BIBLE STUDIES REFLECTIONS FROM THE “GEBETSATELIER KEVELAER”
"TEXTS FROM KEVELAER"
Dear visitors of the “Gebetsatelier Kevelaer” website,
Kevelaer is a town with about 29,000 people in the western part of Germany.
It is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage places in Europe.
Since 1642, believers have been coming to Kevelaer to pray and, in some cases, to receive spiritual help. This tradition began after a merchant named Hendrick Busman had a vision.
Every year, up to 800,000 pilgrims visit the town, including many individuals and groups from Germany and other countries.
This number includes both organized pilgrimage groups and people who come on their own.
In 2024, about 650 pilgrimage groups were welcomed. But it is hard to know the exact number of all pilgrims because people do not have to register.
The pilgrimage season usually starts on May 1st and ends on November 1st.
One of the largest single pilgrimages is the Tamil pilgrimage, with several thousand participants.
There are also special pilgrimages with motorcycles, tractors, and more.
This is where the “TEXTS FROM KEVELAER” come from.
Here you will find sermon-style reflections based on the Sunday readings and the respective Gospel passage, as they are proclaimed in the Catholic Church’s liturgy.
The intended audience includes people of all Christian denominations who wish not only to briefly hear these biblical texts but also to understand them more deeply.
The following principles were observed in the creation of each reflection:
Presentation of the relevant Bible texts in a shortened and paraphrased form
Use of contemporary, accessible language
Inclusion of practical, everyday examples to illustrate key messages
Consideration of historical and biblical scholarship (specialist literature)
Exploration of the inner connection between the two readings and the Gospel
Clear identification of the core message, including a title or theme
Use of direct quotations with precise source references
Citation of sources in Chicago style, including footnotes, page numbers, and URLs
The reflections are written from an ecumenical perspective and are suitable for evangelical Christians, members of free churches, and Catholics alike. Various Bible translations were used, as well as digital tools, apps, and study Bibles (e.g., the New Jerusalem Bible, Geneva Study Bible, Elberfelder Study Bible, and others).
Each reflection is developed in the following steps:
Step 1: Creation of a basic structure using various apps
Step 2: Revision, partial rephrasing, and extension of the basic structure
Step 3: Addition of real-life examples
Step 4: Enrichment with background information from the study Bibles
Step 5: Rewriting of the central message
Step 6: Review and expansion of source references
These steps are ongoing—even after publication on this website.
NOTE: Dear pastors, pastoral ministers, and all others who preach:
My emphasis on addressing all three biblical texts is not meant as criticism. Rather, it is intended as a complement to your sermons—perhaps for use in family devotions or personal reflection.
The texts are freely available for non-commercial use and may be used, for example, in sermons, Bible study groups, etc. Many of the ideas expressed here also find their way into the activities of the Gebetsatelier Kevelaer.
You can find the individual reflections in the menu on the left.
Do you have questions or suggestions for improvement? Spotted a typo?
Feel free to get in touch!
Warm regards,
Werner Jung