Parish Festival St. Marien Salzgitter — Assumption of Mary

Assumption of Mary – High Feast and Patronal Festival

The Assumption of Mary, the high feast of the bodily ascension of Mary into heaven, is one of the oldest Marian feasts of the Catholic Church and is celebrated on August 15th. For the parish of St. Marien Salzgitter, this day is also the patronal festival – the church is named after the Mother of God, and thus liturgical high feast and community tradition combine on this day to create a special occasion.

Festive Service and Blessing of Herbs

The festive service begins on the morning of August 15, 2026 (exact time to be confirmed by the parish). The Eucharist is at the center, during which the blessing of herbs takes place – an old devotional tradition that binds seven or nine different herbs (usually mugwort, chamomile, St. John's wort, sage, thyme, yarrow, lavender) into a bunch of herbs on the Assumption of Mary and blesses them at the altar. The blessed herbs are traditionally kept at home – they are said to protect the house and farm and remind us of the connection between creation and salvation.

Community Festival in the Parish Garden

Following the service, the parish invites you to the community festival. Offered are:

• Grilled food – sausages, steaks, vegetarian alternatives
• Salads – freshly made by parish members
• Cakes and pies – from the community bakery
• Drinks – beer, wine, juices, water, coffee
• Music program – church choir, possibly wind ensemble
• Children's program – bouncy castle, craft activities, face painting
• Fellowship – at beer tables in the parish garden

Open to All

The parish festival is open to all – members of the parish, fellow citizens, guests from other denominations or with no religious affiliation. Admission is free, and proceeds from the sale of food and drinks benefit the community work.