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VIENNA, Austria — October 4, 2026. The Filipino Catholic community in Vienna came together in prayer, faith and devotion on Sunday, October 4, for the celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Manaoag, drawing devotees into a solemn procession, communal prayer and Holy Mass in honor of the beloved Marian image.
Organized by the Association of Pangasinenses in Austria in cooperation with the Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy in Vienna, the celebration brought together a large number of Filipino faithful and devotees of Our Lady of Manaoag.
A procession of faith and devotion
The celebration began with a vibrant procession around the vicinity of the church. Carrying the beautifully adorned image of Our Lady of Manaoag, decorated with flowers and candles, the faithful walked together while praying the Holy Rosary.
The procession became a visible expression of Filipino Marian devotion. Families, elderly devotees, young people and community members joined their voices in prayer, asking for the Blessed Virgin Mary’s intercession and guidance.
For many devotees, the procession was more than a religious tradition. It was a public expression of faith and a reminder of the spiritual bond that connects Filipinos living far from their homeland.
As the image of Our Lady passed through the streets, devotees prayed with deep reverence, entrusting their families, loved ones and personal intentions to the Blessed Mother.
Holy Mass honors Our Lady of Manaoag
The procession was followed by the celebration of Holy Mass, presided over by Fr. Ely Dalanon, chaplain of the Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy in Vienna and main celebrant of the liturgy.
The atmosphere inside the church was solemn and prayerful as the faithful gathered to honor Our Lady of Manaoag, whose image has become a cherished symbol of hope, comfort and maternal intercession for countless Filipino Catholics.
In his homily, Fr. Dalanon reflected on the important role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the lives of Christians. He encouraged the faithful to look to Mary as a model of faith, humility and complete trust in God, especially during moments of difficulty and uncertainty.
Mary’s life, he reminded the congregation, points beyond herself to Christ. Her example invites the faithful to say “yes” to God and to remain faithful even when the path ahead is not always clear.
Music that lifted hearts in prayer
Adding beauty and spiritual depth to the liturgy was the Our Lady of Manaoag Choir, whose inspiring hymns accompanied the Holy Mass.
The choir’s harmonious voices filled the church with an atmosphere of peace and joy, helping the congregation enter more deeply into prayer and worship. Their music became an integral part of the celebration, complementing the solemnity of the Eucharistic liturgy and expressing the community’s love for the Blessed Mother.
A devotion cherished by Filipino Catholics
Our Lady of Manaoag holds a special place in the hearts of Filipino Catholics. The Marian devotion is closely associated with the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag in Pangasinan, Philippines, a major pilgrimage center and a place of prayer for generations of Filipino devotees.
Our Lady of Manaoag is particularly venerated as the Patroness of the Sick, the Afflicted and the Helpless. For devotees, her feast is an opportunity to bring before God their thanksgiving, hopes, worries and petitions through Mary’s maternal intercession.
For Filipinos living in Austria, the celebration also provides a meaningful connection to their homeland and to a devotion deeply rooted in Filipino Catholic identity.
Nine days of preparation
The October 4 celebration was preceded by a nine-day Novena Mass organized by the Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy in honor of Our Lady of Manaoag.
The novena offered devotees an opportunity to prepare spiritually for the feast through prayer and reflection, culminating in the solemn celebration of the Marian feast.
The devotion also extended beyond the Filipino Chaplaincy. The “Through Mary to Jesus – Our Lady of Manaoag” Group celebrated the feast together with Austrian parishioners at the Heart of Jesus Parish, Töllergasse 11, 1210 Vienna, where an image of Our Lady of Manaoag has been enthroned.
Following the Holy Mass there, P. Josef Giggenbacher led a short prayer with the community in the parish hall, bringing together Filipino devotees and Austrian parishioners in a shared expression of Marian devotion and Christian fellowship.
Faith that builds community
The celebration concluded with fellowship among the devotees, reflecting the unity and sense of family that characterize Filipino Catholic celebrations in Vienna.
For many participants, the Feast of Our Lady of Manaoag was not simply a religious observance. It was an opportunity to pause, give thanks, renew their faith and place their lives and loved ones under the loving care of God through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In a city far from the Philippines, the procession, prayers, music and Eucharistic celebration served as a powerful reminder that Filipino faith and tradition continue to flourish abroad.
Through Mary, the faithful were once again reminded of the central message of their devotion: to come closer to Jesus, to trust in God and to walk together as one community of faith.
- Hector Pascua/pictures: Emigdio Nava
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