Speaking publicly for the first time since leaving Rome after the death of Benedict, Gänswein made it disarmingly clear that he is no stranger to emotional turmoil and desolation.
“Every person longs to be accepted,” the 67-year-old reflected during his sermon, a sentiment that seemed to echo his personal journey. The archbishop alluded to the many doors that had been shut in his face, the “slander from the shadows,” and the profound feelings of loneliness one can grapple with.
His words struck a chord, not just for their theological depth, but because they revealed a man coming to terms with his past and seeking a path forward.
The Marian shrine’s director, Monsignor Erwin Reichart, speaking of Gänswein’s visit, remarked: “In Maria Vesperbild, he is primarily seen as an archbishop, a successor to the Apostles. But beyond titles and roles, he’s a man who has found a semblance of ‘home’ here.”
Gänswein’s departure from the Vatican following the death of Benedict XVI and subsequent dismissal by Pope Francis had left many speculating about his future. His relocation to his home diocese of Freiburg, away from the epicenter of Catholic power, was seen by some as a fall from grace. Yet, in his recent appearance, there was a sense of rejuvenation. His humorous remark during a book presentation — “I am here, looking for work, so to speak” — showcased a resilient spirit laced with a touch of humility.
As the Tagespost noted, almost a decade ago Gänswein celebrated the pontifical Mass on the solemnity of the Assumption in the local Fátima grotto. This year, he returned to Maria Vesperbild, not just as a celebrant but as a beacon of faith for many — and a point of personal connection to the late Bavarian pontiff, Benedict XVI.
The open-air Mass at Maria Vesperbild, followed by a candle-lit procession through the woods, is an annual highlight, drawing thousands. But this year, with Gänswein at the helm, it held a special significance. His association with the pilgrimage site was evident in the warmth with which he was received.
While the future remains uncertain for the archbishop, his appearance suggests a man on a path of redemption and acceptance, ready to embrace whatever lies ahead.
AC Wimmer is the News Editor for Europe and Asia at EWTN News. The multilingual Australian, raised in Bavaria and South Africa, served as editor-in-chief of several news media outlets. A graduate in Philosophy and Chinese Studies from the University of Melbourne, the veteran journalist is a former Honorary Research Fellow in Communications at his alma mater and served on the Board of Caritas in Munich.
