EUROPE/AUSTRIA - Austrian Shrine of Mariazell spiritual heart of central Europe: about 50.000 to 80.000 Catholics expected to walk on Pilgrimage of Peoples marking the end of “Katholikentag Mitteleuropeo”

Friday, 21 May 2004

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Mariazell (Fides Service) - About 50.000 to 80.000 Catholics are expected to take part in the Pilgrimage of Peoples to Mariazell one of Austria’s most venerated Marian Shines for celebrations to mark the end of “Katholikentag Mitteleuropeo” (Central European Catholic Day). Some 200 Cardinals and Bishops will gather to concelebrate a solemn Mass in the grounds of the small airport at Mariazell on Saturday 22 May with the theme “Do what he asks you to do” (Jn 2,5). Personalities expected to attend include heads of state of the promoter countries Austria, Bosnia Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia and as Special Envoy for Pope John Paul II Holy See secretary of state Cardinal Angelo Sodano.
The pilgrimage and Mass are the culminating events of various initiatives organised for a year-long “Katholikentag Mitteleuropeo” Central European Catholic Day which opened on May 31 200.
A final four day event started yesterday Thursday 20 May, with a“Silent Candle” prayer to commemorate Christians persecuted under Communist regimes and will conclude with a Mass for Youth on Sunday 23 May. For these eventful days Mariazell will be the “spiritual heart” of central Europe.
At the end of the celebration the Presidents Bishops’ Conferences of the 8 promoter countries will issue a “Mariazell Message”, with guidelines for the Church in central Europe for the coming years.
During his general Wednesday Audience in Rome on May 19 Pope John Paul mentioned the “Katholikentag Mitteleuropeo” event and he said: “I am sending as my Delegate my closest collaborator, secretary of State, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, who will lead you in your prayers and hymns to Magna Mater Austriae, Magna Domina Hungarorum, Alma Mater Gentium Slavorum. This is an event of no small importance which concerns the future of the peoples of Europe. I thank you for your commitment, your prayers and sacrifices. Your recompense will be the Lord’s salvation. May his blessing go with you!“. In a special pre-recorded message the Holy Father expressed the wish that the event will help hasten the coming of the "blessed time when all peoples will live in peace and prosperity“. (MS) (Agenzia Fides, 21/5/2004 - 30 righe, 387 parole)