Days of Encounter and Solidarity

An Evening Full of Sound and Confidence

For the third consecutive year, the Parish Church of Haus im Ennstal opened its doors to the charity concert "Ein Abend voller Klang und Zuversicht", an inspiring testimony to lasting solidarity with the work of the St. James Vicariate. A carefully curated musical program united voices and instruments across generations, creating an atmosphere that spoke directly to the heart. Music became a language of comfort and trust.

In his words of welcome, Andreas Lechner, Parish Priest of Schladming, grounded his message in the biblical expression of hope, pointing toward the promise of “next year in Jerusalem.” The close collaboration with organizer Christine Maurer, together with the dedicated team of Anna Maurer and Roman Mayer, shaped an atmosphere of openness and trust. Among those present were Fr. Piotr Zelazko, General Vicar of the St. James Vicariate for Hebrew speaking Catholics in Israel, and Monika Faes, pastoral coordinator and bridge builder between Austria and the Holy Land. Their presence highlighted the close link between Styria and pastoral life in Israel.

In his greeting, Fr. Piotr reflected on hope as a resilient force that grows through listening, generosity, and compassion. The evening became a visible sign of support for children, young people, and families in Israel, especially those living as linguistic and cultural minorities within the parishes of St. James Vicariate.

The evening was shaped by a remarkable range of participants across generations. Musical contributions came from the Schalom Choir, the Choir Community St. Nikolai, Z’schod für dahoam, the Volkshochschule Choir, Chorgemeinschaft zeit.los, and Chor Herzklang. Children and pupils of the Primary School Schladming (4th grade) shared moving texts, read by Karin Noiges, giving voice to hope from a young perspective. The incredibly beautiful ensemble performances by Rosmarie Mitterwallner with her grandchildren, Lorenz Geisler, Gabriel Brandstätter on the accordeon, Isabella Kitzer (vocals), and Franziska Wemmer (piano and organ) added further depth and color to the program. The final piece, featuring Roland Weikl on the saxophone and Franziska Wemmer on the organ, was profoundly powerful. Their interpretation of the Adagio in D minor by Johann Sebastian Bach (after Marcello) brought together two instruments rarely heard in dialogue, creating a moment of striking depth and intensity. Together, this wide musical community created a rich tapestry of sound, reflecting diversity, commitment, and shared spirit.

Beyond the Headlines

On Saturday, attention turned to reflection with the public talk “Beyond the Headlines.” The well attended event invited participants to move past daily news and engage with lived experience.

Fr. Piotr Zelazko and Monika Faes shared insights from their work in Israel, offering context often missing from international coverage. The focus was on people and daily realities rather than political narratives.

Special attention was given to the situation of the local Church in the Holy Land, particularly small and linguistically diverse communities. Fr. Piotr described the Church as a place of stability and dignity for many who face social, legal, and emotional uncertainty. Monika Faes spoke about pastoral work with families and youth, emphasizing the role of language, faith, and belonging, and the importance of safe spaces where young people can express themselves and be heard.

Building Bridges of Understanding

Both events encouraged attentive listening and dialogue. Together, they formed a coherent journey from music that opens the heart to conversation that deepens understanding. Participants left with a clearer picture of life in the Holy Land and a strengthened connection to the mission of the St. James Vicariate.

The weekend offered no simple answers, but it fostered awareness, empathy, and commitment, reminding us that beyond headlines, relationships, the journey of faith and shared humanity continue to build bridges of hope.

A deeply moving part of the weekend was the strong sense of connection throughout. This spirit was also beautifully reflected in the ecumenical service during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, celebrated with Pastor Martina Ahornegger, Fr. Andreas Lechner, and Roland Weikl, parish curator of the Evangelical Parish of Ramsau. Praying together across traditions became a powerful sign of unity and shared hope. Beyond the public events, many moments of exchange deepened relationships, while the warm hospitality of the Gyger family at their hotel made the stay feel truly like home.