December 2017 Philadelphia Chapter of Pax Christi U.S.A.
Ed.’s Note: those who attended Franziska Jagerstatter’s Memorial Service, 9/29/13, at St. Malachy’s might remember Elisabeth Jungmeier, Pax Christi Austria. Elisabeth accompanied Franz and Franziska’s two daughters, Aloisia and Maria in their visit to the states and participated in the Q and A that evening. Excerpts from an email sent by Elisabeth …
From: "Elisabeth Jungmeier
Date: October 27, 2017 at 4:58:47 PM EDT
…We had a special celebration. The founding of the Franz and Franziska Jagerstatter Institute took place on October 25, 2017, at the Catholic Private University of Linz (theology, philosophy, science of art), on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the beatification of Franz Jagerstatter.
In the next ten years, the research institute is supposed to carry on scientific research, to take a deep look at the biography and self-understanding of Franz and Franziska Jagerstatter, as well as to contribute their life to educational, academic and socio-political concepts of commemorative work. Other research areas include the investigation of the not yet known witnesses of resistance, peace work and the theological-ethical discussion of civil courage and conscience decisions.
Jozef Niewiadomski, professor of dogmatics at the Faculty of Theology of Innsbruck, gave his speech under the title "Political Martyrdom. The life story of Franz and Franziska Jagerstatter in the context of current challenges of persecution and terror. The testimony of Franz and Franziska and its significance for the present.”
He characterizes our time as poor in transcendence. More and more people feel themselves as victims and therefore they cultivate intensified feelings of resentment and also of hatred towards others. In a culture dominated by envy, these negative moods can only be intensified but never changed. Against this background is acknowledged the lonely testimony of the refusal of Franz Jagerstatter as a substantial contribution to the dignity of conscience.
Connected to his martyrdom, necessary culture of remembrance can help to detoxify the cultural situation when it is linked to the aspect of healing. In this connection, Niewiadomski points out the enormous contribution of Franziska Jagerstatter, the first credible witness of her husband's martyrdom, and advocates her beatification. As a consequence, he pleaded for a joint canonization of the couple, thereby recognizing the value of a long-lived relationship with the shaping of political life as a way of holiness in the Church.
Best wishes, Elisabeth
March 2, 1943 Franz refuses the oath of induction for conscription into the Nazi military as “contrary to his Catholic faith”. At the time the Jagerstätters had three daughters under six years.
March 16, 2013 Franziska dies shortly after celebrating her 100th birthday in the farming village of St. Radegund.
Catholic Peace Fellowship December 2017
1