On Monday, October 29, the Icon of Czestochowa arrived in Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, at the parish of St. Ursula on the Gera River. Our Blessed Mother was welcomed in the Erfurt Ursuline convent. In the year 1535, St. Angela Merici founded the Association of St. Ursula in Italy, whose main focus was the education of young women.
Today, there is a diocesan center for continued education on the premises of the convent; among them is the school under the patronage of St. Edith Stein, a Catholic high school, an afterschool center for children, as well as a guest hall for all, who would like to take a break from their everyday burdens, looking for some peace, fellowship, and conversation.
Upon the arrival at the parish of St. Ursula, the Black Madonna was carried solemnly into the church. About one hundred people of various Christian denominations had been awaiting Our Blessed Mother.
After the singing of the afternoon prayer from the Breviary, the Holy Mass followed, celebrated by the chairman of the cathedral chapter, Reverend Christoph Hübenthal, supported by the cathedral's vicar, Reverend Drapatz, as well as Father Helmut Leonhard, CFM.
Following the conclusion of the Holy Eucharist, the Icon remained another hour for silent and individual veneration, followed by a heartfelt farewell, whereupon Our Lady set out on Her journey to Leipzig.
