Category: People and Places

Vienna, Austria – December 28, 2025 — MAISUG Austria successfully held its post-Christmas celebration and induction of officers on December 28, 2025, at the Pfarrsaal of the Salvatorianer Church in Vienna’s 10th District. The event brought together officers, members, supporters, and friends of the organization in a spirit of unity, reflection, and renewed commitment. The gathering was led by MAISUG Austria President Ray Arreza, who welcomed attendees and expressed his gratitude for the continued support and active participation of the organization’s officers and members. In his message, Arreza thanked everyone…

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Vatican City, December 25, 2025 — Under a crisp winter sky and before tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Christmas Urbi et Orbi blessing, offering a message of hope, reconciliation, and global solidarity as the world enters 2026. Stepping onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at noon, the 88‑year‑old pontiff greeted the faithful in Rome and millions watching via broadcast and livestream around the world. The traditional proclamation, “To the city and to the world,” carried renewed significance as the…

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When December settles over Austria—bringing early sunsets, crisp air, and the glow of Advent markets—Filipinos across the country begin preparing for a celebration that is both deeply traditional and beautifully adaptive. Christmas, the most cherished season in the Philippines, becomes a bridge between homeland and diaspora, weaving together memories of tropical nights with the snowy charm of Central Europe. For the roughly 35,000 Filipinos living in Austria, Christmas is more than a holiday. It is a lifeline to identity, a reaffirmation of faith, and a joyful reunion of a community…

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Since December 15, 2025, mostly at 19 Hours, Filipino Catholics across Vienna have been gathering in large numbers at various churches to celebrate Simbang Gabi, the beloved nine‑day novena Mass deeply rooted in Philippine tradition. Despite the winter chill and the busy holiday season, the devotion remains strong, echoing the same spirit found in parishes throughout the Philippines. Simbang Gabi, traditionally held before dawn in the Philippines, has been adapted to evening schedules in Vienna to accommodate work and school commitments. Yet the essence of the celebration remains unchanged. Many…

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Vienna, Austria — More than 120 homeless and hungry brothers and sisters found warmth, food, and community at the Saint Mutter Teresa von Calcutta Center in Vienna, continuing a heartfelt Christmas tradition that began 24 years ago with one Filipino’s simple act of compassion. The initiative started when Mr. Wilson “Bebot” Tan Ho, a Filipino living in Vienna, decided to cook and personally serve meals to people experiencing homelessness. What began as a small gesture has grown into an annual Christmas mission of generosity, now known as “Regalo ni Wilson…

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Ambassador and Permanent Representative Evangelina A. Bernas was joined by Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives from various diplomatic missions, Filipino international civil servants, and members of the international community at the opening ceremony of the “Hope & Endeavor: A Tribute to the United Nations at 80” event on 12 December 2025. 12 December 2025,  Vienna – The Philippines marked the end of a defining year in its multilateral engagement by paying tribute to the United Nations 80th Anniversary and to the Filipinos who have contributed to its work across generations.  The…

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Vienna, Austria — December 2025 — The Council of Filipino Associations in Austria (CFAA), in cooperation with the Global Save Life Foundation (GSLF), once again demonstrated its steadfast compassion and commitment to supporting less fortunate Filipinos in the Philippines. Guided by the dedication and leadership of Mr. Elmer Blanco and his team, CFAA and GSLF continue to uphold their mission of solidarity, especially during times of hardship. “We don’t have much, but we share whatever we have,” has long been the guiding spirit behind the organizations’ humanitarian efforts. This heartfelt…

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As the cool December air settles over the Philippine archipelago, a familiar sound breaks the dawn: church bells ringing before sunrise, calling the faithful to gather. It is the beginning of Simbang Gabi, the beloved nine‑day novena of early morning Masses that ushers Filipino Catholics into the heart of the Christmas season. For generations, this tradition has been more than a liturgical practice—it is a cultural homecoming, a communal act of hope, and a spiritual preparation for the birth of Christ. A Tradition Rooted in Faith and Community Simbang Gabi…

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Vienna, Austria — The Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy in Vienna joyfully announces the official schedule of the 2025 Simbang Gabi celebrations. This cherished Filipino Advent tradition continues to unite communities across the world. Beginning December 15, 2025, two daily Masses will be held to accommodate the growing Filipino community in the city: Simbang Gabi, a nine‑day novena of dawn or evening Masses leading up to Christmas, holds a profound place in the hearts of Filipinos. Rooted in centuries‑old devotion, it symbolizes anticipation, gratitude, and hope as the faithful prepare spiritually for…

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