As it got dark, we decided to go back to the Dom to end our day there. As we approached, the 5:45 bells started peeling. It was glorious!
Once inside the cathedral, we could see some big event was anticipated. The chapel was fill with people and cameramen were at the back, ready to record. After a few minutes, a processional sounded from the organ pipes above, and we stepped to the side as a long line of important religious leaders started filing into the cathedral. They were coming from a peacekeeping meeting held in another hall nearby.
We stood by, quietly watching.
I later found this report in the local news:
CATHEDRAL TALK ON KARLSAMT
Saturday, January 27, 24, 4:30 p.m
High-ranking guests, representatives of the knightly orders in impressive robes and a lot of tradition: the Karlsamt, which is celebrated every year at the end of January in Frankfurt’s St. Bartholomew Cathedral, is a popular spectacle. The traditional pontifical mass is celebrated in memory of Emperor Charlemagne, who is not only the founding father of Europe, but also the patron of the city and the imperial cathedral. In 2024 it will take place on Saturday, January 27th, 6 p.m., the guest celebrant is Vincenzo Viva, Bishop of Albano / Italy. Registration or seat reservation is not necessary.
The Karlsamt is a pontifical mass held in Frankfurt am Main , which is celebrated annually in honor of Charlemagne around his death and memorial day , January 28th.
In the Frankfurt Imperial Cathedral , once the coronation church of German emperors , the Charlemagne celebration since 1332 takes place on the last Saturday in January to commemorate the anniversary of Charlemagne’s death (assassinated in 1165).
We didn’t stay for the service, but we enjoyed hearing the Latin music as we left. I felt grateful to see so many good men and women gathering to talk about and pray for peace in Europe. There are so many good people who turn to God.
John in his pastry glory, for one last Backerei as we headed to the U-Bahn to come home!
Our Frankfurt Germany Mission 