Christian families are providing a powerful demonstration. On May 1st at 12:00 noon, Christian families from all over Europe will participate in a festive Mass in St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna. Bishop Hermann Glettler, head of the Austrian Bishops’ Commission for Families, will preside over the celebration.

“Marriage and the family are at the top of God’s list of priorities.”

This Mass for Families will take place in St. Stephen’s Cathedral on Monday, May 1st. It is an initiative of the International Schoenstatt Movement. It will be the conclusion of the European Family Congress, which is taking place in the new training house for families “Schoenstatt am Kahlenberg”.

The motto for the Congress and the Mass is “Family – Hope for the future”. In a time of crisis and uncertainty, the Congress wants to give a sign of hope and joy for the families. In communion with like-minded couples, families can recharge their batteries and guide their family life towards a future that will enlighten their lives.

The Congress is fully booked, but it is possible to participate in the Mass in St. Stephen’s Cathedral

The maximum number of face-to-face participants at the European Family Congress has already been reached with 350 people, but here’s some good news: in addition to being able to follow the Congress through various events that will be streamed online via Schoenstatt.TV, all those interested can participate as well in the celebrations in St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

● Those interested in printouts and selected content from the Congress can access them via Instagram  @schoenstatt.at or via schoenstatt.at/familienkongress2023.

Live streaming of the service

The Mass will also be broadcast online In English on Radio Stephansdom.

Visits to the new House of Formation

Apart from the Congress, it is possible to tour the new House of Formation. It offers seminar and conference facilities for up to 350 people and rooms for up to 50 people, as well as an attractive cafeteria, which is a popular stop for breaks during walks in the adjacent Vienna Woods, and a store that sells books, candles, and religious souvenirs.

The centerpiece of the Center is the small chapel of grace, the Schoenstatt Shrine, which is open to all visitors.

More information can be found at: www.schoenstattzentrum-wien.at, www.heilige-stadt.at.

Source: Catholic Church, Archdiocese of Vienna