The town of Würzburg was decked out with banners everywhere with the motto: “HAB MUT – STEH AUF” (Have courage – Stand Up). That excellent motto was repeated again and again.

This was my first Catholic Congress at Würzburg (13–17 May 2026) and it was a wonderful surprise!

Thousands of organisations, clergy, laypeople, politicians, and around 75,000 good people and all were welcome. There was even free public transport.

Würzburg’s schools were closed so that groups could sleep in them. Politicians came in large numbers including the German Prime Minister, Friedrich Merz.

There were hundreds of booths and several hundred presentations and meetings.

Despite a thunderstorm at the opening outdoor mass in the Residenzplatz, the crowds came and the organisation was perfect with over 1000 volunteers.

Here are my stars of the Catholic Congress:

#OutInChurch on the altar

The closing Mass was led by the Head of the German Bishops Conference, Bishop Heiner Wilmer. Amongst the co-celebrants were Cardinal Grech and Pastor Burkhard Hose — a high school priest who is also on the committee of #OutInChurch.

Power shared, not hoarded

Bishop Franz-Josef Overbeck (German Bishops Conference) and Professor Charlotte Kreuter-Kirchhof (ZdK = German Lay Catholics Association) at the Synod booth were particularly credible witnesses for the Synodal Path and Conference.

They both stated that the most important thing is how power is shared. Their mutual respect for each other spoke volumes.

A bishop opens every door

The Auxiliary Bishop of Essen, Ludger Schepers, and the Protestant Sister Nicole Grochowina both spoke in favour of making all offices open to women. Sr Katharina Kluitmann OSF was an excellent facilitator.

Sister Nicole spoke of the more than 50 years of women priests in her church. Bishop Schepers stated clearly that all ministries should be open to women and men.

A student challenges the cardinal

Cardinal Grech spoke about our church as an orchestra where everyone has their part and everyone has to play together.

The 25-year-old theology student Finja Miriam Weber asked good questions: Who decides which instrument one plays? Who is the conductor? The audience cheered her.

At the same event, Julieann Moran (General Secretary of Ireland’s Synodal Pathway) spoke clearly. She listed 3 groups which need to see actions:

• Those at the margins
• Women
• Abuse survivors

• Colm Holmes is Chair of We are Church International.