Nehammer: “Figl gave us courage, hope and confidence!”

2023-09-17 13:35:08

Lower Austrian Farmers’ Association celebrated its 77th pilgrimage in memory of post-war hero Leopold Figl

St.Pölten (OTS) – Lower Austria’s farmers gathered in Mariazell this weekend for the 77th pilgrimage. The Styrian pilgrimage site once again welcomed numerous Lower Austrian farmers for the pilgrimage this year. This began with the traditional foot pilgrimage of the rural youth on Saturday on various routes from Lower Austria to Styria.

Pilgrimage speech by Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer

In his address to the pilgrims, Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer covered everything from the early days of the pilgrimage to current social challenges and the achievements of agriculture: “Our family farmers work 365 days a year to set our tables. They guarantee the supply of food to the highest quality, animal welfare and environmental standards. We see what our farmers do for Austria every day, especially in times of crisis. Our focus is on further strengthening the framework conditions so that you can do business. I am particularly pleased that today we are remembering Leopold Figl, the first elected Chancellor of the Second Republic. After the greatest catastrophe, the Second World War, he gave the people of Austria courage, confidence and hope in difficult times with the words “Believe in this Austria!” He is a great role model for me. I am very pleased to see that the farmers in particular believe in this country, otherwise they would not go about their work with this tireless effort and commitment every day.”

The Sunday mass was celebrated by the host, Superior Father Michael Staberl. The mass was musically accompanied by the Bucklige Welt singing community and the Agape with children’s program was organized by the Lower Austrian rural youth, the farmers’ wives of the Wiener Neustadt district and the Südliches Waldviertel regional band.

Lower Austrian Farmers’ Association Chairman LH-Deputy. Stephan Pernkopf and Lower Austrian Farmers’ Association director Paul Nemecek paid their deepest respect and recognition to the many helpers: “We would like to thank all 1,500 pilgrims who stand together for our values ​​and came to Mariazell. At this point we would particularly like to thank all those who supported this pilgrimage organizationally and actively. Without this help, this strong symbol of the Lower Austrian peasantry would not be possible.

Roots of pilgrimage

The history of the Lower Austrian Farmers’ Association pilgrimage goes back to a vow made by Leopold Figl and Josef Reither. During the Nazi era, they vowed to lead Lower Austria’s farmers on a pilgrimage to Mariazell every year when Austria regained freedom and independence.

“This vow is a promise and a commitment to Austria and our homeland. It also symbolizes the handshake quality, energy and the strong community of the farmers and the farmers’ association. If we promise something, it will last for decades. The number of young people and families taking part increases every year and is a particularly strong sign for our future,” said Pernkopf and Nemecek about the great importance of the pilgrimage for the Lower Austrian Farmers’ Association.

Questions & Contact:

Mag. Michael Kostiha
Press spokesman for the Lower Austrian Farmers’ Association
Ferstlergasse 4
3100 St. Pölten
Tel. [phone],
Mobil: 0664/230 318 3

Benjamin Lorenzer
Public Relations Officer
Tel.: [phone]
Mobil: 0664/839 74 29
Email: [e-mail]

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