful and harmonious songs performed by the Niedermuracher singers, duo Niederalt with Hans Markl on the keyboard, and special appearances by Bastian Ruhland and Wolfgang Flierl as shepherds.
Erna Niederalt took the stage to speak about the customs of Advent and highlighted the feast day of St. Lucia, celebrated on December 13th. She encouraged everyone to be grateful for all the good things in the past and for the current afternoon.
Bishop Nicholas (Udo Weiß) and Madleen Dietz (6), dressed as Lucia, entered the hall to the guests' surprise. Marion Dietz welcomed Bishop Nicholas with a poem, and Madleen's entrance added a touching moment of innocence and joy to the evening.
Peter Fugmann, VdK chairman, shared two Christmas stories and thoughts for the new year. He also expressed gratitude to several individuals for their contributions to the event, including Marion Dietz, Neuber's deputy, who packed parcels, baked cookies, and decorated tables for Advent.
Niederalt expressed concern about the fast-paced world without peace, where only money is chased. This sentiment resonated with the core values of the AWO, which emphasise hope, solidarity, and compassion. The event served as a reminder of the importance of social support and community care, resonating with the Advent message of anticipation and light in times of darkness.
The "boys" of the Kleinheim Weiding also participated in the celebration as they do every year. The event concluded with a heartfelt thank you from Peter Fugmann to chairman Wilfried Neuber and his deputy for their years of work for their fellow human beings.
The AWO Advent celebration in Oberviechtach is more than just a holiday gathering. It is a reflection on social responsibility and human warmth during the Advent season, a time when the community comes together to share in the spirit of the holiday and remember the true meaning of the season.
- The AWO Advent celebration offers an opportunity for members of the community to discuss and reflect on various aspects of life, such as relationships, lifestyle, and family values, as exemplified by Peter Fugmann's sharing of Christmas stories about the new year.
- Erna Niederalt's speeches about Advent customs, like the feast day of St. Lucia, also touched upon the importance of gratitude in our lives, encouraging us to appreciate the good things in our past and the present.
- The event was not only a gathering for food-and-drink and fashion-and-beauty, but it also showcased the home-and-garden charm, with Marion Dietz decorating tables for the celebration.
- The annual AWO Advent celebration in Oberviechtach also extends its warmth to our affection for pets and travel, as evident by the special appearances of Bastian Ruhland and Wolfgang Flierl as shepherds and the inclusion of traditional Christmas carols from various countries.
