Radio K1 - Der Hörfunk für das Bistum Eichstätt

Der Sonntag-Morgen (vom 29.06.25)

·31 min·3 clips

A German diocese is suddenly without a bishop after Gregor Maria Hanke announced he just wants to be 'Pater Gregor' again.

The episode opens by announcing that the Diocese of Eichstätt is currently without a bishop after Gregor Maria Hanke's resignation, with him expressing a desire to return to being called 'Pater Gregor'. It then plays excerpts from his recent interview, where he discusses the central role of 'creation spirituality' in his work and the profound personal change he underwent from encounters with victims of sexual abuse by priests. Hanke also recalls joyful memories, like World Youth Days and a pilgrimage with altar servers in Rome. The show transitions to reporting on the ordination of three new deacons—Sebastian Scharnagel, Jonas Reismann, and Nikolai Losev—in Eichstätt, featuring their statements about bringing joy and authenticity to priesthood. A segment follows on the 'baby boomer' generation in Germany, born between the mid-1950s and late 1960s, examining their societal impact and challenges in retirement, with comments from individuals like pastor Ulrich Schindler and educator Edith Flug. The program then highlights the 18th-century sculptor Ignaz Günther from Altmannstein, discussing his distinctive style and legacy on his 250th death anniversary with experts from the Bavarian National Museum. An interview with Diocesan Administrator Alfred Rottler covers his surprise appointment, his tasks including overseeing the bishop selection process with lay involvement, and a timeline expecting a new bishop in about nine months. Further segments promote local bookstore St. Willibald, recommend summer reading like 'Der große Sommer', and announce the Shalom Prize award to the Casa Social Cultural y Memoria peace project in Buenaventura, Colombia. The episode concludes with details about the upcoming Willibaldswoche festival in Eichstätt, including a family stand, a farewell opportunity for former Bishop Hanke, and a silent disco event in the cathedral.

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