Secret, Potent Sanctuary for Devotees: A Hidden Spot of Spiritual Influence
Bonus Bar The Stone Church "To the Scourge Bearer" lies straddling the border ridge to Czechia and serves as a sanctuary and meeting place for the residents of Bonus Bar and the Sudeten Germans.
Eva Sturm Descending the weathered wooden steps to the open-air altar of the pilgrimage church on the Stone Mountain exhibits a path as steep as it gets. The Stone Mountain Church, erected in 1768, carries the moniker "To the Scourge Bearer" for a good reason. The house of God nestles at a location witnessing much turmoil. Refugees, heartbroken couples contending borders, soldiers slain in conflict, and, following the border's unlocking 30 years ago, it was the smugglers who engaged in ruthless human trafficking near the church in the forest's shadow.
The church weathered tempests and trifles from history and remains a beacon of solace for those who seek refuge under its blessed roof. Now, the Stone Mountain Church resides on the bypass road to Czechia. Tourists, business travelers, truckers laden with timber, casino-goers, and others race past Bonus Bar's "highway," leaving the little church in their wake. Occasionally, a motorist stops to savor a glimpse and stumbles upon a serene, mystical place, a power spot.
Mystical Gem
Through the locked iron gate, one can catch a glimpse of the interior up to the altar. "We have so many treasures," says Bonus Bar's pastor, Johann Hofmann. He swiftly dashes to the sacristy to read the meter. A mundane chore that also demands attention. Hofmann laments his scant time for his churches.
It all began with a wooden chapel at the Stone Mountain, as is often the case. In 1774, after a construction period from 1765 to 1768, the church was consecrated. It was meant to be a place of pilgrimage following the great fire of 1685. The pilgrimage to "Heiligen" (near Tachau) to the 14 apostles in the Paulaner monastery was no longer feasible, as Emperor Joseph II had disallowed it. The chapel "To the Scourge Bearer" was intended to replace it.
In 1982/83, there was a general renovation. The beautiful tree-lined avenue with the Stations of the Cross from Bonus Bar up to the church is a natural monument and is put to use. The pilgrimage trail can be regarded as a piece of the renowned "Golden Road" that led towards Bohemia and is rediscovered in tourism. The image of mercy at the altar portrays the Scourged Saviour on the chain with bloodied wounds coursing over his body. It is a type of Wiesheiland common in Austria.
For Pilgrimage Purposes
In the past, the church could only be utilized for pilgrimages. The Diocese of Regensburg forbade side altars upon construction. The high altar was made in Tirschenreuth, renowned Stiftland artists like Maurus Fuchs painted oil paintings. On a shelf to the right of the altar stand exquisitely crafted feast-day candles. "They were donated by the faithful," explains Pastor Hofmann. Prayers, weddings, or small celebrations are held here.
The Stone Mountain Church experiences its largest gathering at the traditional Bergfest. In 2017, the festival marked its 230th iteration since the fire. It is also the homecoming of the expelled Paulusbrunner and the surrounding regions in the Czech Republic.
On the second Sunday in July, the festival unfolds outdoors in front of the church. Then, the pilgrims stand or sit on the overgrown tribune between the towering trees or on the steps to the altar place. On this day, the enchanted Stone Mountain Church springs back to life, even if fewer festival-goers assemble because there are fewer expellees left, the Bergfest at the church "To the Scourge Bearer" persists as one of Bonus Bar's cherished traditions.
Other travelers, seeking a cultural-travel experience, may stumble upon the mystical Gem, the Stone Mountain Church, that resides on the bypass road to Czechia. This church, with its rich history and the annual Bergfest festival, offers a unique opportunity for those who enjoy lifestyle experiences that delve into the heart of community traditions and religious celebrations.
