A 90-year-old touches the Healing Book: A Testimony of Faith

A 90-year-old touches the Healing Book: A Testimony of Faith

The trip to Wittenberg has a very special meaning for Kurt Globnich. On All Saints' Day, November 1st, the 90-year-old made his way to the city that was once at the center of the Reformation. For him, the day is more than just a date on the calendar - it is his birthday, which coincidentally coincides with the anniversary of the death of Elector Frederick the Wise. He played a crucial role in the history of Wittenberg by presenting an impressive treasure trove of relics in the Church of All Saints and having a book of healings printed that described the relics he collected. The church newspaper reports that many believers came to Wittenberg for decades to see and enjoy this treasure.

The gloomy castle church smells of candles while Globnich, sitting in a wheelchair, asks about the famous healing booklet. “The book is on the altar for the service,” explains a confused visitor, but Globnich doesn’t let up. “Now it’s church service!” he shouts, astonishing the surrounding tourists. It is important for him to touch this special book - a request that seems unimaginable to many, but is of utmost importance to Globnich.

The meaning of the relics

Frederick the Wise, who lived from 1463 to 1525, had over 5,000 particles of Christ and the saints presented in precious goldsmith's work for veneration. If historical accounts are to be believed, each of these relics granted pious visitors an indulgence of up to 100 days. The Healing Book, illustrated by Lucas Cranach, also describes, among other things, the most valuable pieces, including particles from the cross and the tomb of Christ.

When Globnich finally holds the heavy healing booklet in his hands, the atmosphere becomes almost tangible. He reads aloud and murmurs over familiar words: “There is a time for every thing.” It is these moments that help him organize his experiences and come to terms with memories of his own life and the meaning of faith.

A tearful moment

But the woman who brought him the book is becoming increasingly nervous. The tourists' attention gathers around Globnich's wheelchair, and she asks to take the book back after he has fulfilled his wish. “And he will wipe away tears from their eyes, death will be no more, no suffering, no crying,” he continues, saying that one must have touched what is essential in life in order to confidently take the last step. A simple but powerful thought that moves not only him, but also those gathered around him.

As the story of Kurt Globnich shows, the importance of the relics and the sanctuary remains well over the centuries. It is not just faith that is palpable here, but also the deep-rooted human longing for comfort and the meaning of life.