Welcome to the website of the
Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy in Vienna
Manigong Bagong Taon 2012!
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Reception with Sec. of State for Integration Sebastian Kurz, 10 January 2012
Secretary of State Sebastian Kurz hosted a reception for members of the non-German speaking Catholic Communities in Vienna at the ceremonial hall of the Ministry of the Interior and offered the assistance of his office to address issues relevant to members of the various communities. Bishop Mag. Dr. Franz Scharl, Prof. Ladislaus Vencser (Nationaldirektion der katholischen anderssprachigen Seelsorge) and MMag. Alexander Kraljic (ARGE-AAG of the Archdiocese of Vienna) also attended the get-together.
In a conversation with Father Ely, Secretary Kurz expressed an interest to visit with our community in keeping with his aim for an open dialogue on the theme of "integration through achievement".
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Paskuhan sa Parokya, 18 December 2011
(Photo credit: Volet Gerstl)
Vincent Bueno and the newly-founded El Bibo singing group serenaded the community at a surprise Paskuhan sa Parokya concert held in the Upper Church after the Community Mass. The El Shaddai group organized a Filipino lunch, and an anonymous donor very kindly provided gift bags for distribution to children in the community. Maligayang Pasko!
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"Jesus of Nazareth" Musical Play, 9 December 2011
 (Photo credit: Volet Gerstl) |  (Photo credit: Volet Gerstl) |
The cast included: Ines Capino, Vincent Agbon, Larlhen Biag, Daira-Joy Dacillo, Paulo Dacillo, Alex Pöhl, Joris Rosales, Paulo Dacillo, Mark Elevado, Marco Baluyot, Monique Albances, BJ Orense, Dominic Biag, Herald Biag, Aaron John Ponce,
Patrick Agbon, Joy Malinao, Louie Alden Tolentino, Marisol Asuncion, Elijah Granado, Mark Elevado, Christian Abainza,
Marisol Asuncion, Vanessa de Chavez, Lovely Krenovsky, Gilyn Agbon, Patrick Agbon, Iris Mangalino, Matthew Agbon, Jerome Daniel Coliat, Joshua Clutario, Patrick Dacillo, Michael Daniel Malabrigo, David John Osila, Reinfried Gideon Tolentino, Mary Elizabeth Florendo, Darleen Anne Pacheco, Darlene Benasa, Kathlyn Benasa, Anna Rafaella Buera, Clara Bernadette Dacillo, Sara Hanisch, Vanessa Malinao, Kate Arianne Meliton, Cristina Alexis Mercado, Kimberly Perilla, Samantha Quilon, and Sheena Marie Valdez. THANK YOU FOR MAKING ADVENT 2011 MEMORABLE!
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Advent Recollection, 19 November 2011
| The Chaplaincy held today its annual Advent Recollection, inviting as speaker Father Junar dela Victoria (Archdiocese of Davao), who is currently pursuing further studies in Rome. Enjoining us to focus on and appreciate what we are holding in our hands, Father Junar expounded on the acquired meaning of "expectation of Christ's second coming" in the various symbols of Advent. He then gave a detailed explanation of the liturgy for the four Sundays in Advent, before reviewing the steps for examination of conscience in preparation for making confession. Thanks to CFC-FFL, FGS and El Shaddai for logistics support, and the Fatima Devotees and friends for arranging coffee/tea breaks. |  |
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Holy Rosary Procession, 30 October 2011
 | |  We marked today the close of the Month of the Holy Rosary with a procession around the neighborhood, praying the Holy Rosary for peace and singing Marian songs. Thank you to the Fatima Group for leading our month-long celebration! Let us all continue to pray the Holy Rosary regularly. |
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World Mission Sunday, 23 October 2011
ARGE-AAG Weltkirche in Wien,MISSIO Päpstliche Missionswerke and the Archdiocese of Vienna's Referat für Mission und Entwicklung organized the celebration today of World Mission Sunday with the celebration of Holy Mass at St. Stephen's Cathedral, followed by agape at the Archbishop's Palace. Priests from the non-German speaking Catholic communities in Vienna concelebrated the Holy Mass with Weihbischof Franz Scharl and Rektor Johannes Gönner, and the communities contributed actively to the liturgy through prayer, songs and offerings in the usual colourful way of such celebrations. Father Rodolfo French from Nicaragua explained in the homily how MISSIO is making a difference in his country. In his opening words, Bishop Scharl emphasized that the non-German speaking communities are not merely guests, but are very much a part of the Archdiocese of Vienna. Maraming salamat to everyone in the Chaplaincy who supported this event through their presence and active participation in the celebration of the Holy Mass and the agape. |  |
