The Austrian Episcopal Conference celebrated for Benedict XVI. on January 9 a Holy Mass in St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna. All the faithful were invited to the late Pope Emeritus’ Mass with Cardinal Schönborn, Archbishop Lackner and the Austrian bishops.
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Mourning flags had already been placed in St. Stephen’s Cathedral and other cathedral churches. An 18-metre-long flag in church colors yellow and white and a six-metre-long mourning ribbon hang from the west facade of Vienna Cathedral. There is also a book of condolences in the cathedral for the faithful to sign.
On New Year’s Day, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn celebrated a funeral service in the Mariazell Basilica at 11:15 am in memory of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Benedict XVI, who died on Saturday aged 95. was closely linked to the Marian pilgrimage site in Styria and to Mother Mariazeller, among other things through her visit during the papal trip to Austria in 2007.
A replica of Mariazell’s statue of grace has also been in Benedict’s reception room in recent years. at his retirement home in the Vatican Gardens and has been seen repeatedly in official visitor photos.