Linz, November 26, 2023 (KAP) In the run-up to Christmas, the memory of the death of a loved one awakens in many people: The Diocese of Linz offers special events during Advent and Christmas at the St. Barbara Cemetery in Linz, such as consolation balls Take-away, open Christmas carol singing and special tours. “Grief is often particularly intense during this difficult time – no matter how long ago the loss was,” it said in a broadcast on Saturday. For example, singing Christmas carols can remind you of the time when you did it together with a loved one. The St. Barbara Cemetery deliberately invites people to do this at the cemetery near the graves, it was said.
Free St. Barbara branches will be available at St. Barbara Cemetery on December 3rd and 4th. They remind us of the legend of Saint Barbara, who died as a martyr. On the day of her death, a cherry branch that she had previously placed in the water is said to have started to bloom.
An Advent concert with texts will be offered on December 10th at 5 p.m., the second Sunday in Advent. From December 11th to 26th, “comfort balls to take home” will also be offered, which are intended to create a symbolic connection to the grave of a loved one who has died.
On the third Sunday of Advent (December 17th) there will be open Christmas carol singing at 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. “Singing Christmas carols yourself brings back memories of the past – and perhaps brings you a little closer to the loved one who is buried at St. Barbara Cemetery,” says the explanation of the offer. The Peace Light will also be available in St. Barbara Cemetery on December 24th from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Special tours are also offered, for example on December 3rd at 2 p.m. on the topic “Saint Barbara and other remarkable women”. Thematically, the tour revolves around the patron saint of the dying and the gravesites of famous and successful women of past centuries – from Amalie Stifter to Enrica von Handel-Mazzetti.
Saint Barbara
The first day of Advent is dedicated to Saint Barbara on December 4th. The saint is considered the patroness of miners and architects and is invoked as one of the fourteen helpers. But it also has a connection to Christmas: on its day, in many places, cherry branches are cut off and placed in a vase so that they bloom at Christmas. The flowers of these “Barbara branches” symbolize the birth of Jesus.
There is a legend behind the tradition: Barbara came from Asia Minor. In 306, she was martyred because she was a Christian. On the day of her death, a cherry branch that she had previously placed in the water is said to have started to bloom. As a saint of miners and architects, statues of her stand in many tunnels today as a thank you and as an expression of a request for protection. (Link: www.barbarafriedhof.at)
Kathpress focus on the topic of “Advent” at: www.kathpress.at/advent
2023-11-26 06:17:45
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