Pastor Johannes celebrates 40 years: sock party with music and humor!

Pastor Johannes celebrates 40 years: sock party with music and humor!

On May 26, 2025, Pastor Johannes Bosco Ernstberger celebrated his 40th birthday in a festive setting that took place in the new parish hall in Eschenbach. Hundreds of parishioners from Eschenbach and Kirchenthumbach took part in the celebration, which began with a solemn evening praise in the parish church of St. Laurentius. Numerous well-wishers, including church committees, clubs, the city band, the church choir, the children's singing group and the carnival society, came together to congratulate the popular pastor. This large gathering reflected the appreciation that the congregations feel for their pastor. Oberpfalzecho reports that the gifts, such as the Birkenstock pampering slippers and colorful knitted socks, take into account the habit of the priest, who often travels barefoot.

The celebrations featured a mix of music and humor. The town band, led by Stefan Wittmann, performed two hours of brass music, while the church choir and other groups presented personal gifts, including a dummy stork. Pastor Ernstberger said that he enjoyed working as a pastor during this fascinating time.

Church community and support

The parish community, which includes the Speinshart parish and several branches, is supported by the monastery church in Speinshart as the spiritual center of the region. Pastoral care is supplemented by the team led by Pastor Adrian Kugler, who has led the parishes of Speinshart and Schmelzersdorf since 2008. Father Johannes Bosco Ernstberger, who has been pastor in Eschenbach in 2022 and in Kirchenthumbach since 2024, is also part of this team. The community has a clear direction: “Experience faith” is the motto that shapes many of its activities. Information about the parishes and current events can be found on the monastery parish website Kloster Speinshart.

In addition to local communities, there are also efforts abroad, such as in Mālpils draudze, a community in Latvia that focuses on promoting faith. These international connections could provide a valuable resource for the exchange of ideas and customs between different communities. More information is available on their website Mālpils draudze.