Pastor Ferdinand Kohl: 70 years of service to God and the community!

Pastor Ferdinand Kohl: 70 years of service to God and the community!

On July 17, 2025, the Catholic Church in Saxony will celebrate a very special occasion: Pastor Ferdinand Kohl will celebrate his impressive 70th anniversary of ordination. The festive Eucharist celebration takes place at 2 p.m. in the venerable Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul in Zeitz. The anticipation among the community members is palpable, because Kohl not only served for many years, but also touched numerous hearts.

Born in 1931 in Lindenau (Eger district), Pastor Kohl has made a remarkable journey in his 94 years. After his ordination to the priesthood on July 17, 1955 in Bautzen, he was immediately able to celebrate his first primary mass on July 24, 1955 in Zeitz. From the beginning of his career he worked in various communities, including as a chaplain in the Leipzig provost and as a pastor in Zwickau-Planitz and from 1995 to 2010 in Bretnig-Hauswalde. After his retirement, Kohl first lived in Klingenthal and now since May 2025 in the Marienstift in Zeitz, where he continues to be seen as an important pillar of the community.

A life of service

His tireless service to the Church remains remarkable, even after his official retirement. Pastor Vinzent Piechaczek emphasizes that Kohl is still actively involved in pastoral care today. For over 14 years he was active in the pastoral care of the Klingenthal community and the St. Christophorus Auerbach parish. His dedication and open ear for people have served as a role model for many. Numerous parishioners reported “fan calls” and wanted to encourage the editorial team to report more about their beloved pastor lord's day holds on.

Kohl has also launched practical initiatives, such as a car service, to make it easier for hospital patients to access religious services. Even in difficult times, such as during his own serious illness in the 1970s, the community took responsibility and ensured that solidarity remained strong, something that many have fond memories of.

A special commitment to the Egerland

Kohl is not only anchored in his community, but also deeply connected to the Egerland and in particular to the Maria Loretto pilgrimage church in Hroznatov. He is particularly interested in the old pilgrimage church, which he has been revitalizing since the fall of communism as part of an initiative group. Here too, he shows great commitment by inviting people to the church to celebrate his priestly anniversary together.

For many, Kohl is more than just a clergyman. He has a big heart for the old and young people in his community and actively supports their needs. At an age when others are enjoying retirement, he has retained a good knack for serving people, making him a sought-after advisor and friend.

The celebration of his 70th anniversary as a priest will undoubtedly be a festive expression of the congregation's gratitude for Father Ferdinand Kohl's years of service and dedication. This remarkable anniversary will celebrate not only his own life story, but also the countless stories he has shared with the people of his community over the years, such as Diocese of Dresden-Meissen described in detail.