Born in St Radegund, Austria in 1907. Executed on 9th August 1943 at Brandenburg Prison for his conscientious objection to serving in Hitler’s army. On 26 October 2007, Franz was Beatified in his home Diocese of Linz in Austria. Writing to his family from prison he said:
” These few words are being set down here as they come from my mind and heart. And if I must write them with my hands in chains, I find that much better than if my will were in chains. Neither prison nor chains nor sentence of death can rob a man of the Faith and his free will. God gives so much strength that it is possible to bear any suffering, a strength far stronger than any might of the world. “
On line resources
- AV on the story of Franz from the Sheen Centre for Thought and Culture (February 2019)
- Profile of Franz Jägerstätter
- Profile of Franziska Jägerstätter
- Vatican profile of Franz produced at the time of his Beatification.
- Biography from the Diocese of Linz, Austria
- Some words from Franz
- Workshop for use with young people on the life and witness of Franz
- Photogallery from the Diocese of Linz
- Photogallery from Pax Christi on events held in memory of Franz
- Film: The Refusal
- Film: A Hidden Life – Trailer, directed by Terrence Malick. UK release date January 17th 2020
- Reflection and discussion cards for young people on the story of Franz and Franziska, as well as reflection and discussion card on nonviolence and Franz and Franziska.
-
Comprehensive archive of letters and photographs in the Franz and Franziska Jägerstätter Institute, Linz.
Other resources available from Pax Christi
- Franz Jägerstätter – Christian and Martyr. A fully illustrated account of the life and influence of Blessed Franz. Co-published with the Diocese of Linz. Includes reflections from political and church leaders on what Franz Jägerstätter means today. (2010). Price £5
- Franz Jägerstätter: a Different Kind of Hero. Resource pack. Contents include biography, reflections, prayers and activities for young people and lots more too. Price £6 — Newly revised in 2023
- Franz Jägerstätter, Martyr: a Shining Example in Dark Times. A 128 page biography by Erna Putz. Price £10
- Blessed Franz Jägerstätter prayer leaflets Set of 25. Price £3.50
- Follow me: The Way of the Cross with reflections by Franz Jägerstätter. Price £2.50
