Apostolic Visit to Austria, 7-9 September 2007
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Pope Benedict XVI
Vienna: Welcome Ceremony
Arriving at the Vienna International Airport, 7 September 2007, the Holy Father greeted the President, Chancellor, Cardinal Schönborn, the Bishops, and all present, stating the reason for his visit as the wish to make a pilgrimage to the Marian shrine of Mariazell, on its 850th anniversary.
Vienna: Prayer Meeting at Mariensäule
At the Mariensäule, "Am Hof" Plaza in Vienna, 7 September 2007, the Holy Father reflected on the significance of the Mother of God for Austria, past and present, and concluded with a prayer to Mary Immaculate.
Vienna: Address to Authorities, Diplomats
The Holy Father paid a courtesy visit to the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, 7 September 2007, where he greeted the President, members of the Federal Government, and representatives of the political and civic life of the Republic. The Pope spoke appreciatively of the unification of Europe, but warned of the moral problems the continent faces.
Mariazell: Mass, Mariazell Shrine
This address was given by the Holy Father, 8 September 2007, Our Lady's Birthday, for the 850th anniversary of the Sanctuary of Mariazell, Austria. He spoke on the meaning of pilgrimage, and in particular the pilgrimage to Truth itself, the living God.
Mariazell: Vespers Homily, Clergy/Religious
The Holy Father spoke with priests, religious, deacons and seminarians during Vespers, 8 September 2007, in the sanctuary of Mariazell, Austria, He analyzed the three vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, in light of their mission to follow Christ.
Vienna: Mass, St Stephen's Cathedral
The Holy Father delivered the homily for the Twenty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, in the Cathedral of St. Stephen in Vienna, Austria, 9 September 2007. He reminded the people of the importance of the Sunday Eucharist for encountering the Lord.
Vienna: Angelus, St Stephen's Cathedral
Prior to celebrating the Angelus, the Holy Father's gave this Reflection in the Square outside St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna on Sunday, 9 September 2007.
Heiligenkreuz: Papal Address, Holy Cross Abbey
On Sunday 9 September 2007, the Holy Father made a visit to the Cistercian Abbey of Heiligenkreuz in Vienna, Austria, and gave a discourse, in which he emphasized the importance of prayer in monastic life, and particularly the Divine Office.
Vienna: Address to Volunteer Organizations
On Sunday afternoon, 9 September 2007, the Holy Father spoke to volunteers of Austrian charities, gathered in the Concert Hall of Vienna. He expressed his appreciation and spoke of volunteer work as passing on to others what we ourselves have received.
Vienna: Farewell Ceremony
As he prepared to depart Austria on 9 September 2007, the Holy Father gave the following address to those assembled at the airport of Vienna, including His Eminence, Christoph Cardinal Schönborn, and the Bishops of Austria.
