Styria Commemorated the Victims of the Graz Rampage

A week after the rampage at a school in Dreierschützengasse, the official memorial service of the state of Styria took place on Tuesday evening in the Graz Cathedral. It was jointly organized by representatives of the Catholic and Protestant Churches and the Islamic Religious Community. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) and Governor Mario Kunsasek (FPÖ) also spoke. The speeches were marked by a desire for unity and togetherness.

On Tuesday, the ten people killed and eleven injured, who were shot by a 21-year-old former student at BORG Dreierschützengasse on the morning of June 10 before he committed suicide, were remembered. Seven days after the terrible bloodshed at the Graz school, there is still great sympathy in the city. In the evening, hundreds gathered in the cathedral to pause and show solidarity with the victims, their families, and friends.

"This Humanity Unites Us"

Mehmet Celebi, chairman of the Islamic Religious Community of Styria, opened the liturgical part of the interfaith memorial service, in which the deceased - including three Muslim students - were remembered: "We are here - shaken, but also united in remembrance of people who were full of hope and were taken from life far too early," as Celebi said.

He appealed to the responsibility of each individual for society: "We bear responsibility, each and every one of us. We must not allow pain to become division and fear to sow distrust." And Celebi pointed to the commonality in the diversity of the city: "Amidst all differences, we are connected. We may believe in different things, but a father's pain is the same, a mother's tears are the same. This humanity unites us." Celebi concluded with the words: "The answer to violence can only be the determination for togetherness."

Appeal from the Diocesan Bishop

For the Catholic Church, Diocesan Bishop Wilhelm Krautwaschl spoke, and Superintendent Wolfgang Rehner represented the Protestant Church A.B. Bishop Krautwaschl looked back on the past week: "Many have been and lived in the experience of darkness and night for a week. Many are asking 'why' and are searching for answers." However, it is also important to recognize, "each of us is the neighbor to others," as Krautwaschl emphasized. "I ask, let us approach each other and stop confronting each other, let us move into a future together," the diocesan bishop appealed to those who came.

The Protestant superintendent connected with these thoughts. "In the darkness, even the smallest light can provide guidance. Let us seize the opportunity and follow the path of comfort, support, reconciliation, and peace."

Governor Mario Kunasek (FPÖ) also emphasized how important "listening and simply being there" is. "We will continue to talk with and be there for those affected as long as it is necessary," the governor stressed.

Karner also in Graz Cathedral

As the official representative of the federal government, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) took the podium in Graz Cathedral and highlighted how much the words of the school speaker from BORG Dreierschützengasse at the memorial service on Sunday - "Please, dear government, change something" - were affecting: "Yes, we will change something. After such a tragedy, something must change. Some things - quickly, thoughtfully, and prudently." This is also necessary in view of the responsibility towards the children, "and in memory of the victims, to honor them for all time. They remain in our thoughts and our hearts," as Karner added and concluded.

Members of all churches, religious, and faith communities were invited to participate in the interfaith memorial service. The cathedral was filled to the last seat. A video screen was installed in the castle courtyard to allow the memorial service to be followed from there as well. The ORF broadcast the entire event. Musically, the event was accompanied by the Graz Cathedral Music and the Military Music of Styria.

Gabalier set the final chord

The final chord was set by the song "Amoi seg' ma uns wieder," sung by Andreas Gabalier himself. The Styrian state parliament had already commemorated the ten victims of last week's rampage in a memorial session on Tuesday morning.

(APA/Red)

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