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Food Festival, 16 October 2011
 We were graced with the presence of Father Rey Villanoy and Deodol Dorado, friends of Father Jojo, and visiting us from the Archdiocese of Capiz. | |  Father Ely with parishioners |
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Jesus' Time, Youth Rosary, and Flohmarkt, 9 October 2011
 | | With thanks to Cacay Granado and her many enthusiastic young adult helpers, the Chaplaincy holds Jesus' Time twice a month in connection with the Community Mass. Jesus' Time is our pastoral activity for children, and is gaining popularity. More and more children participate in the activity, and present their work to the community after the Holy Mass. |
 | In the 2nd Sunday of this Month of the Holy Rosary, our Youth Pastoral Ministry led the praying of the rosary before the Community Mass. They prayed for youths worldwide, lighting candles for every rosary decade corresponding to 5 world regions. The Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy Youth Ministry also presented its new logo, designed by our youths who attended the Youth Summer Camp in August. | |
 | It was a very busy Sunday in our parish, we also supported the Austrian community's Flohmarkt by selling soup & lunch, and take-home Filipino delicacies in the convent vestibule. Members of the Pastoral Council and supporters from the Fatima Group submit the proceeds of this activity, Euro 414.50, to Father Anton. Father Castor and members of the Austrian Pfarrgemeinderat were also present. |
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Living Rosary and Feast of Our Lady of Manaoag, 2 October 2011
We marked today the start of the Month of the Holy Rosary by praying
the living rosary in the parish garden before the Community Mass.
 | | Today is also the Feast of Our Lady of Manaoag (formally: Nuestra Señora del Santissimo Rosario de Manaoag, literal translation: Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Manaoag), a 17th century ivory icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the central figure at the altar of her shrine located in Manaoag, Pangasinan. Locally known as the patroness of the town, it is one of the most venerated Marian images of Mary in the Philippines. The statue's reputed miracles became famous in the 1940's. Several Japanese bombs were dropped within the church's vicinity. A bomb which fell on the statue's sanctuarium remained intact and did not explode. Commonly addressed as Apo Baket in native Pangasinense and Ilocano dialect, Mary, under this title, is officially known as the patroness of the sick, the helpless and the needy. (Source: Wikipedia) The Association of Pangasinenses in Austria hosted agape in the Parish Hall after the Community Mass, and organized a musical program. |
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Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz, 25 September 2011
| The Community celebrated today the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint. In the 16th century, he went on mission with the Dominicans to Japan and was martyred after refusing to denounce his faith. In his homily, Father Ely likened St. Lorenzo to modern-day Filipino OFW's who are known in their chosen surroundings to be cheerful, faithful, helpful and upright Christians. To prepare for the Month of the Holy Rosary in October, the Fatima Devotees distributed rosaries and rosary guides. |  |
| And, of course, no celebration is complete without some refreshments ... so the Pastoral Council served sandwiches and drinks in the church courtyard after the Community Mass. Some of the sandwiches found their way to the Pfarrsaal, the Pfarrcafe and the Gruppenraum where various groups held their regular Sunday meetings. The House of God was, indeed, full on His day. |  |
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Youth Summer Camp, 7-13 August 2011
Focusing on the family, 23-24 July 2011
Father Gregory Gaston, Rector of the Pontifical Filipino College and official of the Pontifical Council of the Family (both in Rome) visited with us and expounded on SAFE (Subtle Attacks on the Family Explained) at a whole-day talk held on Saturday in the parish hall. An article he recently wrote on the subject is available for downloading here.
He stayed to enjoy the Food Festival - a fund-raising activity for our Youth Pastoral Program - held early Sunday afternoon at the Parish garden.
