"A new, bright sound" at Heinfels Castle

After more than 200 years, a bell rings again at Heinfels Castle. Bishop Hermann Glettler consecrated the new guardian angel bell on May 9.

An imperial weather for the "Queen of the Puster Valley" and almost early summer temperatures formed a more than worthy setting for the festive mass at the castle. Due to the general restrictions, the seats for the fellow celebrants were limited and therefore quickly filled. Dean Anno Schulte-Herbrüggen welcomed Bishop Hermann Glettler on behalf of the parish community.

Josef Steinringer Josef Steinringer donated the bell for the castle

 

The chairman of the museum association, Josef Steinringer, donated the new bell "out of joy over the successful progress of construction, and the visible and tangible results, as well as out of gratitude that the many heavy works, without major accident could be carried out". In his welcoming speech, Steinringer once again thanked individuals, institutions and also mentioned the willingness of many benefactors to support the elaborate restoration project Heinfels Castle.

The act of consecration by Bishop Hermann Glettler culminated with the striking of the new bell. At the same time, all the bells of the parish churches of Sillian and Tessenberg, the Heinfels churches of St. Peter and Paul and St. Anthony "welcomed" the new bell in a festive peal.

Local poet Hilda Außerlechner from Kartitsch honored the blessing of the new bells in her poem: "Be a messenger of faith, announce joy, call for peace, reconciliation in the world, send our request to the Holy Guardian Angel: "Heinfels Castle is placed under his protection!"

 

 

Hilda Außerlechner und Elisabeth Steinringer Hilda Außerlechner and Elisabeth Steinringer

 

"This small bell brings a new, bright sound to the common ringing of the surrounding bells, a message of resurrection. If we ourselves are willing to let ourselves be tuned like this instrument, so that it matches others, then the common sound will be strengthened," said Bishop Hermann Glettler in his homily.

Following the Mass, which was festively framed by the brass section of the Heinfels music band, Peter Leiter thanked Josef Steinringer on behalf of the museum association with a picture of a guardian angel, which was uncovered during restoration work in the castle's Laurentius Chapel.

Coordinated with the bells of the churches of St. Anthony and St. Peter and Paul in Heinfels, the new little bell will ring in the future at the Angelus prayer on Sundays, on the patron saint's day - St. Laurence's Day on August 10 - and on Guardian Angel Sunday from the roof of the chapel.

 

The consecration of the bells at Heinfels Castle (livestream), 9. 5. 2021 (Parish of Sillian)

Photos: Martin Bürgler

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