Following the diocesan pilgrimage of Innsbruck with about 400 faithful, the absolute highlight of the program on Wednesday was the general audience with the Pope: and at the same time there were real goosebumps. Without realizing it, the Kaunertal musicians suddenly became the protagonists.
When a uniformed Tyrolean with a meter-long flagpole asks for access to the papal audience, the otherwise cool police officers start moving. Frenzied gestures, commands. Yes, the standard is part of it, assures the wearer. And no, this is not a weapon.
“Decisions affect you and the world”
In the end, everything dissolves with pleasure – clear the way for the pinnacle, the Diocesan Pilgrimage in Rome! In the colossal audience hall with 6,500 visitors it becomes clear: even as a 400-strong delegation you are one of the many. The Argentine youth, who celebrate ‘their’ Francis with chants long before the start at 9:00 am, the football club from Brazil, the nuns from Africa, believers from Florida, bridal couples from all over the world – everyone is moved when the side door opens and the Holy Father appears. His message on this day is also translated into German: Decisions affect you and the world, you can turn them into deserts or blooming gardens.
Protocol officers with a special request
What even those involved do not suspect: towards the end, a Vatican official approaches the “Kaunertaler Mühlbachmusi”. Gerhard Larcher (tenor horn) later recalls: “We had parked our instruments in the audience hall because afterwards we were going to play the Tyrolean Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. Suddenly we have to start here. My heart was beating like never before in my 48-year life as a musician!”
The inhabitants of Kaunertal quickly get out their sheet music – and when the Bozner Bergsteigermarsch sounds, 400 Tyroleans sing along and the other peoples clap. The music is allowed on stage and as they leave, the Pope calls out to them in German: “Beautiful music, please play, play, play!”
“Impressions for Life”
“Indescribable moments”, the people involved later applauded. Other Tyroleans who are allowed to personally introduce themselves to the Pope after the official part experience something similar: for example the East Tyrolean couple Ingrid and Christian Oberlojer, who met 33 years ago on a pilgrimage to Rome and are now back for their 30th wedding anniversary. . Bishop Hermann Glettler therefore arranged the handshake with Francis.
“We only found out an hour in advance, so in the beginning you are speechless. Impressions for life”, the East Tyroleans beam afterwards. As selected Tyrolean youth representatives, Alexandra Hilkenmeier and Noah Huber climb the stairs to the head of the The Kaunertalers still play there – the Holy Father wanted it that way.
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.
