VIENNA, September 27, 2026 — The religious group Through Mary to Jesus – Our Lady of Manaoag joined the parish community of Herz Jesu, Töllergasse for a special Youth Mass held on the occasion of the parish’s Thanksgiving celebration on September 27, 2026.
The celebration brought together parishioners, young people, and members of the Filipino Catholic community in an atmosphere of faith, gratitude, and fellowship. Adding a special international and Filipino dimension to the liturgy, several Filipino elements were incorporated into the Mass, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of the parish community.
One of the highlights was the participation of a member of Through Mary to Jesus, who delivered the Prayers of the Faithful in Tagalog. The prayer, offered in the Filipino language, became a meaningful expression of the group’s faith and devotion and highlighted the universal character of the Catholic Church, where different languages and cultures come together in one faith.
The Thanksgiving celebration continued after the Mass with a generous “Pfarrkaffee,” where Filipino food, homemade specialties, and a variety of Filipino sweets were served. Parishioners had the opportunity to enjoy the food while spending time together in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Beyond fellowship, the gathering also carried a charitable purpose. The proceeds from the Pfarrkaffee will be donated to a parish project in the Philippines — a kindergarten in Idio, Sebaste, Philippines. Through this initiative, the parish community in Vienna is able to extend its spirit of thanksgiving and solidarity to children and families thousands of kilometres away.
The parish expressed its appreciation to Through Mary to Jesus – Our Lady of Manaoag for its continuous service, participation, and support. The group’s commitment to serving the Church and strengthening community ties continues to be an important contribution to parish life.
The celebration was a beautiful reminder that thanksgiving is not only about giving thanks for blessings received, but also about sharing those blessings with others. Through prayer, culture, fellowship, and charitable action, the Filipino community and the parish of Herz Jesu demonstrated how faith can bring people together and reach beyond borders.
- Hector Pascua/pictures: Jessie de San Jose
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