Delegazione Austria

Vienna, 24th June, 2024 – During a private ceremony held at Palazzo Esterhazy, the EpiscoPal Vicar Erich Schöder was given his Diploma of Knight Officer of Ecclesiastical Grace by the Austria Prior, Bishop H.E. Alois Schwarz and the Delegate Vicar Lawyer Dr. Alexander Rudolf Babinek, who also warmly congratulated him on behalf of the Knights of Piacenza and the entire Delegation.

Moreover, on the same occasion, the Episcopal Vicar was informed of his nomination as Chaplain of the Austria Delegation.

Then, during a private dinner, they announced the future activities of the Delegation.

Wednesday 16th of December in Vienna, the Austria’s Vice Delegate Esq. Dr. Alexander Rudolf Babinek, on the occasion of a private visit at the headquarters of the Delegation for Austria, has handed over to Dr. Norbert Stelzer, the Appointment Diploma of Official Knight of the Royal Order of Francis I, making the most heartfelt congratulations also on behalf of the whole Delegation thus acknowledging the social commitment and the continued support to the activities of the Constantinian Order on behalf of Doctor Stelzer. The upcoming activities and a collaboration on various projects in Austria were presented during the meeting, these will be put in place by the Delegation.

During the Christmas holidays and Epiphany the Delegation’s donations, related to the project “Briciole di Salute”, continued particurarly in the Eisgarn’s Monastery, Lower Austria. The Austria’s Vice Prior Father Andreas Lango and his collaborator of the parish were present at the handover.

On Friday, 2 December, an investiture ceremony of distinguished Knights and Dames took place at the beautiful basilica “Zu den Neun Chören der Engel, Am Hof” in Vienna.

The solemn celebration was presided over by His Excellence the Most Reverend Monsignor Alois Schwarz, Bishop of St. Pölten, assisted by Father Richard Hansl and Deacon Lukas Albert. The Bishop blessed the Constantinian Insignia on behalf of the Grand Prior, while the Vice Delegate Alexander Rudolf Babinek, Esq. together with H.S.H. Prince Viktor Thurn und Taxi and the Commander Wolfgang Breitenthaler-Breitenthal proceeded to present the diplomas to the new Knights and Dames.

Numerous Knights and Dames received their investiture, including H.R.H. Archduchess Maria Camilla of Habsburg-Lorraine, as well as promotions and the conferring of the Royal Order of Francis I. The Bishop presided over the Investiture rite, followed by the celebration of the Eucharist, as required by the official ritual of the Constantinian Order.

The ceremony was attended by the Ecclesiastical, Civil and Military Authorities; for the honorary representation of K.Ö.St.V. Kürnberg Wien and of the Association of Catholic Students.

After the ceremony, a convivial reception and gala dinner were held at the Wiener Renn-Verein Club.

The Austrian delegation continues its action and its assistance to the poor and needy of the area.

Thanks to the generosity of Knights and friends, it was possible to donate two bicycles to two young refugees from Egypt and Syria who are currently staying at the Eisgarn monastery. Both greatly appreciated this gesture.

Since September 2021, the delegation, under the leadership of Vice Prior Father Andreas Lango, has been serving refugees from Syria, Egypt, Iraq and since March also from Ukraine.

On April 19th, a conference entitled “The protocol of the popes and the influence on world politics” was held, chaired by H.E. The Most Reverend Bishop Alois Schwarz, Prior of the Order for Austria and in the presence of the Councilors of the Delegation and the Vice Delegate for Austria. H.E. the Bishop concentrated his presentation above all on the life and work of Pope John XXIII, Paul VI and John Paul II. The presentation was followed by a lively debate among the participants and a vin d’honneur.

The Holy Mass for the living and deceased members of the Sacred Militia of the Order was celebrated in the monastery of Saint George last Sunday, at the end of April .

In light of the current humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, the Eisgarn Monastery, under the direction of Prior Vicar Andreas Lango, has welcomed a group of Ukrainian refugees. Since September 2021, the Order has taken care of refugees from Syria, Egypt, Iraq and since March also from Ukraine. The delegation provides bureaucratic support to refugees and organizes German courses, in order to improve the conditions of the most fragile and disadvantaged people.