Pax Christi sends 100th birthday greetings to Franz Jaegerstaetter's widow

Franziska Jaegerstaetter

Pax Christi has sent birthday greetings and messages of solidarity to Franziska Jaegerstaetter, the widow of Franz Jaegerstaetter to mark her 100th birthday on 4 March. Franz was executed in Berlin in 1943 for his conscientious objection to serving in Hitler's army. Franziska gave him unstinting support for his decision. In 2007 Franz was recognised as a martyr and beatified by the Catholic Church.

In a letter sent to be read at a Mass in Linz Cathedral, Austria, on 3 March, Pax Christi said:

We wish to express our love and admiration of Franziska.

Many members of Pax Christi UK have met Franziska over the years and remember her warmth, her humour and her steadfast commitment to the life and witness of Franz. Indeed, this is a double witness and Franziska has been so brave and gracious in keeping this story alive when at times it must be painful and sad for her to do so.

In this Year of Faith, Franz and Franziska are most important, credible and challenging witnesses to this faith. Be assured that we will continue to share their story with others, to encourage younger generations to learn from this remarkable faith and witness to the Gospel of peace and nonviolence.

On 4 March in St Radegund, the home village of the Jaegerstaetter family, another Mass will be celebrated with Bishop Ludwig Schwarz.

This year also marks the 70th anniversary of Franz Jaegersaetter's execution. Pax Christi will encourage members and churches to commemorate his feast day on 21 May.

See photographs from the Beatification Mass in 2007: http://bit.ly/WswSTO

News: www.paxchristi.org.uk/press1.php

For more information see: www.paxchristi.org.uk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/paxchristiuk

Peace People: (http://bit.ly/15We5RT)