650 years of Sebastianus Brotherhood: A look at tradition and change

The St. Sebastianus Brotherhood in St. Wendel, founded in 1441, celebrates a remarkable anniversary this year. The brotherhood emerged from the need to help the population in times of plague and famine. Originally shaped from citizens of all social classes, it still pursues the goal of granting needy support today. The patron saint on January 20, which is dedicated to St. Sebastian (the patron against the plague) and St. Fabian (to whom patron against famine), attracts many members to festive services and celebrations every year.

Aktuell the brotherhood has around 250 to 300 members who are composed of various social classes, and is led by the brother master Anton Stier and other brother council members. The brotherhood has experienced numerous changes over the centuries, but always remained loyal to their commitment to help co -citizens without interruption. A central component of their commitment is the establishment of a poor fund, which is mainly used in emergency situations and to support the poor in the city.

organization and membership

The St. Sebastianus Brotherhood is based on a medieval craftsman guild in its structure and is open to men and women. The members have the opportunity to register newborns according to the family tradition. This registration usually takes place on Sebastian Day in the brotherhood restaurant, which is currently the Café Lerner. The amount of the donations that the members do varies annually and is subject to the donor's own discretion.

Religious ceremonies such as services and burials are also part of the tasks of the brotherhood as the promotion of the community spirit. The brother council is responsible for control over the finances, which also decides on the allocation of donations. A special feature of the Brotherhood is the confidentiality requirement for the members of the Brother Council, which ensures respectful and adequate use of confidential information.

contact information

For those interested, the Brotherhood offers extensive opportunities to get involved in community life. Here are the contact details of the senior members:

• brother master: Anton J. Stier, Osteralstraße 286, 66606 St. Wendel, phone: 06851 839070
• brother writer: Gerd Schmitt, Schulstraße 6, 66606 St. Wendel, phone: 06851 830899
• Bruderknecht: Bernd Naumann, Hospitalstraße 33, 66606 St. Wendel, phone: 06851 2491

The brotherhood pursues an over -confessional approach and accepts donations without reputation for social or denominational belonging. The account information for donations are:

• Kreissparkasse St. Wendel: BIC Salade51wnd, IBAN DE7159251020000003733
• st. Wendeler Volksbank: BIC Genode51wen, IBAN DE559291000000000144410

Further information about the activities and the history of the brotherhood can be found at the Saarbrücker Zeitung The Sebastianus-Bruderschaft .