EU Bishops to hold WWI commemoration in Verdun on 11 November

On the eve of their Autumn Plenary in Brussels (12-13 November 2014), COMECE Bishops together with their CCEE counterparts, will pay tribute to those who lost their lives on battle fields of the First World War.

Following a wish expressed by Cardinal Reinhard Marx, to mark the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the 1st World War, a delegation of bishops, which represent two overlapping associations of European episcopal conferences (CCEE & COMECE) will be in Verdun on 11th November. The delegation will be led by His Eminence Reinhard Cardinal Marx, Archbishop of Munich and Freising and President of COMECE, whilst CCEE whilst CCEE will be represented by His Eminence Vinko Cardinal Puljic, the Archbishop of Vrhbosna (Sarajevo).

The French COMECE delegate, His Excellency Mgr Jean-Pierre Grallet, Archbishop of Strasbourg, and the host bishop, His Excellency Mgr Jean-Paul Gusching, will play a prominent role in the commemorative ceremonies. There will be two simple prayer services at the Ossuaire de Douaumont at 2.30pm and 3pm while at 4.30pm, Vespers for the Dead will be celebrated in the crypt of the Cathedral Notre Dame in Verdun. The faithful are cordially invited to join the bishops at both Douaumont and the Cathedral.

Source: COMECE