2024 Danube Pilgrimage: Munich & Dachau

It's taken me quite a while to start this post (which will probably turn into a whole series) on the Danube Pilgrimage. There was a LOT to process, and I had no idea where to begin. So, I'll start at the beginning and work my way through. I'll try to make the posts as short as possible while still giving details of amazing places where I had the privilege to pray.

As I said in the Pilgrimages: Are They Right For You post, I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to be a pilgrim for this trip. To summarize: The idea popped into my head in January that I should look at a pilgrimage. I found a pilgrimage that was a cruise down the Danube, but there were no single spots available. I left it up to God: If I was meant to be on the pilgrimage, I would find a roommate or a single spot would open up. A few months later I received a voicemail from a lady I know from my parish, wanting to know if she could be my roommate. That set the wheels in motion. 

The flight to Munich was uneventful. I met the tour group leader from my area at the airport and met a couple of other pilgrims. It helped that we made contact before landing in Munich since the group leader made sure we found the tour guide from Select International. We had just enough time to put our suitcases in our hotel room before meeting the other pilgrims for Mass at St. Peter. This was just a taste of the beautiful churches where we attended Mass.

The altar: the priests had their back to us

The inside was breathtaking...so much to look at!

This was when I realized that I had to keep reminding myself about the reason for my journey. As we sat down to prepare for mass, someone in our group talked loudly to someone behind her. Her reason for being there was much different than mine. 

Next on the itinerary was Dachau. I visited Buchenwald a few years ago but I didn't know much of the background before I went. Dachau was very different. Our tour host suggested we read the book Christ in Dachau by Father John Lenz. I have to say that it made a huge difference in my experience. On the bus ride we prayed the Rosary. Since it was a Tuesday, the Sorrowful Mysteries were prayed. It was perfect for Dachau, plus Father John spoke about how he experienced much of what Jesus went through during the Passion. 

I chose not to spend much time in the Museum; I wanted to walk around and imagine what Fr. Lenz and the other prisoners went through. I walked through the grounds, taking my time. 

A view of the barracks that held the Chapel. There were more Catholic Priests held here than any other Camp.

The Carmelite Chapel where we attended Mass. The kneelers have no padding on them so midway through my knees were not feeling great. It was a good reminder of the pain that the Priests & other prisoners experienced on a daily basis.

The Mass Kit and Vestments that were used.

Our Lady of Dachau was donated Easter, 1943

Vestment 

Mortal Agony of Christ Bell rings every day at 3:00 pm

Mortal Agony of Christ Chapel

Inside the Mortal Agony of Christ Chapel. Above the entrance is an iron crown of thorns; the chapel symbolizes the liberation from captivity through Christ.

One of the main differences between Buchenwald and Dachau is the presence of different Chapels on the grounds. In Buchenwald, to the best of my memory, the only buildings standing are the gate and the crematorium. In Dachau, chapels from different religions have been built. All but the Russian Orthodox Memorial were dedicated in the 1960's.

The Jewish Memorial

Inside the Jewish Memorial

The Protestant Memorial was interesting outside...

and inside

The entrance to the Protestant Memorial

The Russian Orthodox Memorial

I would have missed this except a tour group came through and the leader mentioned the ashes of an unknown prisoner. Sadly, the group glanced and walked on. I had the opportunity to put my hands on it and pray for him.

As we boarded the bus, many pilgrims mentioned how horrible they felt. My roommate and I spoke about our feelings, and our impression was much different because we read the book. My impression was one of joy, because Christ was victorious in this place, in spite of all of the horrific things that happened here and how poorly everyone (especially the priests) were treated.

We ended our time in Munich with some free time. My roommate discovered the Shroud of Turin Exhibit in the Church of the Holy Spirit. What a find!

We enjoyed a walking tour of Munich with a very personable guide, although she walked a bit quickly! Dinner was at Augustiner's Brewery, the oldest brewery in Munich. 

Bavarian Maypole

Enjoying the local brew in the cellar of  Augustiner Brau

Walking toward Frauenkirche Cathedral

Inside of Frauenkirche

Only 1 window is visible due to the columns

"Devil's Footprint" has several different legends. This survived  the bombings of WWII, which destroyed much of the Cathedral.

I visited Marienplatz before, but it was more beautiful this time, partly due to the fact that it wasn't raining this time! We made it to watch the Glockenspiel.

Our time in Munich came to a close. The next day we had a stop before we boarded the ship to begin our cruise. Needless to say, we fell into bed and fell fast asleep. In the next post: we visit a very special place that nobody I have spoken with has ever heard of, but it's definitely a place I'd love to return, then we board the ship.