Ute Kersten, Margret Haehling, Hanni Woitsch, Mariola Pietrzak, Herta Taverner  | Ilsemarie Weiffen (new provincial of CEU), Auxiliary Bishop of Vienna Dr. Helmut Krätzl  | Hanni Woitsch, Laura Moosbrugger Ilsemarie Weiffen | This autumn came with death and resurrection to the rscj of Hungary, Austria, Sweden and Germany. The provinces in which rscj had lived up to now - Germany-Sweden (DES) and Austria-Hungary (OSU) - came to an end, after a long history, so that a new province, that of Central Europe (CEU), could come into existence. On the evening of September 30th the new and old provincial governments, the members of the Steering committee which had coordinated the process of growing together, representatives of every community in CEU and the rscj who live in Vienna came together in order to give thanks for the provinces OSU and DES, and to remember the rscj who had lived and fulfilled our mission in them. During the Eucharist of thanksgiving, celebrated by two priest friends of the old provinces, an image of Saint Madeleine Sophie which for a long time had accompanied the most important moments in OSU and a booklet containing the history of DES history in pictures were brought forward as a symbol of gratitude, together with flowers, candles and the eucharistic gifts. There was a bit of melancholy in this mass of parting, but much more joy and hope which was also expressed in the common meal afterwards at Vienna City House (Stadthaus).
On October 1st the new Provincial Office, which is situated close to the centre of Vienna and within walking distance from the communities of Bethanien and City House, was blessed by Auxiliary Bishop Dr. Helmut Krätzl of Vienna. This celebration marked also the beginning of the new province. The bishop encouraged the members of CEU to continue to look for new pathways to live their charism and to pass on the love of God: “After Vatican Council II there was a lot of reflection about reform, and much has been implemented. I myself participated in it here in Vienna, and was, together with you, glad about tangible successes. Time has passed since then. Should we not prioritize matters today differently? We might be tempted to become too preoccupied with the external aspects of our life, with holding on to what we had before, instead of becoming free in order to concentrate wholly on Christ." After the service everybody shared a meal prepared by the new provincial, Ilsemarie Weiffen.
When the new provincial council met for the first time on October 2nd, everyday working life had started. We hope and pray it will continue to be marked by confidence, trust and joy as the days of transition have been. Adelheid von dem Hagen, Angela Corsten  | | Marie Thérèse Bianchi, Barbara Müller, Reintraut Kölz, Adelheid von dem Hagen, Hilde Schabik, Beate Chromik , Ila Prohászka, Lidwina Mink  | | Pastor Josef Zierl, Ilsemarie Weiffen,Erzsébet Berczelly, Dr. Frank Frese (facilitator of the process OSU-DES) and his wife Gabi Frese  | | Pastor Josef Zierl, Gabriela Lochmann  | | |
