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Big celebration of the Hubertus Mass: hunters and believers united in Hohenstadt!
On October 26, 2025, the Hubertus Mass will take place in the Hohenstadt pilgrimage church, led by Pastor Vitus von Waldburg-Zeil.
Big celebration of the Hubertus Mass: hunters and believers united in Hohenstadt!
As part of a festive St. John's Mass, the pilgrimage church in Hohenstadt invites you to a service next Sunday, October 26th, at 10:30 a.m. The celebrant is Pastor Vitus von Waldburg-Zeil, senior pastor of the Lone-Brenz pastoral care unit in the Heidenheim an der Brenz deanery. This mass, which is based on St. Hubertus of Liège, is musically accompanied by the hunting horn group “Rallye Württemberg” under the direction of Gerhard Vogt. The Hubertus Mass is known for its festive character and special musical design [Swabian].
The legend of Hubertus tells of his transformation from a passionate hunter to an advocate for the dignity of all creatures. One Good Friday he spotted a deer with a glowing cross between its antlers and dropped his crossbow. This tradition is a central part of the St. Hubertus Mass, which also conveys the message of honoring the Creator in all of his creation. The celebration is traditionally held around November 3rd, St. Hubert's Day [Wikipedia].
A festival for believers and hunters
In 2024, the Hubertus Mass in Hohenstadt already attracted numerous believers. The motto at that time was: “Nature is entrusted to us all together,” which emphasizes the close connection between faith and nature. This year the church will once again be festively decorated to underline the importance of the event. The proceeds from the collection will go towards the renovation of the church, which promotes the community spirit of the community [Swabian Post].
The Hubertus Mass is one of the most important religious services in hunting culture in Germany. The tradition originally emerged in France and Belgium in the mid-19th century and has also been established in Germany since the 1950s. Special features are the instrumental design with par force horns and the festive decoration of the venue with utensils from the forest and fields. These elements ensure that the fair becomes a unique experience for those present and conveys the values of respectful treatment of nature [Wikipedia].
Last but not least, the protests by animal rights activists against the St. John's Mass show that hunting and its Christian legitimacy are being critically questioned in today's society. Nevertheless, the Hubertus Mass remains an important part of the cultural identity for many hunters and believers who celebrate the service and nature together.