The arrival of the carol singers is a much-loved event that District Administrator Dr Theophil Gallo would not want to miss. At the start of the new year, the District Administrator was once again able to welcome a total of eight children from the Mice, Hedgehogs and Turtles groups at St Michael's Catholic daycare centre. They were accompanied by the two nursery teachers Melanie Rupp and Nancy Reid as well as pastoral counsellor Stefan Pappon. "We follow the star as messengers of the Lord. We go joyfully from house to house and proclaim God's good news. Christ has placed the children at the centre. His blessing is for people all over the world," the children recited in a firm voice and then moved the audience with the popular Christmas carol "Star over Bethlehem". District Administrator Dr Theophil Gallo was once again very impressed by the performance of the little guests from the neighbouring nursery, which can be seen from his office window. "I am delighted to have you here and think it is great that you are helping to organise the Epiphany carol singing so naturally, travelling the world as ambassadors for peace and collecting money for children in need," said the District Administrator and presented the carol singers with a donation from the Saarpfalz district.
Stefan Pappon finally placed the inscription "20*C+M+B+24" - "Christus Mansionem Benedicat" - "Christ bless this house" - on the district administrator's office door. The children took the opportunity - and this has also become a tradition - to have a look round the district administrator's office.
The motto of this year's Epiphany 2024 campaign was "Together for our Earth - in the Amazon and worldwide" and it focussed on the preservation of creation and the respectful treatment of people and nature. The challenges faced by children and young people in the Amazon region were also addressed. In the South American countries of the Amazon and in many other regions of the world, partner organisations of the carol singers are working to ensure that children's right to a protected environment is implemented.
The children's mission organisation supports well over 1000 projects worldwide, including the Katilandia children's home in Trujillo (Peru). "We have maintained close links with this children's home in the Heilig Kreuz parish for decades, so we will be donating our money there again this year," reported Stefan Pappon.
District Administrator Dr Gallo bid farewell to the carol singers with the hands-on book "Treasure hunt in Bliesgau and the surrounding area", a Fair Trade chocolate bar and, of course, a heartfelt "thank you" and gave them good wishes for the future.