Month: March 2024

Pope celebrates Easter Vigil in St Peter’s Basilica

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At the solemn Easter Vigil in St Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis recalled the hope of the resurrection. The 87-year-old read the sermon himself despite his current health difficulties. He celebrated the vigil sitting down; he also recited the prayers sitting down and with a firm voice, as well as the sermon. He also baptised eight adults from four countries during the service.The Pope’s sermon on Saturday evening was about the women who, according to the Bible, go to Jesus’ tomb after his death, which was supposed to be sealed by…

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Saharan dust and wind storm over Central Europe

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Saharan dust settles over Austria and other Central European countries over the Easter weekend. According to Geosphere Austria, a large cloud from the African continent once again reached Central Europe with the prevailing southerly wind. “The peak will be reached this Saturday,” a geosphere expert said, as published by the Austrian Press Agency. Up to 1,200 milligrammes of Saharan dust per square metre were in the air. There was a storm warning for the entire Easter weekend in parts of Austria. Vorarlberg, Tyrol, and parts of Salzburg were particularly affected,…

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Central European Summer Time has begun

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Daylight saving time (CEST) began on Sunday night. In Austria, too, the clocks were set to 3.00 a.m. at 2.00 a.m. on the dot, and the night was 60 minutes shorter. The changeover to standard time (CET) will take place on the last weekend in October. It is still unclear what will happen with the abolition of the time changeover in the EU, which has already been decided. The ball is still in the EU Council of Ministers’ court, and the transport ministers are responsible In March 2019, the European…

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Rabbit and egg: Easter traditions

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For centuries, various customs and symbols have been associated with Easter, some of which have survived in a different form. Some of them, such as the ratchet and the epitaphios, a liturgical blanket, are only common in individual Christian denominations. The rabbit, Easter lamb and egg are probably the best-known Easter symbols. However, there are also numerous other traditions for the main festival in the Christian church year, such as the palm bush, ratcheting and the Easter food blessing, which is popular in rural areas. While the blessing of food…

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This is what happens if you don’t wash your face every day

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The twice-daily ritual in the bathroom is brushing your teeth and washing your face. A dermatologist explains the consequences if the latter falls by the wayside. Unlike the rest of the body, the face is not protected by clothing and is surrounded by environmental influences all day. It goes without saying that the dirt has to be cleaned off in the evening. But what is the point of washing extensively in the morning? Is it necessary, or can our skin cope better than we think it would without it? Dermatologist…

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Italian catalogue of fines: The Italian holiday will be expensive. 2588 euros for telephoning without hands-free equipment

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If you want to go on holiday to Italy, you must comply with stricter traffic regulations in the future. The Italian Chamber of Deputies passed a reform of the road traffic regulations on Wednesday with 163 votes in favour and 107 against. This still has to be approved by the Senate. The draft law provides for far-reaching changes, including a crackdown on drivers using mobile phones or driving under the influence of drugs. Penalties tripledThe penalties for drivers who use mobile phones or chat at the wheel will be tripled.…

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Pope celebrates Chrism Mass in St Peter’s Basilica

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On Maundy Thursday, Pope Francis celebrated the Chrism Mass in St Peter’s Basilica with priests from the Diocese of Rome and the Vatican Curia. This Mass marks the beginning of the great liturgical celebrations around Easter. During the Mass, holy oils were consecrated, which are used for baptisms, confirmations, anointings of the sick, and ordinations. The Pope, who had recently canceled several appointments due to bronchitis, was pushed to the altar in a wheelchair. In his sermon, he called on the priests to look with love at those who are…

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Comet Pons-Brooks is also visible in Austria

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Only every 71 years is there a chance to observe the comet Pons-Brooks in the night sky. With a waning moon and a little luck with the weather, the Easter weekend in Austria is a good time for this. It is difficult with the naked eye, but not impossible. Comet expert Michael Jäger recommends the first 90 minutes after sunset as the observation period. The comet will reach its closest point to the sun on April 21, 2024. Trip to the observatoryIf you don’t want to rely on the naked…

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Austrian Football National Team U17s qualify for European Championships with Austro-Filipino player in team

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Austria’s U17 national football team secured their ticket to the European Championship finals in Cyprus impressively on Tuesday. The ÖFB team beat Spain 3-1 in Wiener Neustadt to secure an unbeaten seven points and win Group 7 of the qualifying elite round. As one of the seven best group runners-up, the Iberians (6) could also look forward to a ticket to the European Championship. The tournament takes place between 20 May and 5 June.Dortmund’s youngster Thierry Fidjeu-Tazemeta (19th), Rapid talents Ensar Music (26th) and captain Philipp Moizi (80th) with a…

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