VATICAN - Pope Benedict XVI in Austria - “During these three days I wish to make my pilgrimage to Mariazell… as a journey made in the company of all the pilgrims of our time”

Saturday, 8 September 2007

Vienna (Agenzia Fides) - “ The reason for my coming to Austria is the 850th anniversary of the shrine of Mariazell. This Marian sanctuary in some way represents the maternal heart of Austria, and has always had a particular importance also for Hungarians and the Slavic peoples. It symbolises an openness which not only transcends physical and national frontiers, but, in the person of Mary, reminds us of an essential dimension of human beings: their capacity for openness to God and his word of truth”. This was how Pope Benedict XVI expressed the reason for his first pastoral visit to Austria when he was welcomed at Wien/Schwechat airport on 7 September by the President of Austria Heinz Fischer, the Chancellor of the Republic Mr Alfred Gusembauer, many civil and political authorities, the Archbishop of Vienna, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn and the Austrian Bishops.
The Pope mentioned his closeness to Austria and to many people and places, since he was born not far away, “but not only for this reason”. “This cultural space in the heart of Europe - the Pope continued - transcends borders and brings together ideas and energies from various parts of the continent. The culture of this country is deeply imbued with the message of Jesus Christ and the activity which the Church has carried out in his name”.
Noting with satisfaction in recent years a growing interest for pilgrimage on the part of many people, including young people, the Holy Father said: “ I intend my pilgrimage to Mariazell to be a journey made in the company of all the pilgrims of our time… Mariazell represents not only 850 years of history, it shows us on the basis of that history - as reflected in the statue of the Blessed Mother pointing to Christ her Son - the way to the future”.
Referring to the programme of his pilgrimage the Holy Father recalled the celebration of the Eucharist in front of the Basilica di Mariazell on Saturday 8 September, Feast of the Nativity of Mary, the main feast at Mariazell: “ As pilgrims to the Shrine, we will be united in prayer and, thanks to the communications media, united also with the faithful and all men and women of good will within this country and far beyond its borders”. On Sunday 9 September the Pope will preside the Eucharistic Celebration at Saint Stephen's Cathedral, “ in communion with all those gathered for Holy Mass in the parish churches of Austria and throughout the world.”
Lastly the Pope mentioned voluntary work in which many Austrians are involved on Sundays and at other free moments during the week; the Pope said: “ Whoever, “looks to” his neighbour - seeing him and helping him - looks to Christ and serves him”. After the welcome ceremony the Pope travelled by car to the Convent of Salesian Sisters of the Visitation di Maria, in Vienna. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 8/9/2007; righe 36, parole 511)


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