Pope Opens Lent With Ash Wednesday Mass and Call for Inner Renewal

Pope Leo XIV marked the beginning of Lent on Wednesday with the traditional Ash Wednesday liturgy, urging Catholics worldwide to embrace a period of sincere spiritual renewal. The pontiff began the day at the Benedictine Abbey of Sant’Anselmo in Rome before joining the short procession to the nearby Basilica of Santa Sabina, where he blessed the ashes and traced the sign of the cross on the foreheads of the faithful. The rite of distributing ashes signals the start of the Lenten season for more than 1.3 billion Catholics around the…

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ESA Satellite Discovers Unusual Planetary System, Challenging Long‑Held Theories

Astronomers have identified a distant planetary system whose unusual arrangement of worlds is forcing scientists to rethink long‑standing assumptions about how planets form. In our own solar system, the pattern seems straightforward: small, rocky planets orbit close to the Sun, while massive gas giants dominate the outer regions. For decades, researchers assumed this structure was typical across the galaxy. A newly examined system orbiting the star LHS 1903, located in the thick‑disk region of the Milky Way, now suggests otherwise. A System That Breaks the Rules In a collaborative European…

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Christians and Muslims Mark a Rare Overlap as Lent and Ramadan Begin in the Same Week

In a rare convergence on the global religious calendar, Christians and Muslims around the world are observing Lent and Ramadan within the same week this year. The parallel timing has sparked interfaith conversations, community initiatives, and a renewed focus on shared values such as reflection, discipline, and compassion. A Season of Reflection for Christians Lent, a 40‑day period leading up to Easter, is one of the most significant seasons in the Christian tradition. It commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert and invites believers to engage in…

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Lent Begins on February 18: Fasting Is Much More Than Not Eating

As Lent begins on February 18, the ancient practice of fasting is once again moving into focus. Although often reduced to the idea of “giving something up,” fasting has deep cultural and religious roots that stretch back thousands of years. According to Christian Feichtinger, theologian at the University of Graz, many traditions share three core dimensions that reveal fasting as a holistic practice rather than a mere dietary restriction. Three Dimensions of Fasting “The first dimension concerns the individual,” Feichtinger explains. “It’s about confronting one’s own dependencies, comforts, and weaknesses…

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When Turbulence Turns Rough: How Dangerous Is It Really?

Somewhere over the Alps, the cabin lights flicker. A drink trembles on a tray table. A sudden jolt presses passengers back into their seats. A few gasps ripple through the aisle. The aircraft shudders again, and for a moment, time seems to stretch. Turbulence — the word alone can tighten stomachs faster than takeoff. But how dangerous is it, really? The Invisible Weather That Finds Every Flyer Turbulence is, at its core, nothing more than disturbed air. It can be caused by storms, jet streams, mountains, or even the wake…

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Fasten-Fallen! These 5 Mistakes Can Ruin Your Fasting Season

The fasting season is just around the corner, and many people are gearing up with fresh motivation. Less sugar, less alcohol, maybe even intermittent fasting. Sounds promising. But here’s the catch: most people dive in completely unprepared. And that can backfire. Not every fasting method delivers the results you expect—and some missteps can make the whole experience unnecessarily difficult. Here are the most common fasting traps you should avoid. 1. Intermittent Fasting Is Overrated Intermittent fasting has become a wellness buzzword, praised as a miracle solution. But the science paints…

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These 5 Fruits Are Among the Best for Your Health

Fruit is a cornerstone of a healthy, balanced diet—and variety on your plate matters just as much as quantity. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and protective plant compounds, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends eating at least 400 grams of fruits and vegetables per day—roughly five 80‑gram portions—as part of a nutritious lifestyle. Research consistently shows that this habit can lower the risk of major diseases, including cardiovascular conditions and certain cancers. Fresh fruit is ideal, but according to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), frozen, dried, or juiced fruit also…

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Germany to Extend Border Controls with all neighboring countries until Autumn

Germany plans to prolong its tightened border controls with all neighboring countries until the autumn, continuing a policy first introduced in May 2025. According to the Interior Ministry, the extension has already been formally notified to the European Commission in Brussels, allowing the measures to remain in place beyond the current deadline of 15 March. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) confirmed that the government is seeking to renew the temporary controls permitted under Schengen rules. “We are extending border controls at the borders with our neighboring countries. These controls are…

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Philippine Embassy in Vienna Celebrates National Arts Month with Exhibition Featuring Filipino Visual Artists in Austria

In celebration of National Arts Month, commemorated throughout the month of February in the Philippines, the Philippine Embassy in Vienna proudly announces a special art exhibition showcasing the works of the Members of the Filipino Visual Artists in Austria. The exhibition will be held at the Philippine Embassy Office, Ares Tower, Donau-City-Straße, 1220 Vienna, from 25 to 27 February 2026. The official opening will take place on 25 February 2026 at 18:00 hours. This event highlights the creativity, talent, and cultural contributions of Filipino artists living in Austria, and reflects…

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