Insights into the topics of life and death and loving devotion on March 26, 2024 at 3:30 p.m. in the St. Katharina Hospice in honor of the 20th anniversary of the death of Cardinal Franz König
We want to celebrate the life of Cardinal König and the St. Katharina Hospice together, as a place of farewell, but also as a place of hope and consolation
Home and nursing service manager Astrid Reiter MSc MBA
Vienna (OTS) – In the middle of the pulsating life of Vienna Mariahilf, a special atmosphere develops in the hospice of the St. Katharina nursing home of the Barmstädte Sisters Pflege GmbH. It is a place where time seems to stand still, where life is lived in its precious moments but also in its quiet farewells. Cardinal Franz König also spent the last 20 years of his life in St. Katharina’s House. The St. Katharina Hospice therefore invites you to a special afternoon of remembrance around this extraordinary personality and the topics of life and death. The public is also warmly invited.
In October 2022, three hospice beds were put into operation for the first time in the St. Katharina nursing home, in addition to long-term care. This year the hospice will be expanded to eight beds. The realization of the project in Haus St. Katharina, as a recognized institution of the Vienna Social Fund (FSW), is made possible by the significant support of the FSW. With the Hospice and Palliative Care Act passed in 2022, the inpatient hospice will receive the long-needed regular funding. This ensures that the planned expansion of the hospice and palliative care offering at St. Katharina House can be realized in the future.
Under the expert care of specially trained nursing staff, in the hospice, not only physical needs but also the emotional facets of the end of life are cared for. The close collaboration with the St. Raphael palliative care ward at the Divine Heiland Hospital under the direction of Prim.a Dr. Athe Grafinger guarantees comprehensive medical support that always keeps the dignity and personal needs of the patients in mind.
About life & death
Cardinal König died on March 13, 2004 in his apartment in the St. Katharina Nursing Home of the Sisters of Mercy Care GmbH. He lived and worked in this apartment on the fifth floor for almost two decades. This year marks the 20th anniversary of his death – a time to remember him and his legacy.
During a round of discussions, participants offer a unique insight into the life and work of Cardinal König as well as into the topics surrounding life and death.
- Dr. Annemarie Fenzl: As Cardinal König’s office manager for many years until the end of his active time and as a companion in his “retirement” until his death, Dr. Annemarie Fenzl keeps a great treasure of personal memories of his life and death.
- Deacon Wolfgang Moser: As Cardinal König’s final ceremonial, Deacon Wolfgang Moser has a unique perspective on the personal encounters and spiritual experiences that shaped Cardinal König’s life and death.
- Mag.a Kathrin Hopfgartner: As a representative of the Viktor Frankl Center Vienna, Mag.a Kathrin Hopfgartner brings a profound perspective on the meaning of human existence in view of the finiteness of life, the indispensable dignity of the person and the task of medical pastoral care according to Viktor E. Frankl.
- Astrid Reiter MSc MBA: As the home and nursing service manager at St. Katharina House, she reports on the experiences and challenges that come with caring for people at the end of their life, and at the same time on the moments of joy and comfort that can be found in this work.
As part of the discussion, participants share their perspectives, answer questions and have an open discussion on the topics of hospice, death, dying, finding meaning and human support. Afterwards, a joint prayer takes place to pause and lovingly remember all those who spent their last time in St. Katharina’s House. “We want to celebrate the life of Cardinal König and the St. Katharina Hospice together, as a place of farewell, but also as a place of hope and consolation
“, says home and nursing service manager Astrid Reiter, looking forward to the upcoming event.
Event “A fulfilled life requires a dignified death”
- When? Tuesday, March 26, 2024, 3:30 p.m
- Wo? Haus St. Katharina, Millergasse 6-8, 1060 Wien, 6. Stock
- Registration? Please send an email to communication@bths.or.at
- Entry? Access to the event is free.
Photos for download www.bhs.or.at/presse
Questions & Contact:
Katharina Reichelt, BA
Communication
Sisters of Mercy Care GmbH
Gumpendorfer Straße 108, 1060 Vienna
www.bhs.or.at
T: +43 664 88493246
Email: communication@bhs.or.at