Five band boys in Dresden: farewell with an unforgettable papal moment

Five band boys in Dresden: farewell with an unforgettable papal moment

June 15, 2025 was a day of emotions for the Dresden Kapellknaben. On the occasion of Trinity Sunday, many believers gathered to ceremoniously say goodbye to five young singers from their service. The farewell not only took place in a celebratory setting, but was also marked by memories of remarkable musical highlights, such as a performance before Pope Francis in autumn 2024. Bishop Heinrich Timmerevers, who was present during the Holy Mass, thanked the band boys for their loyal service and emphasized the importance of their singing for the community, like [the diocese of Dresden-Meissen reported](https://www.bistum-dresden-meissen.de/aktuelles/fuenf-dresdner-kapellknaben- Feierlich-aus-dem-chor-verabschiedet).

A distinctive moment was the symbolic removal of the surplice, which marked the end of her service. “I wish you that the praise of God remains alive in your hearts,” Timmerevers concluded his moving words and blessed the young men as they set off on their further path in life. Choir director Christian Bonath also acknowledged the long tradition and self-sacrificing character of the choir, while band boy spiritual Michael H. Kreher rounded off the ceremony with his blessing.

Commemoration of Pope Francis

Just one day after this touching farewell, another significant service took place in the Dresden Cathedral. On June 16, 2025, Bishop Heinrich Timmerevers remembered Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, in a moving sermon. The memorial service, which was attended by Saxon Interior Minister Armin Schuster and Culture Minister Barbara Klepsch, among others, was accompanied by musical accompaniment by the band boys. Of course, this also fell into the context of the young singers' previous farewell, as they had just left a chapter of their lives behind them, while the church remembers one of its most influential leaders, like Sächsische.de reported.

Timmerevers, clear in his thoughts, discussed how Pope Francis has reshaped the church and highlighted important, often overlooked issues. “Mercy,” said Timmerevers, was the “support beam of this church.” His words were heard by the assembled congregation, who remembered the Pope with the ringing of bells and the light of candles. A picture of Francis at the Pietà invited those present to light candles there. It is also expected that another memorial mass will take place next Thursday in Leipzig, which will further deepen the mourning for the Pope, known as a pioneer of dialogue, and this service will be available for a week in the MDR media library, as announced on the Kapellknaben website here.

In a tragic twist, the news of the Pope's death came as a surprise to the band boys, as it was learned during the Easter holidays. But despite the absence of some members, those present kept the service alive with their singing, which filled the hall and touched the hearts of the listeners.