Reflection for the 4th Sunday of Advent: Mary, the Mother of Hope, Walks With Us

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The 4th Sunday of Advent draws our gaze toward Mary, the woman who said yes to God even when the path ahead was uncertain. Her quiet courage, her openness to God’s plan, and her willingness to carry Christ into the world become a mirror for our own journeys—especially for Filipinos living and working far from home. Mary’s Yes and the Filipino Migrant Heart For many Filipinos in Austria, migration began with a difficult but loving “yes.” A yes to sacrifice. A yes to responsibility. A yes to hope for a…

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Attention, vacationers: These changes are coming in 2026

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Higher vignette prices, new environmental zones, and additional entrance fees—vacations in 2026 will require more planning. Here is a summary of the most important information for you. 2026 is also expected to be a strong year for travel – the ÖAMTC has summarized the most important changes for vacationers. The changes mainly affect road traffic in popular vacation destinations such as Spain, Greece, and Croatia. “Many of the changes mean additional organizational effort for travelers, but the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria will make paying much easier,” explains ÖAMTC…

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Christmas Snow Surprise – Even Vienna Could Turn White

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Austria may be in for a rare festive treat this year: fresh snow right on Christmas Eve. While the current calm weather pattern continues through the weekend, meteorologists warn that a dramatic shift is on the horizon just in time for the holidays. Calm Before the Christmas Change A strong high‑pressure system over northern and western Europe is maintaining mostly quiet conditions, bringing sunshine to the west of Austria and persistent fog to the east. But the situation looks very different to the south, where a Mediterranean low‑pressure system is…

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PHILIPPINES CLOSES LANDMARK DIPLOMATIC YEAR IN VIENNA WITH TRIBUTE TO UN 

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Ambassador and Permanent Representative Evangelina A. Bernas was joined by Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives from various diplomatic missions, Filipino international civil servants, and members of the international community at the opening ceremony of the “Hope & Endeavor: A Tribute to the United Nations at 80” event on 12 December 2025. 12 December 2025,  Vienna – The Philippines marked the end of a defining year in its multilateral engagement by paying tribute to the United Nations 80th Anniversary and to the Filipinos who have contributed to its work across generations.  The…

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How the Zeitgeist Shapes Meaning: New Study Shows How Words Evolve Over Time

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Language is never still. Not only do new words emerge and old ones fade, but the meanings of familiar terms can shift dramatically within just a few decades. A new analysis of speeches from the U.S. Congress shows just how quickly—and how broadly—these changes take hold. It’s not only younger generations who adopt new meanings; older speakers adapt as well. Linguists have long known that language evolves on multiple levels: form, sound, and meaning. Words appear, disappear, or subtly transform until they refer to something entirely different from what they…

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Peace Light 2025: Where to Pick It Up in Vienna

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The long‑standing Christmas tradition continues: on 24 December 2025, the Peace Light can once again be collected at all main fire stations of the Vienna Professional Fire Brigade. The light will be available between 9:00 and 12:00. At the Central Fire Station in Vienna’s 1st district (Am Hof 7), the Fire Brigade Museum will also open its doors from 9:00 to 12:00, offering another opportunity to pick up the Peace Light. Families and visitors of all ages are invited to spend part of Christmas Eve morning exploring the museum while…

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CFAA and GSLF Bring Christmas Joy to Young Cancer Patients at Philippine General Hospital

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Vienna, Austria — December 2025 — The Council of Filipino Associations in Austria (CFAA), in cooperation with the Global Save Life Foundation (GSLF), once again demonstrated its steadfast compassion and commitment to supporting less fortunate Filipinos in the Philippines. Guided by the dedication and leadership of Mr. Elmer Blanco and his team, CFAA and GSLF continue to uphold their mission of solidarity, especially during times of hardship. “We don’t have much, but we share whatever we have,” has long been the guiding spirit behind the organizations’ humanitarian efforts. This heartfelt…

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Vienna’s Donauinsel Barbecue site to raise the fee from 10 euros to 45 euros

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Vienna will sharply increase the cost of reserving a public barbecue site on the Donauinsel, raising the fee from 10 euros to 45 euros. The decision was approved on Thursday afternoon by the city council, prompting both political defense and criticism. The governing Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) justified the hike by pointing to recommendations from the Austrian Court of Audit, while the Greens condemned the measure as excessive and socially insensitive. Greens Call Increase “Disproportionate” Green council member Kilian Stark expressed surprise at the scale of the change, noting that…

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Foggy Advent Weekend Expected in Eastern Austria

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Vienna – The fourth Advent weekend in Austria is set to remain calm but largely grey, especially in the country’s eastern lowlands. Persistent high‑pressure conditions continue to dominate the weather pattern, trapping stubborn fog and low stratus clouds in valleys and basins. Away from these fog zones, however, the days will be surprisingly bright and mild, with temperatures reaching up to 13°C in some regions. Vienna: Quiet Weather, Persistent Fog According to Geosphere Austria, the tranquil weather phase will continue through the weekend. In the lowlands, however, fog remains the…

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