by Rev. Pat Madden-Greco
Pastor, St. Benedict and St. Lucy parishes, Grambling, LA
I don’t think I have told you the story of Franz Jaegerstaeter. He lived in the village of St. Radegund in the late 1930’s. When the Nazis joined Austria to Germany, all the young men in the village were drafted into the army except Franz.
He refused to serve. He talked to his parish priest. He did not feel that joining the Nazi army was the right thing to do. The priest told him he had the right to defend his country. But something just did not feel “right” to Franz.
After he was arrested, three more priests – prison chaplains – all told him the same thing.
The true nature of evil is subtle. It uses a “patriotism,” love for our country — a virtue! — to convince us to do things against the will of Christ…
Readers of Fr. Madden-Greco’s homily on Franz Jagerstatter should print it out and give it to their respective Catholic pastors and urge them to use Fr. Madden-Greco’s words delivered with passion. Catholics have been fed militarism for centuries. Blessed Franz has been recognized as one Austrian who tried to break the Church/Government acceptance of killing.
Spread the word of Franz and our own American refusal patriot who someday will be called Blessed: Ben Salmon.
Thanks for mentioning Ben Salmon Jack. For those who do not know of Ben Salmon, they can learn more by reading the Catholic Peace Fellowship’s issue of “The Sign of Peace” on him found here: http://www.catholicpeacefellowship.org/nextpage.asp?m=2521
For more resources for sharing the life and witness of Franz Jagerstatter, including articles, prayers, lesson plans and more see the Catholic Peace Fellowship’s website: http://www.catholicpeacefellowship.org/nextpage.asp?m=1005