Priest consecration in Bavaria: Lowest number in over 60 years!

Priest consecration in Bavaria: Lowest number in over 60 years!

At the weekend it was time again: in Bavaria, priest consecrations took place in the three Catholic dioceses Bamberg, Regensburg and Augsburg, which are of crucial importance for the church in Germany. According to Domradio , an former candidate for priesthood by Archbishop Herwig Gössl was ordained, while Bishop Rudolf Voderholzer in Regensburg ordered two men. In Augsburg, too, there was a solemn ceremony on Sunday afternoon with two further new priests. It is noteworthy that this has been the lowest number of priestly consecration in Bavaria for over 60 years - a total of only six diocesan priests were consecrated throughout 2025, while there were still ten in 2024.

A trend that is not very pleasant: In the Archdioceses in Munich and Freising as well as in the dioceses Passau and Eichstätt, there were no consecration at all this year-a clear sign that there is a lack of new priest candidates. Despite these challenges, there were at least the consecration of three deacons in Eichstätt, which are on the way to the priestly profession. The Catholic Church in Germany must rethink a bit to promote the consecration.

Peter and Paul in focus

Suitable for the date on June 29, the festival of apostle princes Peter and Paul is celebrated in the Catholic Church. In his speeches, Archbishop Gössl emphasized that priests should be “servants of joy”. Bishop Voderholzer also recalled the new priests of bringing the treasures of the Bible closer to the believers. This admonition could not be more recent in times of lack of priests.

The training of the priests runs over a total of 18 theological faculties and 33 institutes for Catholic theology in Germany, as the current statistics show. This data draws an idea of ​​the decline in the number of consecrations, which significantly influences the initial situation for the training of future priests. Statista documents the developments over the years. A look at the numbers shows that the trends in church life are always significant and certainly have to have changes.

The new archbishop of Bamberg

Today's reporting also draws attention to the upcoming introduction of Herwig Gössl as Archbishop of Bamberg on March 2, 2024. The festive service will take place at 10.30 a.m. in the Bamberg Cathedral and is considered a large event with security measures. A special interest is also given to the musical design, in which cathedral conductor Vincent Heitzer and the Bamberg cathedral choir will be used. The faithful are cordially invited because the ceremony is also broadcast on television. Politicians and other dignitaries who support this solemn occasion will also be a guest. A good opportunity to strengthen the community.

Herwig Gössl, appointed 76th Bishop and 14th Archbishop of Bamberg, has an impressive biography that he has gathered in various pastoral tasks over the years. In his speech, it will certainly also be about the challenges with which the Catholic Church is confronted today.

The consecrations and the upcoming events are important not only for the believers, but for all society. At a time when the church wants to experience a new departure, such ceremonies are of great scope and should be followed with a lot of attention.