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Vienna, Austria, September — Hundreds of Filipinos and their Austrian friends filled Stephan Fadinger Platz 1 in Vienna’s 10th district as the Philippinische Gottesdienst Gemeinde (PGG) celebrated its 25th anniversary with a vibrant musical event, Awit ng Pasasalamat Thanksgiving Concert. The evening highlighted a quarter-century of faith, community, and cultural pride expressed through music.
Nine choir groups under the PGG showcased Filipino musical artistry, performing well-loved OPM classics that carried themes of gratitude, resilience, and joy. Guest performers included Fr. Mars Sahulga—fondly called the “singing priest” and currently serving in a parish in Vienna’s 14th district—and Fr. Edwin Reyes, SVD, parish priest in Bischofshofen, Salzburg, and chaplain of the PGG Salzburg community. Both priests captivated the audience with heartfelt renditions of songs that drew enthusiastic applause. To the delight of many, PGG Vienna’s own chaplain, Fr. Ron Sandoval, also delivered a surprise musical number.
Philippine Ambassador to Austria, Lourdes Arroyo Bernas, addressed the gathering with words of appreciation for the community’s steadfast contributions. She praised the PGG not only for its role in nurturing the spiritual lives of Filipinos in Austria but also for extending its charity efforts to benefit both Austria and the Philippines.
Reflecting on the community’s journey, Fr. Sandoval shared how the PGG began:
“Twenty-eight years ago, I came to Vienna. After three years of inculturation, I was assigned to a parish. Some Filipinos there asked if I could celebrate Mass in Tagalog with them. That was the beginning of this mission. Twenty-five years later, we thank God for sustaining us. The PGG has truly brought God to Filipinos in their own way, while supporting many charity programs in the Philippines. Tonight, we gather to praise and thank God for this gift.”
As a gesture of gratitude, leaders of the various PGG groups presented Fr. Sandoval with a plaque of appreciation for his selfless service and leadership over the years.
The community also honored Debbie Beltran-Tschirch, the program coordinator and director of the 25th Anniversary concert. She was credited for her tireless energy, creativity, and contagious enthusiasm, which ensured the success of the milestone event.
The concert program unfolded in three acts: the first revisiting the early days of the PGG through photos and stories, the second highlighting its achievements and projects over 25 years, and the third envisioning its future, with a focus on youth involvement and leadership.
Among the choirs who performed were the MFC Intercessory Choir with “Hawak Kamay” by Yeng Constantino, the Ekklesia Chorus with “Salamat” by The Dawn, the Sanghimig Choristers with “Noypi” by Bamboo, Vox Amoris with “Bongga Ka Day!” by Hotdog, the Salzburg Filipino Chorale with “Paraiso” by Smokey Mountain, and several others. The finale brought together all choirs and the PGG Service Team in a powerful rendition of Ryan Cayabyab’s classic “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika.”
The evening closed not only as a celebration of music but also as a reaffirmation of faith and community spirit, marking 25 years of the PGG’s enduring presence in Vienna.
- Hector Pascua, Vienna, Austria
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