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Patrozinium, 10 July 2011
| The Austrian and Philippine communities at the Parish of Maria vom Berge Karmel celebrated today the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with the celebration of Holy Mass at 10 a.m.followed by Agape in the Parish Hall. It commemorates Her apparition in July 1251 to Saint Simon Stock, General of the Order of Mount Carmel, as he knelt in prayer at White Friars' convent in Cambridge. She appeared before him and presented him with the well-known brown scapular, a loose sleeveless garment that serves as an assurance of her Heavenly protection from eternal death for all who die wearing it. The congregation noted the especially beautiful church floral decorations prepared for the occasion by members of the FCC Legion of Mary. This year, the Followers of the Good Shepherd took over the responsibility for setting up and clearing the parish hall for the agape, and all FCC religious organizations pitched in to bring and serve pancit to all guests. |  |
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Pfarrfest of Austrian Community, 19 June 2011
The Austrian Community celebrated its annual Pfarrfest today, and enjoyed the support of our community through the sales of Filipino delicacies and cold drinks. Father Ely turned the proceeds of Euro 500 to Pater Antonius. Members of our Filipino parish rushed down to the Pfarrcafe after the community mass and bought up the stocks of siopao, ensaimada, suman, suman cassava, hopia and pancit within minutes. Heartfelt thanks to the ladies who prepared the pancit and handled the sales. | |  The GeoChris Foundation, which supports indigenous tribes in the Philippines, was given an opportunity to sell handicraft items and native soaps made of local products. Ms. Ulli Pirkner provided first-hand information about their projects. The proceeds of Euro212.40 went to the Foundation. |
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Whitsunday celebration and Sacrament of Confirmation, 12 June 2011
Suffragan Bishop Franz Scharl dispensed the sacrament of Confirmation to candidates from the African, Asian and Latin American Catholic Communities of the Archdiocese of Vienna at a ceremony held this evening at the church of Maria vom Berge Karmel. 34 confirmands from our community received the sacrament.
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Commissioning of Lay Ministers, 5 June 2011
Our Lay Ministers were commissioned for another year of service in a meaningful ceremony celebrated today by Father Ely Dalanon and Father Jojo Villareal. Ellen Biscocho, Malou Caballa and Mila Sitthiprom joined the ministry this year.
Click here for list of members.
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Santacruzan, 29 May 2011
| Today, the last Sunday in May 2011, we celebrated the Filipino tradition of Santacruzan to mark the finding of the Holy Cross by Queen Helena (mother of Emperor Constantin) in Jerusalem. It was a true Community event, with all religious organizations contributing through the provision of participants for the figures of the procession (angels, stars, Reynas, Roman soldiers and Constantin), floral decorations, the float with the statue of our Blessed Mother, music ministry, liturgical service and takeaway snacks. Maraming salamat po, vergelt's Gott! The procession wound its way around Stefan Fadinger Platz before entering the church for the usual Community Mass. At the end of the service numerous parishioners offered flowers to Our Blessed Mother, thus bringing this Marian month to a colourful close. We welcome Father Ely, who has returned from his personal sojourn to the Philippines |  |
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Lange Nacht der Kirchen, 27 May 2011
 | |  Ah, pancit .... what would a Filipino celebration be like without it? The Austrian parish looks forward to enjoying it whenever we have a joint celebration. Sarap, talaga. |
Joining the many churches in Vienna and other major Austrian cities, our parish of Maria vom Berge Karmel participated in Lange Nacht der Kirchen. It is an evening when churches remain open, inviting the faithful and their guests to come in and experience the church through cultural, intellectual, social or art activities. Our evening started with the celebration of Holy Mass in English and German. While the Filipino community presented a cultural programme with 2 Filipino songs and a modern dance from our youth group, the ladies served Austrian and Filipino delicacies in the church vestibule. Later on, guests were invited to climb the bell tower to gain a superb view of Vienna, and participate in a sound-and-light meditation show in the Lower Church.
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"Fest der Begegnung: Ich bin Christ in Wien", 22 May 2011
The Chaplaincy participated today in the event organized by the African, Asian and Latin American Catholic Communities of the Archdiocese of Vienna. It started with Holy Mass celebrated in the early afternoon by Bishop Franz Scharl at the Votivkirche, and was followed by agape and a 2-hour musical program at the Sigmund-Freud Park. Cardinal Schönborn led the open-air May devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the early evening. Thank you to everyone who made our participation in all event items possible!
