Our Path of Luther Ends in Augsburg

We’re on our way to Dinkelsbuehl for a lunch stop as we pick up our Luther tour in Augsburg. There was time for some eating, shopping and visiting local churches. Many from our group found an exceptional wood carving store where the work of Holzschnitzerei Buckl is sold. His mostly religious carvings highlight Catholic saints, Christ, crosses and nativities. We bought a cross with a carved vine and leaves—“I am the living vine and you are the branches.” We also bought a small nativity with Joseph, Mary and small baby Jesus that fits in Mary’s lap to complete the scene. We fell in love with them both. You can see samples and order from his website at www.rosa-buckl.de, and you will find many fine works to choose from.

 

Unfortunately, Anna, one of the older members of our tour, fell in the street. She already was using a walker. We fear that she may have broken her leg, but it turned out that it was her hip. The ambulance came to take her to the local hospital. Her husband Carl and her bus followed to find out the extent of her injuries. She had surgery that night and was in recovery when we went to bed. Pastor led us on a prayer for healing for Anna. We hope to hear more as we continue on the trip. I shared information on Medjet to Carl so that he might check out how to get Anna home if needed. If you travel a lot, look into Medjet as it is an inexpensive insurance to fly you home on a medical jet with full care for free if you are injured away from home. Lorie and I have the coverage.

 

There was also time for lightness. During a long local traffic jam, Rosey had a few stories to share. When a US traveler asked a Swiss train conductor where the “restroom” was? He, thinking that they were asking for a restaurant said that there was not one on this train but that they would drive a cart up the aisle many times. They all laughed. Another Swiss hostess was asked about where the “restroom” was, and she replied, “You can sit and rest anywhere.”  

 

Augsburg was a metropolis during Roman times and famous for old trade dynasties during the Middle Ages. Luther visited twice, first on his trip to Rome 1510-1511 that soured him on the church’s use of indulgences and relics. While in Augsburg, he stayed with the Augustinian lay-friars in the Church of the Holy Cross.

 

His second visit was in 1518 when he was called by the emperor to recant his 95 Theses and other writings. It was in the Fugger villa where he was expected to revoke his teachings. Luther stayed for his half-month stay at the Carmelite Friary next to the Church of St. Anne.

 

It was a frustrating trip for Luther. He was expecting a discussion, but at his three meetings with the Legate Cardinal Cajetan, Cajetan kept interrupting his statements by saying that all that was necessary was to recant and nothing more. After the third meeting, he left secretly by night to make his way back to Wittenberg. He said of his interrogator, that he was no more likely to understand his arguments than a donkey is to play a harp.

 

We saw the St. Ann’s Church where Martin Luther took refuge while dealing with Cardinal Cajetan. There is now a street there named after Luther, and St. Anne Church is reportedly the oldest Lutheran Church. It was under repair at the time of the visit, but it was still a joy to see.

 

Our guide also showed us the Fuggerei founded by Jakob Fugger in 1521 as a home for needy Catholics who through no fault of their own had fallen into poverty. The cost even today is 85 cents a year for those over fifty citizens who are in need. The units have been updated but the cost remains nominal. The only cost, besides utilities, is the promise to account for a certain number of hours of prayer daily for the founders. The Fuggers were Catholics who at the time believed in purgatory and sold indulgences. They felt that the prayers of all the needy would help them minimize their time there. Described as the richest man of his time, Jakob certain put some of his money to work.

 

We also saw the magnificent Golden Hall in the City Hall. Bombed in World War II, the city has renovated the hall to match the original built between 1615-20 by Elias Holl. It is one of Germany’s finest examples of Mannerist architecture and is used for city events and concerts. So we went from welfare through the ages to opulence on one walk.

 

We are now in our room at the Dornt Hotel in Augsburg. It is said to be modeled after the Marina Towers Hotel in Chicago. It is very nice. This tour has been very well organized with fine meals and hotels throughout. It’s again time for eating, devotion and maybe a little resting on our balcony.