Preparations are underway for the installation of Josef Grünwidl as the 33rd Archbishop of Vienna next week, succeeding Cardinal Christoph Schönborn after his retirement earlier this year [[2]]. The ordination ceremony, set to take place at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, will mark a transition in leadership for Austria’s largest Catholic community, encompassing nearly one million faithful [[2]]. Approximately 3,000 guests are expected to attend the event, which will include a full liturgical programme and heightened security measures.
Stephansdom
Josef Grünwidl will be ordained as the next Archbishop of Vienna in a ceremony next week, succeeding Cardinal Christoph Schönborn. Hundreds of volunteers are currently preparing for the installation, which will take place at St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Security measures will be in place for the episcopal consecration. A portion of Stephansplatz, the square in front of the cathedral, will be closed to the public from late morning on the day of the ceremony. Access to St. Stephen’s Cathedral will be limited to those with special passes after the morning mass, and the cathedral and parts of the square will remain closed until 6:00 PM.
3,000 Guests Expected
The ordination ceremony is scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM. Approximately 3,000 guests are expected to attend as Grünwidl, originally from Weinviertel, is installed as the 33rd Archbishop of Vienna. Attendance requires prior registration. As a “sign of joy,” all bells within the Archdiocese of Vienna will ring between 1:45 PM and 1:55 PM, and church buildings will be decorated with white and yellow flags.
All available seats inside the cathedral have been allocated. Attendees will include volunteers and staff from the Archdiocese, colleagues of Grünwidl, and individuals who registered through an open application process, including people facing challenging social circumstances, according to a statement from the Archdiocese of Vienna.
Representatives from the political sphere are also expected to attend, including Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, Chancellor Christian Stocker, and Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig, as well as representatives from other churches and 150 young people from over 30 parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Vienna.
Liturgical Program and Gifts
The ceremony will include key liturgical elements such as the reading of the papal appointment letter, a communal remembrance of baptism, the episcopal consecration by Cardinal Schönborn, and the presentation of the crosier to Grünwidl at the cathedral. Those interested can offer support to the new Archbishop through prayers, a photo mosaic, volunteer work, or donations.
