Bayerischer Rundfunk and ORF are shooting a book by Pastor Schiessler

MUNICH / VIENNA, May 15, 2022 (KAP) Franz Xaver Bugner depicts the book “Hemel, Hergot, Sacrament” by Reverend Rainer Maria Schisler, known outside Munich. Filming will continue with Stefan Ziner, Anne Schaeffer and Erwin Steinhauer, among others, in the Bavarian capital until July 21, Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR) and ORF announced on Sunday. The six-part, 45-minute series is based on Schiessler’s bestselling book. The pastor of Saint Maximilian is firm in his faith, but he is openly critical of the Catholic Church. “Himmel, Herrgott, Sakrament” is expected to be shown on ORF 2 in 2023.

Screenplays for the series were written by Bogner, Marcus Pfeiffer and Stefan Betz, it was said. “Himmel, Herrgott, Sakrament” stands in the tradition of the Munich comedy series, but does not evade the big questions of faith today.

It tells the story of Reverend Hans Reiser (Zinner), who, after happy years as a pastor in the country, took charge of the “problem community” in Munich: there is a great emptiness in his new church, and leaving the church is the order today. But Reiser wants to change that and fill his community with life again with his global, people-oriented style.

Passionate and able to inspire people, he relies on unconventional methods. Reiser soon became acquainted with the estranged young mother Lisa Kirschberger (Scheffer), who had little to do with the church. Reverend Reiser soon achieved the first successes in his parish. Cardinal (Steinhauer), who wants to work with him to restore people’s trust in the Church, finds his stepson’s enthusiasm for reform clearly goes too far. Although the priest himself sometimes doubts his path and even his faith, he does not give up easily.

“Himmel, Herrgott, Sakrament” was produced by Labyrinth Pictures in a co-production with BR and ORF, funded by FFF Bayern, it is said. The editors are Elmar Jaeger (BR) and Bernhard Natschläger (ORF). Schiessler has worked on the previous Bogner series, each time as a pastor. These included the “München 7” and the “München Grill”.