The Jülich St. Antonii and St. Sebastiani Armbrust Schützenbruderschaft is one of the oldest in the Rhineland and is one of two brotherhoods that are active in the center of Jülich. A special feature of the Jülich brotherhood is its two patron saints: St. Anthony (250-356, the great, the monk father, the hermit, usually depicted with a pig: Ferkes Tünn) stands for the brotherhood’s social commitment; St. Sebastian (3rd century, the arrow pierced, witness, martyr for Christ) symbolizes the basic Christian orientation.
The brotherhood was founded around 1400 and to this day, crossbow shooting remains a sporting activity. Shooting is carried out with Swiss crossbows, a post-war model, at a target 28 meters away with 10 rings. There is therefore no “birdshot”, as is often the case.
In Jülich, the history of the brotherhood from 1620 to the present day is well documented; it continues to be a social association of men close to the church, even if it is not a church association. The marksmen are expected to make an effort to lead a Christian life. Joint church services and religious celebrations take place on the patron saint’s day, during Lent and Advent.
The Brotherhood’s most important task is to accompany the Blessed Sacrament of the parish of the Provost on Corpus Christi Day.
