The custom of blessing herbs Already the old Germans collected the most important medicinal herbs – done mostly by women in the middle of the summer . In our faith we should recognize that in all plants inhabits HEALING POWER of God’s creative force. On August 15th in many Christian churches the Solemnity of the Assumption of MARIA is celebrated. In this festival it is clear that the heavens are open to all people. Or rather, not only us but the entire cosmos. “… that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now … (cf. Letter of St. Paul to the Christians in Rome – in 58 AD) Why herbs are blessed? Because we trust in God, the Creator, that He EVERYTHING – people, animals, plants, the entire cosmos – from the ground has created good, we express in the blessed bushes of herbs our gratitude. Thus, we praise and glorify God for His GOODNESS! Together, we are pleased with each other through the wonderfully fragrant variety and beauty! A THANK YOU to ALL who collect herbs all year round and make them available for further processing! Text by Inge Weik CDS and Sr. Heidrun Bauer SDS
Bless means to promise each other and of creation:
IT’S GOOD (Latin: benedicere)
