Fewer and fewer Austrians belong to the Catholic faith: 85,000 people left the church in 2023

The number of members of the Roman Catholic Church in Austria fell from 4,733,085 to 4,638,842 in 2023. This is according to the church statistics published by the Bishops’ Conference on Wednesday. The decline of around 1.9 percent is roughly the same as the previous year. With 85,163 resignations, around 5,500 fewer people left the church in 2023 than in 2022. Income from church contributions increased slightly, from just under 500 to 511 million euros. Fewer baptisms and weddingsAccording to Kathpress, the reasons for the resignations are likely to be…

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Health study in Austria: stress and worries on the rise

Just over one in two people feels physically and mentally healthy, but around 10 percent describe their health as “poor” to “very poor.” These are the findings of this year’s Wiener Städtische Insurance Health Study. As in previous years, the proportion of deteriorations outweighs the improvements. Slightly more than one in five people state that their mental health has deteriorated. Almost half of those surveyed take prescription medication, with over 70 percent in the mid-50s age group. Stress and worries on the riseIn the representative survey by the Gallup Institute,…

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Sunny weather at the weekend, cold front coming again on Tuesday

The upcoming weekend will bring plenty of sunshine and pleasant temperatures. However, a cold front will reach us in the middle of the week, according to Geosphere Austria’s forecast for Thursday. From Tuesday, we can expect a lot of thick clouds that will bring widespread rain. Until Friday morning, fog and high fog patches will persist in some areas over the lowlands and even last a little longer on the southern side of the Alps. Otherwise, sunny weather conditions will prevail. Although there will be a few more large cumulus…

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Our Lady of Peñafrancia Fluvial Procession 2024 Cancelled: What You Need to Know

The annual Peñafrancia Fluvial Procession is a cherished event for many, dedicated to honoring Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the patroness of Bicol in the Philippines. Unfortunately, due to ongoing challenges stemming from severe flooding in Austria, this year’s fluvial procession scheduled for September 21, 2024, has been canceled. This decision, announced by DDSG Blue Danube, comes as many in the region continue to grapple with the aftermath of natural calamities. The Flooding Crisis in Austria In recent days, parts of Austria, particularly Lower Austria, have experienced unprecedented flooding. The Danube…

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Vernissage’s “Isang Guhit: One Exhibition, Multiple Stories” staged in Vienna

Art serves as a vital medium for cultural exchange and societal commentary in a more interconnected world. This September, the vibrant scene of contemporary Philippine art will take center stage in Vienna through two significant exhibitions collectively titled “Isang Guhit.” From September 16-21, 2024, the City Gallery Vienna, by public artists, will host its show, followed by a presentation at The Gallery Steiner from September 23 to October 19, 2024. The opening receptions will occur on September 17 and September 26, respectively. These exhibitions promise to provide a compelling insight…

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National Council: Pension increase fixed for next year

Pensions are expected to climb by 4.6%Accordingly, the increase of 4.6 percent covers inflation but only up to the maximum ASVG pension. Those with a higher pension will receive a fixed amount of just under 279 euros. The pension adjustment will remain suspended, while the inflation protection clause for new pensioners will be extended. Approval from the SPÖThe SPÖ agreed to the bill but, like the FPÖ, would have preferred more generous regulations. The SPÖ was annoyed that the protection clause for the corridor pension only applies in exceptional cases.…

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Flu vaccination offered free of charge throughout Austria for the first time

For the first time this year, the influenza vaccination is being offered free of charge to everyone living in Austria. 1.2 million doses, around 160,000 more than last year, are available for this influenza season. Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens), Styrian Health Minister Karlheinz Kornhäusl (ÖVP), and Andreas Huss, Chairman of the Conference of Social Insurance Institutions, announced this on Monday. Flu can be life-threateningA list of all medical practices and facilities offering vaccinations is published on the websites of the federal government, provinces and health insurance companies for those…

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Partial lunar eclipse to be observed today, Wednesday

The partial eclipse of the moon can be observed with the naked eye on Wednesday morning In good weather, a partial lunar eclipse can be seen on Wednesday morning. During this eclipse, the moon enters eight and a half percent of the Earth’s shadow. A partial lunar eclipse can be observed, weather permitting, on Wednesday (September 18) in the early morning hours. During it, according to the Vienna Astronomy Association (WAA), our Earth’s satellite will enter eight and a half percent of the Earth’s umbra—a comparatively “less spectacular” celestial event.…

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Update: U2, U3, U4 will be running continuously starting today, Wednesday

The Vienna River’s water levels have continued to fall throughout the day, and the Danube Canal’s water level is expected to fall today, Wednesday. The dismantling of the flood protection measures is well advanced; almost all of the dam beams have now been removed. The overhead lines of the U6 are gradually being repaired. Subway service from September 18:Wiener Linien currently assumes that the following lines will be in operation starting today: U2: continuous service between Schottentor and Seestadt U3: continuous operation between Ottakring and Simmering U4: test runs successfully…

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