Bicolanos in Austria Celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia

On September 21, 2024, the Bicolano community in Austria gathered to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, a significant occasion deeply rooted in the culture and faith of the Bicolanos. This year, however, the celebration took on a different form due to challenging circumstances, namely the recent flooding in Lower Austria. The normal fluvial procession, which typically takes place on the Danube River, was officially called off. Nevertheless, the spirit of devotion and community remained vibrant, exemplifying the resilience and unity of the Bicolano diaspora. The Significance of…

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Austria: According to the survey, young people eat more meat than older people

A survey conducted by the opinion research institute TQS on behalf of Hermann.Bio came to a rather surprising conclusion: young people eat more meat than older people. 82 percent of baby boomers reported an increasing reduction in their meat consumption, compared to only 45 percent of Generation Z. Daily meat consumption is also lowest among baby boomers at four percent and highest among Generation Z at twelve percent. Survey on meat consumption in Austria: surprising resultsThe results contradict expectations that younger people would reduce their meat consumption due to their…

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Around half a million people in Austria are only now receiving the climate bonus for the previous year

Despite the storms, the climate bonus payment has resumed in full. However, not everyone has been able to collect their post. Due to heavy rainfall and flooding in eastern Austria, the climate bonus delivery from Monday was partially unsuccessful.Climate bonus consignments intended for places of residence where delivery was or is not possible will be stored securely and delivered during the week if possible. Climate bonus items and voting cards are currently prioritized for delivery. It is important to note that the entitlement to the climate bonus does not expire,…

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Austria: Train services on the western line restricted until October 9

The flooding will significantly impact train services between Vienna and St. Pölten over the next three weeks. Numerous tunnels on the new four-track western line, including the Lainzer Tunnel, are under water, as are the Tullnerfeld station and numerous technical facilities. They have to be cleared of water and mud, inspected, and repaired, ÖBB announced. Train services will only be possible to a limited extent over the next three weeks, as the old western line via Pressbaum through the Vienna Woods has been damaged and can only be used on…

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Fewer and fewer Austrians belong to the Catholic faith: 85,000 people left the church in 2023

The number of members of the Roman Catholic Church in Austria fell from 4,733,085 to 4,638,842 in 2023. This is according to the church statistics published by the Bishops’ Conference on Wednesday. The decline of around 1.9 percent is roughly the same as the previous year. With 85,163 resignations, around 5,500 fewer people left the church in 2023 than in 2022. Income from church contributions increased slightly, from just under 500 to 511 million euros. Fewer baptisms and weddingsAccording to Kathpress, the reasons for the resignations are likely to be…

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Health study in Austria: stress and worries on the rise

Just over one in two people feels physically and mentally healthy, but around 10 percent describe their health as “poor” to “very poor.” These are the findings of this year’s Wiener Städtische Insurance Health Study. As in previous years, the proportion of deteriorations outweighs the improvements. Slightly more than one in five people state that their mental health has deteriorated. Almost half of those surveyed take prescription medication, with over 70 percent in the mid-50s age group. Stress and worries on the riseIn the representative survey by the Gallup Institute,…

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Sunny weather at the weekend, cold front coming again on Tuesday

The upcoming weekend will bring plenty of sunshine and pleasant temperatures. However, a cold front will reach us in the middle of the week, according to Geosphere Austria’s forecast for Thursday. From Tuesday, we can expect a lot of thick clouds that will bring widespread rain. Until Friday morning, fog and high fog patches will persist in some areas over the lowlands and even last a little longer on the southern side of the Alps. Otherwise, sunny weather conditions will prevail. Although there will be a few more large cumulus…

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Our Lady of Peñafrancia Fluvial Procession 2024 Cancelled: What You Need to Know

The annual Peñafrancia Fluvial Procession is a cherished event for many, dedicated to honoring Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the patroness of Bicol in the Philippines. Unfortunately, due to ongoing challenges stemming from severe flooding in Austria, this year’s fluvial procession scheduled for September 21, 2024, has been canceled. This decision, announced by DDSG Blue Danube, comes as many in the region continue to grapple with the aftermath of natural calamities. The Flooding Crisis in Austria In recent days, parts of Austria, particularly Lower Austria, have experienced unprecedented flooding. The Danube…

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Vernissage’s “Isang Guhit: One Exhibition, Multiple Stories” staged in Vienna

Art serves as a vital medium for cultural exchange and societal commentary in a more interconnected world. This September, the vibrant scene of contemporary Philippine art will take center stage in Vienna through two significant exhibitions collectively titled “Isang Guhit.” From September 16-21, 2024, the City Gallery Vienna, by public artists, will host its show, followed by a presentation at The Gallery Steiner from September 23 to October 19, 2024. The opening receptions will occur on September 17 and September 26, respectively. These exhibitions promise to provide a compelling insight…

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