0
0
Vienna, Austria – May 25, 2025 — The Parish of the Heart of Jesus in Vienna warmly welcomed Filipino devotees of Our Lady of Manaoag and the “Through Mary to Jesus” religious group during the culminating celebration of the Novena to Mary in May.
The event began with a solemn procession from the parish garden to the church, as attendees prayed the Holy Rosary. Marian hymns in English filled the air between each station, led by guitarist Mr. Efren Alican, adding a heartfelt musical backdrop to the devotion.
This year’s novena focused on the theme of Peace — peace within ourselves, our families, the Church, the community, and the world. The reflection resonated deeply among local parishioners and Filipino guests, uniting them in a shared longing for harmony during troubled times.
Austrian parishioners were joyous and appreciative of the Filipino community’s participation. Their presence added a vibrant cultural and spiritual energy to the celebration, reflecting the universal nature of Marian devotion.
Parish priest Fr. Josef Giggenbacher expressed his gratitude at the end of the service. “Thank you for the beautiful organization and the spirit you brought to this novena. Celebrating this with our Filipino brothers and sisters was truly a blessing.”
The gathering served as a powerful reminder of Mary’s role as a bridge across cultures, inspiring unity, prayer, and peace among all her faithful. As the rosary echoed through the walls of the church and into the hearts of those present, so too did the shared hope for peace take root in the community.
- Hector Pascua/picture: Bruni Weiszgerber/Jessie San Jose
This post has already been read 1509 times!
