Did you see it? Strawberry moon: Rare spectacle over Austria

The so-called strawberry moon returned in all its glory on Wednesday evening. According to astronomers, the spectacle could be observed in Austria from around 9 p.m. This time, it even took on a special form. A rare phenomenon on Wednesday evening caused a long and sometimes colorful moonrise. This was because the satellite was lower on the horizon than it had been for about 18 years. The process is also called the “great moon standstill” because it can be seen longer and closer to the horizon than usual. This makes…

Read More

127th Philippine Independence Day – personal thoughts

As we commemorate the 127th Philippine Independence Day, I find myself reflecting not only on our nation’s history but also on what it means to be Filipino while living far from home. Here in Austria, thousands of kilometers from the Philippines, this celebration takes on a deeper, more personal meaning. It’s not just about remembering June 12, 1898—it’s about carrying our identity proudly in a foreign land. Living in Austria has opened my eyes to the richness of our heritage. We come from a country that fought for freedom with…

Read More

Floral Offering Ceremony at the Grounds of Viennese City Hall: A Tribute to Freedom and Unity

11 June 2025, Vienna – In a powerful display of cultural respect and remembrance, the Filipino community in Vienna commemorated the 127th Philippine Independence Day with a poignant floral offering ceremony at the city’s historic City Hall. This year’s observance was marked by a somber atmosphere, reflecting the three-day mourning period observed in Austria after the tragedy in Graz last Tuesday, which claimed 11 lives, leaving a profound impact on the participants. The event, devoid of grandiose celebrations, served as a reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom and the…

Read More

For the victims and survivors of the violent act in Graz: Sea of lights and commemoration in Vienna’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Vienna, June 11, 2025 – With candles, incense, music, and prayers, Caritas, the “Junge Kirche” of the Archdiocese of Vienna, and mourners commemorated the victims and survivors of the violent act in Graz on Wednesday evening in and in front of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. “I don’t know the answer to the question of why,” said Apostolic Administrator Josef Grünwidl, visibly moved, during the service organized by the “Junge Kirche” in the cathedral. “As long as I am on earth, I do not expect an answer from God – but I…

Read More

Pope Leo mourns victims of the tragic shooting rampage in Graz

The Holy Father assures families and relatives of his closeness. This is written in a press release from “Kathpress.” Pope Leo XIV has expressed his sympathy for those affected by the shooting rampage at a school in Graz, which left eleven people dead and numerous injured. “I would like to assure the victims of the tragedy at the school in Graz of my prayers,” said the Pope on Wednesday at the end of the general audience in St. Peter’s Square. “I am close to the families, teachers, and schoolmates of…

Read More

Is Chewing Gum Healthy or Harmful? Experts Weigh In

Chewing gum has long been a popular habit across the globe — enjoyed for everything from freshening breath to relieving stress. But recent discussions have reignited the debate: Is chewing gum actually healthy, or could it be harmful? The Health Benefits According to several studies, chewing gum — particularly sugar-free varieties — may offer a range of health benefits. Dental associations in many countries, including the American Dental Association (ADA), endorse sugar-free gum for its ability to help prevent tooth decay. “When chewed after meals, sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production,…

Read More

35 degrees! First heat wave of the year now reaches Austria

The sky is not clear everywhere, as soot from Canada and dust from North Africa are causing a slight cloudiness. As the heat increases, so does the risk of thunderstorms. The first heatwave of the year slowly comes to an end over the weekend. Temperatures rise rapidly – up to 35 degrees possibleFrom Wednesday, temperatures will reach 30 to 33 degrees in large parts of the west and south. According to some forecasts, even up to 35 degrees are possible in places, for example, in Vorarlberg and the Tyrolean Oberland.…

Read More

Tonight, it might be worth taking a look at the sky

This year’s June full moon, also known as the Strawberry Moon, is lower in the sky than it has been since 2007. On Wednesday, June 11, you can marvel at the so-called “strawberry moon” in the sky. Shortly after 10 p.m., the full moon will be visible in the sky, hovering lower above the horizon than it has since 2007, according to the Association of Star Friends. Low in the sky, large and reddish: this is how the moon will appear tonight and tomorrow evening. It offers a celestial spectacle…

Read More

Deadly School Shooting Shakes Graz, Austria: At Least Nine Killed, Dozens Injured

Graz, Austria, 10 June 2025 – A horrific school shooting has left Austria in mourning after a gunman opened fire at a secondary school in Graz, the country’s second-largest city, on Tuesday. The incident, which occurred at the BORG Dreierschützengasse school in the city’s northwest, resulted in at least nine fatalities—including students and at least one adult—and left dozens injured, marking one of the deadliest mass shootings in Austria’s postwar history. Police responded to reports of gunfire at around 10 a.m. local time, dispatching specialized tactical units, including the elite…

Read More