Play about the apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1876: spiritual highlight in Marpingen!

Play about the apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1876: spiritual highlight in Marpingen!

On Sunday, May 25, 2025, the Alsweiler Theater and Carnival Association is putting on a play that deals with the fascinating and moving apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1876. The performance begins at 5 p.m. at the place of worship at the Marienquelle in Härtelwald in Marpingen. This event looks at the events that led to a wave of pilgrimages that captivated the community for more than a year.

The Marian apparitions, reported in 1876 and 1877 by three eight-year-old girls - Katharina Hubertus, Susanna Leist and Margaretha Kunz - originated on July 3, 1876. These reports quickly attracted widespread attention, attracted thousands of believers within a few days and led to numerous reports of miraculous healings. However, despite the enthusiasm, the reports were controversial and were not recognized by the Roman Catholic Church.

An event with consequences

The Härtelwald was dissolved on July 13, 1876 by the authorities and the military to prevent pilgrims from gathering. This happened in the context of the culture war between the German Empire and the Roman Catholic Church, which also led to the arrests of priests and other believers. Pastor Jakob Neureuter, who supported the girls, was also arrested. The children's reports were also evaluated differently by the parents; not everyone believed in their veracity, which led to further skepticism.

In 1875 Marpingen had 1,622 residents, the majority of whom were Roman Catholics. Social problems, which were exacerbated by the founding crisis of 1873, shaped the region. Numerous pilgrims reported healings and over 100 villagers visited the place on the first day of the apparition. A further increase in the number of pilgrims occurred until September 1877, when the reports became weaker.

Historical reviews and modern parallels

With the founding of a chapel association in 1932, which led to the construction of a chapel, the memory of the apparitions remains alive. What is particularly noteworthy is that in 1999 new reports of Marian apparitions emerged in Marpingen, which once again attracted tens of thousands of believers. This modern pilgrimage is also discussed because it makes a direct connection to the events of 1876. Media coverage of the Marian apparitions in 1999 maintains the connection to history and continues to fascinate many people today.

The current theater performance sends the audience on an emotional journey back in time to the beginnings of Marian piety in the region, which was for a long time characterized by social and political upheavals. Historical contexts, such as the girls' experiences and the social conditions, are certainly vividly processed in the piece and invite you to reflect on the beginnings of the cultural connection.

As the Saarbrücken newspaper reports, the performance will be an important part of the culture of remembrance in Marpingen and will give people the opportunity to engage with this fascinating story.

The website offers information for those interested in learning more about the background to the Marian apparitions Wikipedia detailed information about the events and their impact on society and the Catholic Church.