Numerous people came to the forecourt of the basilica during the day to stock up on various home-made products: be it the delicacies from the monastery kitchen and Christmas bakery or the pretty handcrafted little things (Konradshof), be it the warming knitwear or creative Advent and door wreaths, or spicy things from Peru and India. Friendly ‘external suppliers’ also enriched the offer with Peruvian goods (Turmanyay e.V.), honey products (Hartmann), candles (Kirchschletten) or sewing products (Caros Nähkästchen), useful items (Kinderstiftung Hoffnungsstrahl). In the Franciscan information centre, co-sisters offered ‘second-hand Christmas goods’.
A special highlight were the small food magnets. They were sold symbolically. With the purchase of one of these foodstuffs, e.g. a bag of rice, they are actually bought in the comedores (soup kitchens) in Peru.
And of course, the Owie was not to be missed. Not only children were happy when they found it and got something sweet in return. And if you don't know who Owie is, just come to the bazaar next time: Saturday, 22 November 2025
You could warm up at heated bar tables and enjoy coffee, mulled wine, punch, homemade cakes, sausages or vegetarian stew.
‘Over 60 volunteers from near and far support our Franciscan sisters here at the bazaar. The bakers from the region provide us with delicious cakes. A heartfelt ‘Thank you God’ to all the helpers,’ said Sister Claudia, who organised the event.
Many visitors came to the basilica for an hour of reflection. Texts and meditative music set the mood for the Advent season.
As always, most of the Advent wreaths and arrangements were sold within a short space of time. ‘For ecological reasons, we are taking back the straw bunting (inner part of the Advent wreath), the candle holders and the bowls and other containers from the arrangements. We would be delighted if these items could be handed in clean at the gate of the motherhouse after Christmas,’ explained Sister Claudia.
The bazaar is organised by the support community of the St Francis Sisters, the Weggemeinschaft, the Turmanyay together with the St Francis Sisters. ‘All the proceeds from the bazaar go to various social projects with which the Franciscan Sisters have direct contact. For example in India, Croatia, Peru, Tanzania, Israel and Germany. In the district of Lichtenfels, we support the Konradshof and the food banks in Lichtenfels and Burgkunstadt,’ explained Holger Then from the support organisation.