Gerard at Closed Cafeteria reveals some exciting news for Austrian Catholics: Pope Benedict XVI will visit the Basilica of Mariazell in September of 2007 for its 850th anniversary.

Read the original story in German (it includes a nice quote of Pope Benedict: "You know, I love Austria and the Austrians.")

CWNews had covered the story earlier before it was confirmed:

"A trip to another Marian shrine-- at Mariazell, Austria-- seems more likely. Last November 30, Cardinal Christoph Schonborn of Vienna said that the Pope had accepted an invitation, and even set a date in September 2007, when Austrian Catholics will be celebrating the 850th anniversary of the founding of the Mariazell sanctuary."

Mariazell is not only the most visited pilgrimage site in Austria, but also one of the largest in Europe, and particularly popular among Catholics in Eastern Europe. It recently underwent and completed an extensive restoration.

Cardinal Schonborn will doubtless play a prominant role in welcoming Pope Benedict at this event, as he did in welcoming Pope John Paul II when he visited Mariazell himself (photo of Cardinal Schonborn below taken from that event).

Remember, it is never too early to book tickets.