Austrians can receive text messages from Pope

Organizers of Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Austria next month are offering the faithful daily cell phone text messages with quotes from the pontiff.

The Archdiocese of Vienna said the service, which began Sunday and will continue through the Pope's Sept. 7-9 visit, provides free excerpts of his sermons, blessings and writings. Some of the quotations will date to the pope's days as a cardinal in Germany.

People can sign up, and there's no extra charge apart from the usual costs to send text messages.

Benedict's trip to Austria, includes a stop at the Mariazell Shrine to mark the 850th anniversary of its founding, a Mass at Vienna's St. Stephen's Cathedral, and a visit to an abbey outside the Austrian capital.

This trip will be the Pope’s seventh in his two-year papacy.

Our mission is the truth. Join us!

Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.