Breisach’s Patron Saint’s Day—A Toast to Gervasius and Protasius
It is one of the most important days in the European city of Breisach am Rhein: the city’s patronal feast in honor of its two patron saints, Gervasius and Protasius. For over 850 years, the people of Breisach have venerated these two early Christian martyrs and honored the twin brothers every year with a grand festival.
Preparations for Breisach’s Patron Saint’s Day
As early as 4:30 a.m., the first volunteers gathered at the market square. It was a diverse group of men and women of all ages, who set to work with great anticipation to lay the annual decorative carpet in front of the altar on the market square. It was especially lovely to see so many children there despite the early hour, often accompanied by their mothers and grandmothers. As the sun rose brilliantly over the Kaiserstuhl, under the expert guidance of Max Rieder and Rita Grom, they began spreading out the large tarp on the market square and placing the pre-made stencils for the designs on the markings. Max Rieder had dedicated this year’s carpet design to the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the longing for peace in Ukraine. In the center, the Holy Spirit was depicted as a dove, with His gifts arranged in a circular pattern around the outer edge. The city’s coat of arms was placed in the upper right corner, with the Ukrainian flag—featuring a dove of peace in the center—opposite it on the left side. Using fine colored gravel, dyed wood shavings, and flowers and leaves, a contemplative work of art took shape in just under two and a half hours.
The High Mass for the Feast of the Patron Saint of Breisach
The solemn Mass began at half past eight in the cathedral. Only Father Bauer, who had fallen ill with COVID-19, was absent from the midst of his congregation. He was ably represented by Dean Peter Nicola, but was still missed. The choir and orchestra provided musical accompaniment for the service and shone with their selection of music, which lent the Mass a very solemn atmosphere. In his festive sermon, delivered with verve, Dean Nicola skillfully wove together the memory of our city’s patron saints with the commandment to love God and the call for peace in Ukraine.
Following the Mass, the people of Breisach—as has been the tradition for many years—processed behind the silver shrine of the town’s patron saints down to the market square, where intercessions were offered and songs for peace were sung. Many houses along the route were festively decorated, a sign that the city’s patronal feast is a highlight of the year for the people of Breisach. After the procession, there was lively celebration at the “Hock” on Münsterplatz, where everyone raised a toast to Gervasius and Protasius.
Photos: Breisach-Merdingen Pastoral Care Unit, Martin Hau
