Imperial mass

Just like in Habsburg times - every year on 'Emperor's Birthday' on 18 August, the 'Emperor's Mass' is celebrated in the Catholic parish church in Bad Ischl.

Countless visitors line the streets as members of the Habsburg family, members of former noble families, delegations from the traditional regiments of the former crown lands, and several civic guards make their way to the Mass. Before the Mass, the delegations line up; they report to the Habsburg family and request further orders. After the commander inspects the honor guard, the flag bearers enter the festively decorated church. During the Mass that follows, the Imperial Anthem is sung. Afterward, the regiments march through the entire city center to the Imperial Park to pay their respects to His Imperial Highness Archduke Markus Salvator of Habsburg-Lorraine. Known as the highlight of the Imperial Days in Bad Ischl, this year’s event will be taken to new heights, as none other than Anton Halm’s Spa Orchestra will provide the musical accompaniment for the Imperial Mass.

Program:
Starting at 7:30 a.m.
Gathering of traditional associations and clubs in the Kurpark

until 8:30 a.m.
Registration with the Commander-in-Chief, organized by the Deutschmeister Schützenkorps

at 9:00 a.m.
March of the units from the Kurpark via Pfarrgasse to the forecourt of the
city parish church. The “Bürgerkapelle Bad Ischl” band will be playing

until 9:30 a.m.
Assembly on the forecourt of the Stadtpfarrkirche; roll call before His Royal Highness Archduke Markus Salvator of Austria; playing of the national anthem; inspection of the ranks by Archduke Markus Salvator of Austria and Mayor Ines Schiller.

At 10:00 a.m.
Holy Mass celebrated by His Eminence Reinhard Cardinal Marx, Archbishop
of Munich & Freising, with musical accompaniment by Anton Halm’s Court Orchestra.

approx. 11:30 a.m.
After Mass, procession out of the church, march through the city center accompanied by music: Kaiser Franz Josef Street – Kreuzplatz – Wirerstraße – Pfarrgasse – Kaiser Franz Josef Street – Götzstraße – to the Kaiservilla
Music provided by the “Bürgerkapelle Bad Ischl” band

Approx. 12:00 p.m.
Assembly in the Kaiserpark; words of thanks from the Commander-in-Chief to His Royal Highness Archduke Markus Salvator of Austria; performance by Anton Halm’s Spa Orchestra; honor guard salute; playing of the national anthem; march with a parade; reception inside and in front of the Kaiservilla / Imperial Stables