Day Three • Altötting -> Prague

We started with an early breakfast and boarded the bus for Altötting. And yes, the weather was BEAUTIFUL -- sunny, blue skies, in the 70's.

So what's Altötting famous for? It's the number one holy shrine in Bavaria -- though many in America have never heard of the Black Madonna of Altötting, people have been flocking here for hundreds of years. Father Ralph (the younger) presided at Mass in the chapel right under the statue of the Madonna and our pilgrims and others who had come to pray, filled the tiny chapel for mass.

After a tour of the churches in thearea, we were off to lunch, and then a five-hour ride across the Czech border to Prague. We're staying at the Don Giovanni Hotel where had a nice supper. Then, off to bed, for our first tour of Prague begins tomorrow.

    
                           
A final cup of coffee with Ernie and Adela Rivera before we leave Munich.
 
                              The town center of Altötting.        
                               
                                                                                         
Various scenes from around Altötting.        
   
   
  The statue of the Black Madonna of Altötting.
   
                                                                             
                 
  Over the years, thousands of artists have portrayed the miraculous healing of many at Altötting. The paintings surround the exterior of the chapel.      
                 
                                                                     
        The chapel of Our Lady.                                    
                                                                     
                                                                                     
                                                                                                                       
  Brother Konrad was a humble gatekeeper and farmer who was canonized right after the Nazi rise to power as the church wanted to extol humility in the face of the the Nazi call for ruthless power.                  
 

Konrad's fountain is known to have healing powers for the eyes. However I still need my glasses.

                
 
                      Konrad is buried below the altar.                    
                   
                                               
                                 
                                                         
A Tale of Two More Churches
The Parish Church of St Philippus & Jacob         The Basilica of Saint Anne
 
                               
                                                               
                                     
                     
           

At the top of this very tall clock (see left) is a skelaton --it signifies "your time is up" and was put there in the time of the plagues.
Speaking of death, there was a funeral about to start at St. Anne's so we moved on to happier moments.
 
               
         
Photos of first communion children on a banner.
 
   
 
 
     
                                                             
     

Yes, it was a happy lunch in Altötting.

Then onto the bus for the trip to Prague.

"Czeck" out the trip here.

    
Read more about our Lady of Altötting.