Category: People and Places

On September 21, 2024, the Bicolano community in Austria gathered to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, a significant occasion deeply rooted in the culture and faith of the Bicolanos. This year, however, the celebration took on a different form due to challenging circumstances, namely the recent flooding in Lower Austria. The normal fluvial procession, which typically takes place on the Danube River, was officially called off. Nevertheless, the spirit of devotion and community remained vibrant, exemplifying the resilience and unity of the Bicolano diaspora. The Significance of…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

Vienna, Austria – September 15, 2024 – A group of talented contemporary Filipino artists will present two significant exhibitions in Vienna this September, offering the city a glimpse into the vibrant and evolving Philippine art scene. The first show will take place at the prestigious City Gallery Vienna by public artists from September 16-21, 2024; the second exhibition follows at The Gallery Steiner, a renowned contemporary art gallery, from September 23 to October 19, 2024. The openings are on September 17 and 26, respectively. The group shows collaborate with the…

Read More

Vienna, Austria, 13 September 2024 – Despite Austria’s meteorological service’s warning about heavy rainfall in Vienna, accompanied by wind gusts reaching 90 kilometers per hour, devotees of Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Austria attended the first day of Novena Mass, the commencement of the  31st Penafrancia festivities organized by Bikol Society Austria (BSA) in cooperation with the Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy in Vienna. The Novena Mass is a series of nine days of prayer and reflection leading to the Feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. It was held in Salvator am…

Read More

Vienna, Austria—The Filipino Visual Artists in Austria is pleased to invite art lovers and enthusiasts to its upcoming art exhibition, with the intriguing theme of “Nuances of Water.” This exciting event will showcase the incredible talent of Filipino artists living in Austria and promises to be a visual feast for all who attend. The Vernissage, or opening of the art exhibition, is scheduled to take place on October 7, 2024, at 18:30. The community is invited to join this momentous occasion, which marks a celebration of Filipino culture and artistic…

Read More

The festivities in honor of our Lady of Peñafrancia, spearheaded by the Bikol Society (Austria) in cooperation with the Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy in Vienna, will commence with the nine-day Novena Mass on Friday, the 13th of September 2024, at 18:00, taking place at Salvator am Wienerfeld, Wienerfeldgasse 11, 1100 Vienna, Austria. This spiritual journey will allow individuals to deepen their faith and seek blessings from Our Lady of Peñafrancia. Devotees will be filled with hope, comfort, and strengthened belief as the novena progresses. The Novena Masses will be followed by…

Read More

Cannes, France – 7 September 2024. The Mission Catholique Philippines in Antibes Cannes Nice & Monaco, Holy Family, led by Fr. Bernie “Bong” Alejo, successfully organized the first Fluvial Procession in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. This historic event occurred on 7 September 2024, drawing participants from across the region and beyond, including devotees from St. Tropez, Austria, the USA, and El Salvador. The day began at 9:00 AM as over 200 devotees gathered in Cannes for the Fluvial procession towards the Island of Saint-Honorat, home to the monastery…

Read More

The 50th anniversary of Filipino nurses and midwives in Austria marks a significant milestone, celebrating their invaluable contributions to the country’s healthcare system. Over the past five decades, these dedicated professionals have played a crucial role in providing high-quality care and have become an integral part of the Austrian healthcare landscape. Because of this celebration, a big event will be held on September 28, 2024, at the Viennese City Hall. The 50th anniversary highlights the achievements and contributions of Filipino nurses and midwives. The celebrations include a grand gala, where…

Read More