 Interview about being a young Catholic in Vienna |  2nd generation Filipino migrants can dance "Tinikling" |
 Junge Christinnen in Wien |  Junge Christen in Wien |
| Our FCC Choir, under the baton of F. Bong Alejo regalled the congregation during Holy Mass and at the May devotion with their rendition of classical hymns. |  |
 Suffragan Bishop Franz Scharl |  Cardinal Christoph Schönborn |
Click here for news item from Archdiocese of Vienna
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First Holy Communion, 15 May 2011
Joshua CLUTARIO, Nika DECHOSA, Hazel ZSHORNACK, Claudine CABILDO, Janie ARREZA, Sabrina-Marie GENOVE, Kimberly ARREZA, Jasmin ANTONIO, Aaliyah LUAREZ, Leonard REYES and Arizz NALOG received the sacrament of Holy Communion at today's Community Mass. Lito Ramos and Nicole Savet prepared the children for this important step in their Christian life.
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Cardinal Christoph Schönborn visits the parish, 14 May 2011
| Cardinal Schönborn visited today the Parish of Maria vom Berge Karmel, meeting with various groups active in its community life: the Kindergarten, the Pfarrgemeinderat, the Ladies' Circle, etc. Although it is the Austrian parish that the Cardinal visited, he stressed in some of his discussions the importance of the Filipino Chaplaincy in this community. At the close of the day, the Cardinal celebrated Holy Mass and, in his homily addressed a special message to the Filipino community: you are not guests but a part of the Church in Vienna. He stated that he hopes that the Filipinos feel and have the conviction that they are not only welcome but that they are a very real part of the living Catholic Church in Vienna. The Cardinal also called attention to his just-released Pastoral Letter, details of which can be obtained from the following link: http://www.erzdioezese-wien.at/content/topnachricht/articles/2011/05/10/a25969/ |  |
 The Cardinal is generous with his blessings. | |  After celebrating Holy Mass with the community, the Cardinal gave the sacristans a token of his appreciation for their assistance. Here, he presents Robel a model censer and shares the information that the world's largest censer can be found in Santiago de Compostela and requires 5 men to operate. |
 Members of the FCC Choir and the Parish Office pose for a photo with the Cardinal before going to the parish hall for the community agape. |  It has been a long day, but one filled with many blessings. |
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Feast of the Divine Mercy and start of Mama Mary's month, 1 May 2011
| The Community celebrated today the Feast of the Divine Mercy, with a Holy Mass celebrated by Father Castor Goliama. It being the first Sunday in May, parishioners also offered flowers to Our Blessed Mother towards the end of the Mass. The Divine Mercy Devotees then invited the Community to agape consisting of spaghetti and kakanin in the Parish Hall, which again was filled to overflowing. In the afternoon, the Followers of the Good Shepherd held General Assembly in the Lower Church, with a talk given by Sister Claire Marie Obrero. And, Couples for Christ held a Christian Life Program session in the Upper Church. What a blessed way to start the month! | |  The image of the Divine Mercy was enthroned at Maria vom Berge Karmel Church in 2010. |
 The image of our Blessed Mother is bathed in a golden light as our parishioners queue up to lay floral offerings at her feet. |  Father Castor gives the final blessing. Father Jojo and Father Bong were unavoidably delayed on the return journey from their week-long pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, and could not celebrate the Community Mass with us. |
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Easter Sunday, 24 April 2011 - Rejoice, the Lord is risen!
