Karfreitag
Pictures of an Austrian Good Friday from Peter LLC, frequent commenter and American expat in Vienna.
Overlooking Salzburg from a rise to the north…
…is the Wallfahrtsbasilika Maria Plain (Beloved Virgin Mary Assumption), a baroque pilgrimage church since 1674 and a minor basilica since 1951.
As the second day of the Triduum Sacrum is a „Feier vom Leiden und Sterben Christi” (celebration of the Passion and Crucifixion of Christ), the afternoon liturgy begins at 3 p.m., the traditional time of Christ’s death. Note that images of the saints are veiled; they will stay this way until the Easter Vigil.
Prior to the service, those who made a pilgrimage here began in Salzburg by making their way along a path marked with 15 pillars representing the Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. Arriving at the foot of Maria Plain, four chapels on “Calvary” recall once again the Sorrowful Mysteries (Agony in the Garden, Scourging at the Pillar, Crowning with Thorns, Carrying of the Cross)…
…culminating with the Crucifixion.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
Thank you Peter. I was especially touched by the last photo.
Comment by Darrell — March 21, 2008 @ 3:31 pm
That’s just beautiful.
Comment by Stan — March 21, 2008 @ 4:11 pm
I too am especially moved by the last pic. It seems to suggest that there is more than one Golgotha, and always will be. Even beautiful Salzburg needs its Saviour.
Comment by RonanJH — March 21, 2008 @ 4:21 pm
The archbishops may have ruled from their iconic castle over Salzburg for nearly 800 years, but “A might[ier] fortress is our God.”
Comment by Peter LLC — March 21, 2008 @ 4:53 pm
Wow. The last picture simply is amazing.
Comment by Ray — March 21, 2008 @ 7:07 pm
Excellent Photography just stunning. I loved wandering around those older buildings. The Bath Cathedral and the Llandaff Cathedrals were wonders to behold even if they were denuded of colour by the Anglicans.
Comment by Jon W — March 21, 2008 @ 10:47 pm
Peter - so glad we’re visiting you in a few weeks - Austria is so beautiful. I too love the last one - a great image for Good Friday.
Comment by Rebecca — March 22, 2008 @ 3:20 am
We were in Salzburg and Bavaria this time last year. I wish we had known to visit this church. It looks absolutely lovely.
Comment by Kari — March 22, 2008 @ 10:29 am
Oh, my beloved Oesterreich!!
I miss it so much. Thanks for the beautiful photos you shared.
Comment by Sister Mary Lisa — March 23, 2008 @ 12:03 pm