Fancy spaghetti in Innsbruck Cathedral? – DiePresse.com

bishop Hermann Glettler invites the population to eat in church on the occasion of Sacred Heart Sunday. A total of 800 portions – as a reminder of the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death Francis of Assisi – are served on long tables in the middle of the church at “Pasta per Tutti”. An Italian feast in the cathedral – that is (still) a rarity in Austria.

In Italy, eating together in churches is not that unusual – also thanks to the Christian community of Sant’ Egidio, which has regularly held a Christmas meal for poor people in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere in Rome since 1982, broadcasting it worldwide. Now the idea of ​​communal eating in church has also arrived in Innsbruck.

As Piero Salituri from the Italian Cultural Institute Dante Alighieri When he suggested a solidarity dinner in the cathedral and also promised a pasta sponsor, Glettler immediately met with open ears. “The ‘Austria of Round and Square Tables’ initiative was also the inspiration for the meal in the cathedral,” says Glettler: “People of different social and religious backgrounds meet each other, start a conversation and experience something deeply human: connection and belonging.” The Francis Year was another reason why the Tyrolean bishop immediately supported the idea.

Sacred Heart Sunday was quickly found as the ideal date, on which there are “Day of Kindness” projects every year. On Sunday evening, a colorful community will come together in the cathedral, celebrities will sit next to homeless people, families will sit next to lonely people, well-off people will sit next to people who have not been spoiled by fate. Food will be served in eight half-hour slots from 6 p.m., and the pasta will be served to 30 students from the Villa Blanka tourism school. In the cathedral there are long tables in the central aisle and in the front part of the nave.

During the meal, spiritual impulses from Bishop Glettler, Sister Notburga Maringele from the Tertiary Sisters from Hall as well as from Julia and Tobias Moretti planned. “The table is the place where we meet each other in a spirit of trust. Community comes to life at the table. We nourish ourselves and others,” say the Morettis, explaining why they are happy to take part in the project.

In general, the Franciscan meal is a community project. The pasta manufacturer Barilla provides the pasta, and the wine and parmesan also come from Italian partners. The Tyrolean Cooking Association is responsible for the Sugo, and the tourism schools are also involved Red Crosswhich sets up a field kitchen next to the cathedral.

Around 140 volunteers ensure that the tables are prepared, that everyone is fed, that everyone finds their place in the cathedral and that the elaborate schedule is adhered to. The last slot starts at 9.30 p.m., some places are still available.

But “Pasta per Tutti” is not just a nice evening with many other Innsbruck residents. The idea of ​​solidarity at the unusual banquet in the cathedral is important to Glettler. “We want to convey that housing is a human right – and that we have responsibility for each other.” The food is free, donations are requested. The proceeds will benefit initiatives for homeless people in Tyrol.

So that everyone doesn’t just go home after half an hour in the cathedral, but the conversation can continue in a relaxed atmosphere, the cathedral square is to be transformed into an Italian piazza. There you will find ice cream, pizza, wine and music.