Report a translation error in this part
Celebrating in times of global wars and crises - is that even possible or morally appropriate? Is there anything to celebrate at all? We think so: there is something good to celebrate! We need to celebrate as a break from everyday life in order to recognise the many small and large successes that we encounter in our daily work. We celebrate to maintain a sense of community and trust. Is there possibly much more good in the world than we think?
In the Brazilian state of Pernambuco, civil society is showing courage and creativity in the face of authoritarianism and celebrating a new beginning. Every year, the "Jamel rocks the forester" festival sets an example for democracy and diversity where hatred and agitation are otherwise at home. In Ghana, West Africa, family, neighbours and friends come together at funerals to visibly celebrate the life that has passed. In Cameroon's capital Douala, a young chef celebrates the joy of food together with his guests.
Celebration is a way of life that not only helps us survive - without suppressing reality. Celebratory moments are a prerequisite for being able to think and act beyond the existing. This is the only way to gather enough energy to face the challenges of the future, to bring about change and perhaps to grow from the circumstances.
Celebrate ten years of frings with us! Order the latest issue of frings magazine now and experience inspiring stories from people who have something to say.
Report a translation error in this part
Don't want to miss another issue? Then subscribe to frings. now digitally or as a print edition!
Report a translation error in this part
Would you like to have the magazine delivered to your home by post? Then order the print edition here.
Report a translation error in this part
Cardinal Joseph Frings is the eponym for our magazine, which we are pleased to publish twice a year to inform you about topics, trends, theories and facts relating to Misereor.
Frings, who lived in Cologne by choice and was the founding father of Misereor, first became known far beyond the borders of his archdiocese not for giving, but for receiving. In his New Year's Eve sermon in 1946, Joseph Frings authorised the stealing of coal as a last resort for the starving and freezing people of Cologne to bring some warmth into their bombed-out homes.
With a twinkle in his eye, the procurement of food and heating fuel for acute personal needs became proverbial as "fringsen".
When prosperity became apparent in Germany in the late 1950s, Joseph Frings focussed on giving with a central question that ultimately led to the founding of the aid organisation Misereor: What can we do about injustice and unequal life chances in the world?
The answer still sends a signal today. "Give them something to eat" was the motto of the Lenten campaign in the founding years. And Frings went on to call on people to "speak to the conscience of the powerful from the Gospel". Especially in today's world, this mission must be realised.
Joseph Frings was a visionary philanthropist - we need such role models today more than ever. That is why we gave the Misereor magazine the name "frings.".
