STADL-PAURA AND MAUTHAUSEN MEMORIAL.

We would now speak of 'trauma'\and post-traumatic stress16TH. APRIL 2011 IN AUSTRIA. STADL-PAURA AND MAUTHAUSEN MEMORIAL
Our work appointment was on Friday morning, so Mirjam and I left early. Our journey to Stadl-Paura took about one and a half hours and we arrived in good time. Everything was completed by 11.50a.m. - luckily, because both offices concerned closed at noon for the weekend!!

On our return journey to St. Polten, we both wanted to visit Mauthausen Memorial. It was on our road. We arrived in mid-afternoon at the Memorial to Mauthausen Concentration Camp. For two hours, we made separate journeys, each in our own language. For both of us it was an emotional experience. Most of the time, the actual words of survivors were used. Also, there were comments from people like Victor Frankl on the effects of the 'shock of admission' for newcomers to the violence in the Camp. Nowadays, we would speak of 'trauma' and post-traumatic stress'. The pictures, actual photographs included, were horrific. A perpetual lamp and a fresh rose cheered the entrance to the execution oven. There was no other positive sign. It was good to see several acknowledgments of the liberation of the prisoners by the American Army on the 5 May 1945. I valued having the opportunity of seeing and hearing the stark reality of this dark time, just where it all took place. We were a little late returning here and so we did not plan for today until this morning.

With our business completed, we took to-day to see Vienna! We parked on the edge of the city and took the shuttle train, that ran every five minutes, into the city centre. Tourists seemed to converge on the magnificant Cathedral and we arrived just in time for midday Mass. This was not long, but beautifully sung, using many familiar airs. The centre of the Cathedral was well-filled. Fot the rest of the day, we just admired the Danube, saw thousands of visitors and soaked in the atmosphere. We recalled too the many times we had seen snippets of the city used in the New Year Viennese Concerts over the years.

To-morrow, being Palm Sunday, we will go to the local Parish Church for Mass and afterwards begin our return journey to Korce. So, please God, another update will follow over the next few days.
Every blessing for Holy Week.