We joined the Summer course group again on Sunday, first for Mass in Vienna at the magnificent Peterskirche and then for lunch at Stift Klosterneuburg followed by a tour. The abbey was founded in 1114 by St. Leopold III, one of the Margraves of Austria of the house of Babenberg. He is also one of the patron saints of Austria (and his feast day happens to be on November 15). The abbey is one of the oldest and largest wine makers in Austria (and is featured in The Bad Catholics' Guide to Wine, Whiskey, and Song).
There happened to be a falconry demonstration that afternoon in front of the abbey.
After the falcon, an eagle.
The highlight of the tour of the abbey is the Verdun altar, a magnificent piece of work dating from 1181. It is a fascinating work of biblical typology: the top row contains images of events before the Law was given; the bottom row contains images of events after the giving of the Law but before Christ; and the middle row contains images from the life of Christ. Types and antitypes are then arranged vertically.
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