In heavy rain, the marquee on the Pfaffenboden was full for the yodelling mass with the alphorn players. Community leader Benjamin Meier invited guests to stay for greetings from the presidents and a speech by the chronicler, who spoke of four old aunts to be celebrated today: 150 years of the residents‘, citizens’, corporate and Catholic parishes.

Such an anniversary may not seem so exciting, but it is certainly cause for gratitude: 150 years of tried and tested institutions that shape and promote public order (‘liberté - égalité - fraternité’). Freedom of establishment was and is both an achievement and a challenge. We can be grateful to have suitable, strong institutions for this. The President of the Church Council spoke with reason about the future. It is surprising to discover that the Protestant Reformed parish of the Canton of Zug is even older than the Catholic parishes in the canton! The government council had already approved a separate parish for Protestant immigrants in 1867, with foresight and without a legal basis, which was only created later for all parishes. In Walchwil, we will also be celebrating 60 years of existence of our pretty Reformed church next Sunday.

In any case, the Reformed are happy about the four ‘old aunts’ in the village: the residents‘, citizens’, corporate and Catholic parishes. We congratulate them on their anniversary!

Hans Ruedi Kilchsperger
Bezirkskirchenpflege Ressort Walchwil