Warm services: Down Syndrome Day brings people together!

Warm services: Down Syndrome Day brings people together!

A special service will take place in Vienna's St. Stephen's Cathedral on March 16th at 6 p.m., which will be organized by people with Down syndrome. This service, now in its fifth year, highlights the importance of inclusion and participation. People with trisomy 21 take on various liturgical tasks: they read, pray and even perform pantomimic representations of biblical stories. According to Anamarija Sobocanec-Sostaric, head of pastoral care for people with intellectual and multiple disabilities, these events are “important moments of encounter” that are intended to help break down barriers in thinking and counteract discrimination, such as kathpress.at reported.

The service is organized by the Archdiocese of Vienna in collaboration with various groups, including the cultural association “Ich bin OK” and the band “Faith4U&Me”. It also emphasizes that every person is unique. Cathedral priest Toni Faber emphasized that people with disabilities belong at the center of the church and society. Further celebrations will also take place across Austria on March 21st, World Down Syndrome Day, which will put the spotlight on supporting people with Down syndrome and their families. Church services are planned in Lower Austria and Carinthia katholisch.at reported, which have the motto “Togetherness”.

A message of hope and inclusion

Ahead of World Down Syndrome Day, under the theme “We call on all governments to improve our support systems”, the need for better education and inclusion is highlighted. The service in St. Stephen's Cathedral is not only intended to be an occasion for celebration, but also to raise awareness of the needs of people with Down syndrome. An important message that focuses on both faith and community.