Remembering Franz Jägerstätter

Bl Franz Jägerstätter

For more than 30 years, Pax Christi members and friends have met together on 9th August for a service in memory of Blessed Franz Jägerstätter. The service is usually held in the crypt of Westminster Cathedral in the evening. This year, due to the restrictions, we are hosting an online event.

Franz Jägerstätter was an Austrian Catholic conscientious objector. Following his conscience and his faith, he refused to take up arms for the Nazi regime despite huge pressure. From prison in 1943, he wrote, "I am convinced that it is still best that I speak the truth, even if it costs me my life. For you will not find it written in any of the commandments of God or of the Church that a man is obliged under pain of sin to take an oath committing him to obey whatever might be commanded of him by a secular ruler." He was executed on 9th August 1943 leaving behind his beloved wife and three young daughters. Franz's story is the subject of the film A Hidden Life, directed by Terrence Malick and released earlier this year.

At Pax Christi we continue to be inspired by Franz's life and witness. Online this year, some elements of our liturgy will be familiar to regular attenders. However we are also delighted to welcome Marian Pallister of Pax Christi Scotland and representatives of Pax Christi Austria to speak. There will also be time for discussion in smaller groups.

If you would like to attend, email for more information: info@paxchristi.org.uk