Weißenhorn, Germany. The Claretian Missionaries of the Province of Germany celebrated the 100th anniversary of Claretinerkolleg Weißenhorn on 13 July, 2025, marking a century of commitment to education, spiritual formation, and community life. Founded in 1925 as the first Progymnasium (preparatory high school) of the Claretians in Germany, the institution has evolved into a dynamic center for youth ministry, faith development, and social education.
Now known as the House of Encounter St. Claret, the center hosts orientation days, extracurricular programs, a private Montessori school, and regional church youth initiatives.
To honor this milestone, a Pontifical Mass was celebrated on Sunday, July 13, presided over by Bishop Dr. Bertram Meier of the Diocese of Augsburg. Centered on the theme “Education, Community, and Faith,” the Mass paid tribute to the legacy of the Claretian founder, Saint Anthony Mary Claret.
In his homily, Bishop Meier reflected on a guiding quote from Claret’s autobiography: “The most necessary virtue is love.” He posed the question of how Claret might speak to today’s world and offered three key reflections inspired by the founder’s life:
The bishop concluded by thanking the Claretian community for their century of dedication in Weißenhorn. “Through the intercession of Saint Anthony Mary Claret,” he said, “may the Lord continue to guide your religious community with His Holy Spirit so that you may proclaim God’s love with renewed vigor.”
