Five chapel boys in Dresden: Farewell with an unforgettable papal moment

Five chapel boys in Dresden: Farewell with an unforgettable papal moment

Meißen, Deutschland - On June 15, 2025, there was a day of emotions for the Dresden Kapellknaben. On the occasion of the Trinity Sunday, many believers gathered to solemn five young singers. The farewell not only took place in a solemn framework, but was also characterized by memories of remarkable musical highlights, such as an appearance ahead of Pope Francis in autumn 2024. Bishop Heinrich Timmerevers, who was present during the Holy Mass, thanked the Kapellknaben for her loyal service and emphasized the importance of its singing for the community reported] (https://www.bistum-dresden-meissen.de/aktuelles/fuenf-dresdner-kapellkapellklaben-ierlich-aus-dem-Chor

An unmistakable moment was the symbolic laying of the chor rock, which marked the end of its service. "I wish you that God's praise stays alive in your hearts," Timmerevers concluded his moving words and let the young men move to their future life with a blessing. Choir director Christian Bonath also paid tribute to the long tradition and the self-sacrificing character of the choir, while Kapellknaben-Spiritual Michael H. Kreher rounded off the solemnity with his blessing.

commemoration of Pope Francis

Another significant service took place in the Dresden Cathedral one day after this touching farewell. On June 16, 2025, Bishop Heinrich Timmerevers recalled in a moving sermon of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. The memorial service, in which Saxon Minister of the Interior Armin Schuster and Minister of Culture Barbara Klepsch also took part, was designed by the musical framework of the Kapellknaben. Of course, this also fell into the context of the previous adoption of the young singers, as they had just left a chapter of their lives behind, while the church is commemorating one of its most influential leaders, such as Sächsische.de reported.

Timmerevers, clearly in his thoughts, discussed how Pope Francis had redesigned the church and pointed out important, often unnoticed topics. "Mercy," says Timmerevers, was the "beam of beam of this church". His words were heard in the assembled community, which reminded the pope through the bell and the light of the candles. A picture of Francis on the Pietà invited those present to ignite candles there. It is also expected that another commemorative fair will take place in Leipzig next Thursday, which further deepens the grief for the Pope known as the pioneer of the dialogue, whereby this service will be available for a week in the MDR media library, as is reported on the website of the Kapellknaben HERE.

In a tragic turn, the news of the death of the Pope came as a surprise to the Kapellknaben because she learned during the Easter holidays. But despite the absence of some members, the people present kept the service alive with their singing, which filled the hall and touched the hearts of the audience.