Urgent appeal for peace from the new Pope

Pope Leo XIV urgently appealed for peace during his first Sunday prayer in St. Peter’s Square. “Never again war!” cried Robert Francis Prevost, elected Pope on Thursday, in his Regina Coeli prayer, which is said in the period after Easter. In front of around 100,000 faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope urged an end to conflicts around the world. He called for prayers for “the miracle of peace.” The new pontiff urgently pleaded for a ceasefire in the Middle East, an end to the violence, and the release…

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Self-Enrollment Deadline for Filipino Overseas Voters Extended to May 12, 2025

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has announced an extension for the self-enrollment period for Filipino overseas voters. Eligible voters have until noon Philippine Standard Time (PST) on May 12, 2025, to complete their registration. The previous deadline was set earlier, but COMELEC has decided to extend it to provide more time for overseas Filipinos to register and participate in the upcoming elections. This initiative aims to ensure that every qualified Filipino living abroad has the opportunity to exercise their right to vote. For those residing outside the Philippines, verifying the…

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Celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Manaoag Unites Filipinos in Vienna

The profound devotion of Filipinos to the Blessed Mother, credited with sustaining their faith through life’s trials, was once again evident as the Filipino community in Vienna, Austria, gathered to honor Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Manaoag. Organized by the Association of Pangasinenses in Austria, in partnership with the Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy and TMJA Religious Group, the celebration took place on Saturday, May 10, 2025. The devotion to Our Lady of Manaoag is observed with two feast days: one in summer on the third Wednesday after Easter…

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Honey Vargas Captivates Audiences at her Spring Concert in Schutzhaus am Ameisbach

In a night that was a delightful blend of music, laughter, and infectious energy, Honey Vargas, the exceptionally talented Pinay singer, delivered a mesmerizing performance at her spring concert on 10 May 2025, held at Schutzhaus am Ameisbach, 1140 Vienna. This eagerly awaited event drew an enthusiastic crowd of over 100 Austrians and Filipinos, all gathered to celebrate the power of music and the artistry of a remarkable performer. Vargas not only entertained but also showcased her growing influence within the Austrian music scene, earning her the title of the…

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Mother’s Day is more than just a holiday; it is a powerful reminder to cherish, respect, and honor the maternal bonds that shape our lives

Mother’s Day, celebrated annually on the second Sunday of May, falls on May 11 in 2025. The holiday originated in the early 20th century in the United States, spearheaded by Anna Jarvis in 1908 to honor her late mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, a peace activist who cared for soldiers during the Civil War. Anna Jarvis sought to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of mothers and successfully campaigned for the day to become a national holiday. 1914 President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Mother’s Day a national observance, solidifying its place in American…

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Here are the names most commonly used by popes since the 1st century

Since the early days of the Catholic Church, the choice of a pope’s name has never been trivial. It often reflects a spiritual intention, an ideological origin, or a tribute to a significant figure in the Church’s history. When analyzing the 266 popes elected since St. Peter in the 1st century, specific names appear particularly often. John, the most popular papal nameThe name John was chosen by 23 popes, making it the most frequently used name in the papacy’s history. Its popularity is due to several factors, including the critical…

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Leo XIV: This was his first mass as pope

Leo XIV celebrated his first mass as pope with the cardinals in the Sistine Chapel on Friday morning. There, the day before, the purple vestry had elected him as the successor to Pope Francis in the conclave. During the solemn entry into the magnificent chapel of the Apostolic Palace, Leo XIV wore the white chasuble and white mitre that are customary at Easter. His footwear was striking: he wore dark shoes instead of the red ones typical of many popes – a tradition that his predecessor, Francis, had already dispensed…

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Recommendation for travelers – How much you should tip on vacation – and where it is even mandatory

A friendly driver or an attentive waitress: good service is often rewarded with a tip in this country. But what about financial appreciation abroad? In most countries, a tip of five to ten percent of the bill is the right amount. However, as the Association of German Banks explains, you should dig deeper into your pocket in the USA or Canada, where 15 to 20 percent is expected—unless a service charge is already included in the bill. In American restaurants, in particular, tipping is an unspoken obligation. It is better…

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Austrian Government commemorates end of the Second World War with ceremony

On May 8, 2025, Austria commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe with the “Festival of Joy” (Fest der Freude) at Vienna’s Heldenplatz. Organized by the Mauthausen Committee Austria (MKÖ), this annual event honors the victims of National Socialism and celebrates liberation from Nazi rule. This year’s theme, “80 Years of Liberation from National Socialism—Never Again and Peace in Europe,” emphasized the importance of remembering past atrocities to safeguard democracy and peace today. The evening featured speeches from Austrian President Dr. Alexander Van der…

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