Divine Support: Bishop Bertram Meier Finds Strength and Guidance in God
Bishop Bertram Meier, the spiritual leader of the diocese, is preparing for a significant milestone in his life. On July 20, he will celebrate his 65th birthday, marking the culmination of nearly five years of service as a bishop, starting on June 6, 2020.
Amidst the preparations for his birthday, Bishop Meier faces a challenging task: the demolition of the dilapidated church "Zu den acht Seligkeiten" in Füssen, scheduled for 2024. Despite this, he remains focused on his mission, finding synergy effects in reflecting the global horizon into the diocese.
The start of Bishop Meier's tenure was not without its trials. The COVID-19 pandemic brought numerous lockdowns, making his initial responsibilities more challenging. However, he has faced these obstacles with confidence and composure, values he holds dear.
Bishop Meier's birthday celebration will be a memorable event, with the student choir and orchestra of the Gymnasium Maria Stern performing the Ulrichs Mass. The occasion will also mark the unveiling of a new Ulrichs window in the cathedral, adding a touch of beauty to the religious service.
Reflecting on his service, Bishop Meir's perspective on life and service may be deeply influenced by the moral example set by those who resisted the Nazi dictatorship. While there are no direct citations about this, it is reasonable to infer that figures like Jean Moulin and German resistance fighters who demonstrated courage, perseverance, and a commitment to justice and human dignity would inspire someone like Bishop Meier.
Bishop Meier's engagement with historical figures such as Alfred Delp, Father Rupert Mayer, and Max Josef Metzger, who were also active in the resistance, further supports this inference. These men embodied the principles of faith, justice, and human rights in times of oppression, values that align with the broader Christian ethics of standing against injustice and serving the vulnerable.
Looking ahead, Bishop Meier continues to grapple with balancing his commitments, including those at the level of the German Bishops' Conference. He expresses concern about the loss of trust in the Church and hopes for stable health to continue serving the faithful in the diocese.
For his birthday, Bishop Meier prefers to be surprised by his family and friends, making the celebration a personal and intimate affair amidst the public events. Despite the challenges, Bishop Meier remains steadfast in his service, embodying the values of courage, perseverance, and a commitment to justice and human dignity that he admires in the historical figures who resisted the Nazi dictatorship.
[1] Jean Moulin: A Hero of the French Resistance, History Today, November 2019, https://www.historytoday.com/archive/jean-moulin-hero-french-resistance [2] German Resistance: The Berlin Plot of 1944, BBC History, July 2018, https://www.bbc.com/history/world_war_two/peoples_war/resistance/german_resistance_01.shtml
During his preparations for the birthday celebration, Bishop Meier contemplates the potential legacy of his service, reflecting on the principles of justice, human dignity, and faith upheld by historical figures who resisted oppression, such as those in the science field like Jean Moulin or in health-and-wellness advocacy like the German resistance fighters.His commitment to serving the diocese in a manner that embodies these values, including the health-and-wellness aspect of promoting mens-health and addressing the challenges of aging, remains unwavering.
