It was a relatively spontaneous action. SPÖ party leader Andreas Babler, who was visiting his in-laws in the Ländle with his wife and daughter, did not want to miss the New Year’s greetings from the Three Kings. And so he asked the diocese in Feldkirch if a meeting in Bregenz would be possible.
Christine Jochum and Tanja Kopp, who coordinate the star singer campaign for the Vorarlberg Catholic Church, started looking for a group and eventually found one in the Bregenzerwald. Kaspar, Melchior, Balthasar and their star bearer traveled from Andelsbuch to the state capital on Thursday to bring the message of the Three Kings, as well as incense, tea and chocolate.
For the 50-year-old federal party leader, the royal visit brought back memories of his own time as a star singer, just like Mario Leiter (58). “At that time, the action in Bludenz was organized by the padres in the St. Peter Monastery,” says the head of the Vorarlberg Reds.
The chaplain was present at that time as a supervisor. “The people were always friendly. You were welcomed with an open heart. And there was a lot of chocolate, perhaps because the Suchard company is located in Bludenz,” he says with a wink. When the royal ambassadors returned in the evening, there was schnitzel and fries in the refectory.
Girls and boys participate enthusiastically
For Mario Leiter it was always an honor to go door to door and deliver the New Year’s message. “People are happy with the visit and support meaningful projects.” The Bludenzer is particularly impressed by the many volunteers who contribute to the success of the Epiphany campaign: 4,000 girls and boys with 1,500 companions are out and about in the communities in Vorarlberg until Saturday. announce the royal message and collect donations for charity.
The guest from Lower Austria was a youth group member, altar boy and star singer for many years. “Their message, which still applies today, is that you should not always only think about your own benefit, but rather show solidarity with all the people who need support in a society,” says Andreas Babler. In addition, we must think internationally and think outside the box. This year specifically to Guatemala, because part of the donations go there to set up a child protection center.
“The visit of the Magi is about things that are important to me in my social democratic understanding of politics. This extends to finding a hostel, which is of course also an indication that people looking for a hostel are treated well.”
Even those who had little donated
Andreas Babler and his colleagues visited households in his hometown in Lower Austria at the time, unaccompanied and in all weather conditions. “We took the mission very seriously and were proud that we had done something positive for other children – wherever they were at home,” he recalls. He was impressed by the great willingness of people to help. “Those who had little themselves still donated something for others.”
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
