2008 Fall News Donauschwaben Overseas

Honored representatives of the Donauschwaben organizations, honored representatives of the German organization of the Wojwodina, honored representatives of the City of Sremska Mitrovica, honored guest from abroad, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Today, more than 60 years ago after the Second World War, we dedicate here in Sremska Mitrovica or Syrmisch Mitrowitz a Memorial with the cross. With this memorial dedication today we express and commemorate in a humbling way, with a memorial for our people who lost their lives here during those years.

Of all of us gathered here for this dedication, are connected with deep sorrow in their remembrance. We are not here to make accusations but to show remorse for those who suffered and died here so senseless.

Like many millions everywhere in Europe and the world that became victims of the cruelty of a senseless war. Today we morn for all of the victims, for those caused by the German troops and for those who became victims of revenge by others such as the people here we dedicate this monument too.

It shall stand here as a reminder of their suffering they had to endure as a clear warning for future generation how precious live and freedom is. There can be no end to hatred which brought on suffering we all unite in honoring the victims who died here and hope that their death was not in vain and we can learn from it so it never happen again.

This memorial should also be considered the same time as symbol of reconciliation and understanding by working together Serbs and German for a common goal; a peaceful future. Reconciliation deserves to be continued with all of our powers in future generations for a lasting peace.

Dr. Robert Zollitsch, Archbishop of Freburg, Germany, was just named Chairman of the Catholic Conference of Bishops in Germany. Dr. Zollitsch was born 9 August 1938 in Filipowa/Filipova, Batschka. He and his family fled to Tauberbischofsheim, Germany in 1946. He has always kept in close contact with his fellow Donauschwaben and continues to promote our Donauschwaben traditions.

Read more about Dr. Zollitsch at Wikipedia.com. Readers may recall that Archbishop Zollitsch was the special guest celebrant at last year’s Wallfahrt in Philadelphia.

Source: Rose Vetter email. Article in the recent Palankaer Heimatbrief newsletter.

Archbishop Robert Zollitsch told 25,000 worshippers at a final mass in the open air, "The first issue shouldn't be, what do I expect from society, what can others do for me? The first issue is, what can I do for others, for society, for the church?"

Since the convention began in the northern city of Osnabrueck on Wednesday, more than 60,000 people have taken their pick among 1,200 separate events including panel discussions, concerts and prayer. It was organized by Germany's national lay committee.

Zollitsch, who is chairman of the German Catholic Bishops' Conference, said, "In this country we are in danger of becoming a society of 'I want.'" He said Christianity liberated people from "selfish regard for themselves" in favor of social solidarity.

Bishop attacks unfair distribution of wealth

Attacking inequality, he said, "We cannot accept that the resources of the earth are denied to some and serve others to further increase their affluence and wealth."

During the convention, held every two years in Germany, German Catholic leaders reached out to Jews, saying they sympathized with Jewish complaints about a new Latin prayer.

Jewish groups were upset this year when the Vatican permitted hyper-conservative Catholic congregations to pray in Latin that Jews may "acknowledge Jesus Christ, the savior of all men." Most Catholics use newer prayers and do not pray in Latin.

Zollitsch, who is archbishop of Freiburg, led a joint Christian and Jewish religious service at the convention on Thursday.

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