KNA REPORT:
Benedictine priest Christoph Gerhard with his telescope, which enables him to look into the stars.Münsterschwarzach - his Christmas greetings graced this time an image from the seventeenth century. Angel playing on it with a comet. The stars have been the religious. "I am a small man, only 1.80 meters tall, and can overlook but billions of light years - that alone is already madness", says Father Christoph Gerhard. He was prior of the Benedictine Abbey in Bavaria in Münsterschwarzach and amateur astronomer. More than ten years ago, he has revived the old monastic tradition of astronomy.
In a remote corner of the abbey grounds, far away of convent, Church and convent high school, he has established his Observatory with lens and Newton telescope. Early in the morning or late at night he gazes into the endless expanses of space. His uncle have inspired him as a 12 year olds for astronomy. When he then entered the monastery, had he let rest the hobby. The master encouraged him however to look again at the star.
Scientists and religious
Father Christoph, that more than 100 comets, clusters and nebulae that are named after the French astronomer Charles Messier appreciates in particular the so-called Messier objects. Better scan he wants it - with success: some photographs of name were published in journals, in addition, he regularly organises exhibitions. Father Christoph is scientist through and through. Before entering the monastery he studied electrical engineering. Mathematical calculations make it fun.
But especially the connection between faith and science fascinate the 47-year old monk. Naturally, the view of the stars at first is an impressive natural experience. Its remotest Galaxy a quasar, more than nine billion light years was gone. "As two thirds to the edge of the universe to be able to see, is already class that", he enthuses. But since there is also the theological aspect: a man could overlook 14 billion light years. "When you consider these sizes and widths, how big must God be then?"
Astronomy and spirituality
The man is indeed small, but large enough to understand this. "To match size and smallness of people is benediktinisch." Father Christoph has written a book with his theological considerations: "Astronomy and spirituality: The star of Bethlehem". The connection was so not a problem. "You will prove only then tricky when scientists begin anything of the faith to believe." "Or any believers think that science must be guided by their faith."
And how get on being monk and hunting for the stars? The times of prayer, have priority says Father Christoph. Even if just at this time about the Comet Lulin emerges. However, the weather is vital for "the small yearning" of father. Eight weeks only crummy, this is not at all. "After a long nice weather period I sit then already much hid in the choir stalls: there I have fueled enough star."
Note: 16 stars pictures of father Christoph Gerhard can be seen until 30 March under the title "The sky tell the glory of God" in the Guest House of the Benedictine Abbey of Münsterschwarzach.
By Christian Wölfel
\SOURCE http://www.katholisch.de/Nachricht.aspx?NId=7629
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