The program started with an inspirational input in the parish hall of neighbouring Tarsdorf at 10 am. This year it was a lecture given by the renowned peace activist Hildegard Goss-Mayr. Despite her advanced age her mind is still sharp, her memory is clear and she radiates the charismatic aura of a wise and warm-hearted personality that deeply impresses the audience.
Her talk focussed on two extraordinary witnesses of the 20th century, the one being Franz Jaegerstaetter (1907 - 1943) and the other her late husband Jean Goss (1912 - 1991).
Comparing the lives of the two fascinating men, similar in age, one Austrian and one French, Goss-Mayr stated that both grew up in poverty and were denied higher education. Both lived in times of violence and war and had spiritual experiences that led to a strong and unconditional conviction of non-violence and a deep respect for all human beings. Although standing on opposite national sides in WWII, they both heard a call to devote their lives to peace and justice. Their conscience was shaped according to the gospel of Jesus and they acted accordingly. Interestingly, Goss-Mayr also pointed out that apart from the word of God, another source of strength were their wives who supported them in their convictions. Franz Jaegerstaetter and Jean Goss can serve as role models for how to deal with the various challenges of our time.
After lunch a group of pilgrims left for a commemorative walk from Tarsdorf to St. Radegund, passing the newly created memorial for Franz on their way.
At 4 pm the community gathered in the parish church of St. Radegund in solemn remembrance of the hour of Franz Jaegerstaetter‘s death.
The Eucharistic celebration at 7.30 pm was held by the Bishop of the Diocese of Innsbruck, Manfred Scheuer, who had been instrumental in the process of Franz‘ beatification in 2007. In his homily he referred to the term „freedom“, expressing how impressed he has always been by the unconditional freedom resulting from a strong belief in God that he saw in Franz Jaegerstaetter, Jean Goss and Edith Stein. This profound freedom enabled them to be free from all fear of an oppressive regime. Apparently we can see them as examples for our behaviour.
Bishop Scheuer explicitly thanked all the international groups who carry the legacy of Franz into our societies and into the future. In fact, a strong bond could be felt between the participants of the St. Radegund commemoration and people of the same spirit worldwide.
The annual event brings an international community to St. Radegund. This year, apart from numerous Austrians, there were Christians from the USA, France, Italy, Switzerland and Germany attending the various events and church services, among them many members of the Jaegersteatter family. Unfortunately 99-year-old Franziska Jaegerstaetter was unable to be present as due to her age she is bed-ridden. Visitors found her weak but in her usual good spirits and full of trust in God. (Siegi Witzany)
