Marienkapelle „Magna Mater Austriae“

St. Mary’s Chapel "Magna Mater Austriae"

In Oberranna fascinates the beautiful St. Mary’s chapel “Magna Mater Austriae”. The Latin name can be translated into “the great mother of Austria” – During the time of reign of the Habsburger family Mary was the patron saint of all Austrian regions!
 
Today a little bit forgotten:
The famous pilgrimage town Mariazell in the Steiermark region used to be the state shrine of the Habsburg Empire. The figure “Magna Mater Austriae”, a 48 cm high statue of St. Mary, is worshiped there.
 
However, the pilgrimage church Mariahilf in Passau is much closer to us as hikers on the Donausteig hiking trail. In front of the church's miraculous image of Mary the fled Austrian imperial couple prayed daily for help against the Turkish who stood before Vienna. At that time Mary was announced as the symbolic leader of the imperial army which went into battle with the battle cry “Mariahilf”. After the victory over the Turkish the worship of Mary flared up.
 
“Magna Mater Austriae” – only a few words, but with a great meaning!