 |  We join hands as we recite the "Our Father". |
 Our young sacristans |  Our FCC Choir, under the baton of Father Bernie "Bong" Alejo |
| Our Easter Mass was officiated by Father Berman Ibañez and Father Edsel Delfin. Their visit comes at an opportune time as Father Ely has been called away to Masbate for family reasons. Father Berman and Father Edsel are classmates of Father Jojo, and are pursuing further studies in Rome. |  |
 The weather was beautiful and we enjoyed "CASH" agape in the parish garden. All lay religious organizations and some private individuals pitched in to organize the delicious meal, Luftburg & an Easter Egg hunt for children, and a very entertaining musical programme. A happy Easter to all! |  |
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Holy Saturday, 23 April 2011 - Adult baptism
| We welcome Tasciana Hübel to our Christian community! She is among the adults who were baptized in the Archdiocese of Vienna in this period. Photo courtesy of Volet Gerstl |  |
Good Friday Way of the Cross service, 22 April 2011
 Members of our Community travelled today in 2 coaches (and several cars) to attend the now-traditional Way of the Cross service at Linz-Pöstlingberg. |  Our kapatid in Linz prepared and served lunch in a local community hall, and we had an opportunity to catch up with them and their news. |
(Photos courtesy of Rodel Macatangay)
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Holy Thursday vigil, 21 April 2011
 | | Under the theme "Bearing pain through service", the community observed the traditional Maundy Thursday evening vigil held in the Hinterekapelle. The devotions were led by the various lay religious organizations: 20:30h - 21:15h CFC & Followers of the Good Shepherd |
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Palm Sunday, 17 April 2011
Members of the Chaplaincy turned out in full force for the Palm Sunday celebration bringing Austrian- and Filipino-style palm branches, which were blessed by Father Sammy. (Photo courtesy of Rodel Macatangay)
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Lenten Recollection, Saturday, 16 April 2011
The Chaplaincy is grateful to Father Sammy Silloriquez, an Augustinian recollect based in Rome, who led this year's whole-day Lenten Recollection explaining:
Our El-Shaddai group presented ice-breakers for the morning and afternoon sessions. |  |
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Concert of Ateneo Glee Club, 4 April 2011
| The 36-member Ateneo Glee Club, under the baton of Ms. Maria Lourdes Hermo, enchanted the Filipino and Austrian audience in the fully-packed Lower Church this evening with its wide a cappella repertoire. On a 2-month European tour to participate in choral competitions in Slovenia, Bulgaria, Switzerland and Germany, the Club arrived on 1 April and is acclimatizing for one week in Vienna. Several families in the parish host the Club members, and lay religious organizations take turns in arranging group meals. They are pictured above in a number graciously rendered with some members of the FCC Choir. Photos of their performance at the Vienna International Centre are also available. The Chaplaincy wishes the Club much success in its endeavours; we hope to receive news as the Club follows its competition schedule. Click for competition program in Montreux, Switzerland. |  |
Visit of Bishop Edgardo S. Juanich, Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay, Palawan, 3-7 March 2011
| Although he was a guest of the Franciscan School Sisters during his visit in Vienna on his way home to the Philippines after his ad limina visit with the Holy Father in Rome, Bishop Juanich celebrated First Friday Devotion and Holy Mass on March 4, and the Community Mass on March 6 with our Community. The Vicariate of Taytay hopes to complete St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral in May 2012, and is grateful for any and all support that interested individuals, families, groups and/or organizations can provide. Please visit their Website for details. Our Pastoral Council was able to donate a humble amount to the Bishop's project. | |  |
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Visit of Rev. Msgr. Claro V. Caluya III, Diocesan Administrator, Diocese of Masbate, 25-28 Feb. 2011
Msgr. Caluya visited the Chaplaincy on his way home after the Ad Limina Visit and audience with the Holy Father in Rome. He was able to celebrate the Holy Mass at the Cathedral of St. Stephen in Vienna, and concelebrate at the Basilica of Our Lady of Mariazell. Parish faithful feted him with home-cooked meals and some pasyal in typical Filipino fashion. We look forward to seeing him again next year.
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Visit of His Grace, Most Rev. Onesimo Cadiz Gordoncillo, Archbishop of Capiz, 2-5 Feb. 2011
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"Msgr. Onie", as he is fondly addressed by his priests and the parishioners in his diocese, spent a few days with the Chaplaincy before proceeding to his ad limina visit to the Holy Father in Rome. He celebrated the First Friday Holy Hour and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the Lower Church, attended by members of the Austrian parish and the Filipino Chaplaincy. P.Jojo and some members of the religious groups took him on outings and arranged home-cooked specialties to welcome him.
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Installation of Fr. Ely as Chaplain of the Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy,
19 Dec. 2010
