a priest's musings on the journey

Huw has directed me to a blog written by Rocco Palmo on the Martyrdom and upcoming beaitification of Franz Jägerstätter, a young man who refused to fight for the Nazi's when drafted. Huw is kinder in his assessment of the irony that Venerable Franz will be beatified by a man who did not resist. However, as I am not God (duh) and can't judge the motives of the youthful Ratzinger/the Pontiff- (and God knows I dont know what if I'd have the courage to resist either) and since my southern momma taught me to keep my mouth shut if I can't say anything nice about someone; I'll just let this pass without comment.

You can read "Blessed Objector" here



Venerable Franz is already commemorated in the calendar of the Episcopal Church, on 9 August.

Almighty and everlasting God, who kindled the flame of your Love in the heart of your holy martyr Franz Jagerstatter: Grant to us, your humble servants, a like faith and power of love, that we who rejoice in his triumph may profit by his example; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigsh with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. (collect written by James Keiffer)

Padre Bob,

To be fair, Joseph Ratzinger was a teenager when he was forced to join the Hitler Youth...and once he was on duty, he went AWOL and was taken as a prisoner of war by American forces. Franz J. was in his 30s when he made his "solitary witness" (Those interested in learning more about this martyr can obtain the book written by the man who "discovered" the story of Franz: "In Solitary Witness: The Life and Death of Franz Jaegerstaetter" by Gordon C. Zahn (Published by Templegate).

Michael, you make a valid point- thanks! And thanks for the reference. Pax

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