On September 7, 2008, a liturgy of thanksgiving was celebrated in Telgte, Germany, in honor of the 160th Anniversary of St. Rochus Hospital and attended by several members of the General Council. This is the first ministry of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis (known as St. Mauritz Franciscans in Germany). St. Rochus is a residential and treatment facility for psychiatric patients.
The theme of the celebration was "In God's Hand" and the patients prepared the symbol used in the celebration (see photo). The reflection during the homily emphacized the importance of God's guidance and presence over all these years as well as the work of the hands of many who labored in this ministry. The celebrant asked each person present to consider his/her own hands and what work is being done. Finally the facility was recommended into God's hands for its future.
Fr. Bernsmeyer, the founder of the facility, might have enjoyed the festive atmosphere with children playing and guests taking tours and enjoying the beautiful landscaping of the facility's grounds.
