Mechernich – Prayer, thanksgiving and fellowship characterised the recent meeting of the order at the motherhouse of Communio in Christo in Mechernich. Priests, sisters, seminarians and friends from various countries prayed the rosary together, celebrated a Mass of thanksgiving and then gathered for a film screening, dinner and lively conversation in the refectory of the motherhouse.
The words of Superior General Jaison Thazhathil at the beginning made it clear: ‘Today we are an international group. Some of you do not speak German, but the language of love needs no translation.’
Standing beside him at the altar were Father Rudolf Ammann, Father Shaji Thomas, Father Bedemore Ezeagu, Regional Vicar Father Wieslaw Kaczor SDS, Father Paul Cyrys SDS, Superior in Steinfeld, and Father Jineesh from the Herolds of Good News. Aspiring deacon Tilj Puthenveettil and seminarian Elijah Oriokot assisted. Father Mathew Assenga Cssp (Spiritan from Tanzania in Würselen) and Brother Abednego Cssp (seminarian from Tanzania) also attended the Mass. Father Elex Normil CS was also able to attend the meeting that followed.
In his sermon, Father Ammann recalled the first foundation by Mother Marie Therese on 1 September 1977 in Holzheim: the ‘Unio of Atoning Love’, which was to be followed by five further foundations, all of which culminated in the founding of the Ordo Communionis in Christo on 8 December 1985. ‘What God has wanted since the first foundation is the destiny we are all moving towards: to live love here,’ he quoted the founder. At the same time, he looked to the present, in which climate change, migration, economic crisis and armament are pressing issues.
"Best time since ordination to the priesthood"
Three guests at the mother house gave special testimonies in recent months. Father Bedemore Ezeagu from Nigeria spoke of his ‘best time since his ordination four years ago.’ In Mechernich, he not only participated in the life of prayer and visited the sick, but also experienced the community as a place ‘where charity is lived in practice.’
The young priest has been studying canon law in Venice since April last year. Through contacts with Father Innocent Dim, who comes from the same diocese, and Sr. Lidwina, he came into contact with the writings of Mother Marie Therese and the Ordo. Ezeagu was particularly impressed by the family spirit: ‘It's like a family here. How good and beautiful it is when brothers and sisters live together in love.’
Father Shaji Thomas from Kerala, India, who is spending a period of spiritual refreshment in Mechernich, emphasised: ‘I have realised that Mother Marie Therese founded the Communio in Christo through the genuine inspiration of the Holy Spirit.’
The 63-year-old, who is celebrating his 37th anniversary as a priest this year, can look back on an impressive career: studies and doctorate in Rome, ten years of missionary work in the USA, followed by positions as Vicar General in Delhi, Odisha and his home diocese of Pathanamthitta, and most recently as parish priest of the cathedral.
In Mechernich, he takes on a variety of tasks: he celebrates the Eucharist, leads prayers, administers Communion and Anointing of the Sick in nursing homes and at the Stella Maris hospice, accompanies the residents of Haus Effata in Blankenheim and supports the community with pastoral care.
"As if reborn"
Seminarian Elijah Oriokot from Uganda spent two months in Mechernich: ‘Every time I came to Communio, I felt like I had been reborn.’ He was particularly moved by the charisma of the founder: ‘She is like a prophet who can hope for daylight even in the darkest night.’ His conclusion is full of gratitude: ‘My experiences with Communio have changed my life.’
Oriokot is studying canon law and theology at the Urbaniana University in Rome and is currently preparing for his ordination as a deacon in Rome in 2026 and his ordination as a priest in Uganda in 2027.
Father Paul Cyrys recalled his early personal experiences with Communio. For example, in Poland in the 1980s, he ate salami from Germany, which he only learned about 40 years later came from Communio. You can always rely on them, and so the two orders are linked by a close friendship.
Gratitude and joy also characterised the joint dinner and the film clip with audio recordings of the founder, in which the former Superior General Karl-Heinz Haus and Sister Helene also spoke. It was clear that this community lives charity, just like its founder Mother Marie Therese. Or, as Superior General Jaison put it: ‘Our door is always open. Communio is a path for everyone – created to seek exchange and share love.’
pp/Agentur ProfiPress
