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美しい景色

The statues of the Three Wise Men (Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar), which line the rear path leading to the so-called Pope's Hill in the Marienfeld near Kerpen, are present here primarily because the 20th World Youth Day—whose closing Mass was celebrated here—was held under the motto: "We have come to worship Him." This passage comes from the Gospel of Matthew (chapter 2) and, following the words "We saw his star when it rose and...", is spoken by the Magi from the East who sought out the newborn King of the Jews, Jesus Christ. The biblical text does not refer to them as kings, nor does it mention their names or number; the latter was inferred from the three gifts (gold, frankincense, and myrrh). Their relics have been in Cologne since 1165 and are still venerated there today.

Only a cross remains to mark the former cemetery where generations of people found their (supposed) final resting place. But the cemetery, like the entire village, had to make way for the open-cast lignite mine.

Adolph Kolping, mentioned here, was born in Kerpen in 1813. He initially trained as a shoemaker, but later became a priest and is known by the honorary title "Father of Journeymen." This is because he dedicated his priestly life and work primarily to these people. The Kolping Society, which is active internationally today, traces its origins back to his initiative. He died in 1865 and was beatified in 1991.

Nicely designed information point with informative panels.

The severe flooding in July 2021 demonstrated the importance of flood protection and flood control measures. Here in the south of Cologne, the storms also caused extensive damage, but by retaining water, worse outcomes can often be prevented.

Beautiful cross by the wayside, commemorating the Kolping movement.

A lovely spot on a beautiful sunny day. But with the gray winter weather of the last few days, one dreams of warmer weather and moves on without having accomplished anything.