OUR ANNIVERSARY
175 years Bonifatiuswerk
The Bonifatiuswerk of German Catholics celebrates three birthdays in the year 2024: 50 years of Northern Europe Aid, 75 years of Transportation Aid, and 175 years of Bonifatiuswerk.
On October 4th 1849, Catholics in Regensburg established the 'Bonifatiusverein' (Boniface Association), which later evolved into today's Bonifatiuswerk of German Catholics. At the 'Third General Assembly of Catholic Associations in Germany,' the precursor to today's Catholic Congresses, the founders decided that the Bonifatiusverein should provide aid 'for poor Catholic communities' in the diaspora and serve as a 'missionary association in and for Germany.
Looking into the 175-year history reveals the work of the aid organization for the faith. A moving past in times of war and peace, with German division, expansion of support for Northern Europe and the Baltic States, investment in wheels (transportation aid), stones (building aid), and people (child and faith aid, staff positions, and intern programs), creative fundraising, initiatives and actions: all of these offer many exciting stories.
175 YEARS OF
SOLIDARITY
On October 4th, 175 years ago, the Bonifatiuswerk was founded by dedicated laypeople and priests in Regensburg.
SAINT
BONIFACE
He is called the Apostle of the Germans and is considered the decisive messenger of faith who profoundly established Christianity in German lands: Saint Boniface.
OUR
HISTORY
Founded in 1849 as the 'Bonifatiusverein für die katholische Mission in Deutschland' (Boniface Association for Catholic Mission in Germany) by committed Catholic laypeople and priests, the Bonifatiuswerk has undergone a tumultuous history. view history
BACK TO THE YEAR 1954
2024: 175 YEARS BONIFATIUSWERK
MILESTONES
1849
Founded as „Missionsverein für Deutschland mit dem Namen Bonifatiusverein“ ("Missions Association for Germany named Bonifatius Association.")
1885
Founding of the Bonifatius Collecting Association (later Diaspora Children's Aid) by merchants from Paderborn
1918
For the first time, First communion children in Germany collect donations for projects of the Bonifatiuswerk's child and youth aid
1949
Founding of Diaspora-MIVA (transportation aid)
1966
First ever Diaspora-Sonntag (diaspora sunday)
1968
Change of name to „Bonifatiuswerk der deutschen Katholiken“
1974
The support of the Bonifatiuswerk is expanded to Northern Europe
1995
The support is expanded even more, to Estonia and Latvia
2011
Bonifatiuswerk launches "Praktikum im Norden" (Internship in the North) intern program
2016
Operationally, the organization is now led by a two-person executive board. Additionally the Satzung und Standortvergewisserung (reaffirmation of the organizational mission and pastoral orientation) is approved
2019
The Bonifatiuswerk receives the donation certificate from the German Fundraising Council (Spendenzertifikats des Deutschen Spendenrats e. V.)
2023
Release of the firm-app
YOUR CONTACT
Please send any press related feedback and press inquiries as well as the request to be incorporated in our press mailing to:
Matthias Band
Chief Communication Officer
Bonifatiuswerk der deutschen Katholiken e.V.
Kamp 22, 33098 Paderborn
05251 29 96-43
matthias.band@bonifatiuswerk.de