Pfarrkriche Siebenlinden

Information about the church

Siebenlinden was mentioned in a document as early as 1217 by Hadmar II of Kuenring. At that time, the village was named after seven lime trees standing near the settlement. Today there are seven lime trees in front of the church.

The Roman Catholic parish church of St. James the Elder is a patronage church of Zwettl Abbey. The church is a listed building.

Originally there was a castle chapel of St. Sebastian on the castle hill, which was demolished after 1782. The church, which was essentially Romanesque and then Gothic after reconstruction in the 15th century, was baroqueized in 1662 and elevated to parish church status in 1784. The nave was altered in 1784. The church was renovated in 1911. The quarry stone wall to the north of the church dates from the second half of the 19th century.

Treat yourself

St. James, also known as James the Elder, patron saint of the Siebenlinden parish church, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and is considered one of the most important saints in the Christian tradition. He is particularly well known as the patron saint of pilgrims and is often associated with the famous Camino de Santiago, which leads to his burial place in Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

The life of St. James

St. James was the son of Zebedee and Salome and the brother of the apostle John. He belonged to the closest circle of Jesus' disciples and witnessed important events such as the transfiguration of Christ on Mount Tabor. After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, James is said to have preached the gospel, possibly also on the Iberian Peninsula, before returning to Jerusalem, where he was the first of the apostles to suffer martyrdom in the year 44. According to tradition, his remains were later brought to Santiago de Compostela, where they have been venerated ever since.

The Way of St. James, a network of pilgrimage routes leading to the tomb of the saint, has been one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites since the Middle Ages. This pilgrimage is not only a physical journey, but also a mental and spiritual experience that is deeply connected to the idea of inner contemplation and self-discovery.

"Treat yourself to yourself"

"Treat yourself" in connection with St. James can be understood as an invitation to embark on a pilgrimage - be it an actual hike like the Way of St. James or our St. Bernard's Way or a metaphorical journey of the spirit. St. James' life and the legacy of the Way of St. James embody the idea that one should take time to encounter oneself, deepen one's faith and renew oneself inwardly.

The St. Bernard's Way as a pilgrimage is a symbolic expression of this inner journey. The efforts of the path, the encounters with other pilgrims, the moments of silence and reflection are all elements that help you to rediscover yourself and establish a deeper connection with God. The trail offers the opportunity to leave everyday life behind, to "treat yourself" and to reflect on the questions of life and faith.

Conclusion

"Treat yourself" in connection with St. James means consciously embarking on a journey - be it a physical pilgrimage or an inner spiritual journey - to encounter yourself and find a deeper relationship with God. James' life and the tradition of the Way of St. James remind us that such journeys can help us to leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind us, to reflect and grow inwardly. It is an invitation to give ourselves the time and space to nurture our own spiritual health and explore the true meaning of life.

"Come to me, all you who labor and carry heavy burdens. You will find rest with me." (Matthew 11:28)

This biblical passage fits well with the experience of pilgrims on the Way of St. James, which is often associated with the search for renewal, comfort and spiritual refreshment. It is an invitation to allow yourself the time and space to experience this inner renewal.