Franz Jägerstätter, an Austrian peasant and devout Catholic, was executed on Aug. 9, 1943 for refusing to serve in the German army.
This is what Robert Ellsberg in his book about saints, Blessed Among Us, tells us about Jägerstätter:
"Known in his village of St. Radegund as a man of honesty and principle, devoted to his family and his faith, he was also known as a fervent opponent of the Nazis ...
In 1943, when served with an induction notice, Franz turned himself in and announced his refusal to take a military oath. Before taking his stand, he had sought counsel from his parish priest and the local bishop. They advised him to do his duty and serve his Fatherland. But Franz belived the Nazis were a satanic movement and that any compromise represented a mortal sin. ...
He was beheaded August 9, 1943. ... His beatification in 2007 was attened by his widow and surviving children. His feast day is May 21."
This is what Robert Ellsberg in his book about saints, Blessed Among Us, tells us about Jägerstätter:
"Known in his village of St. Radegund as a man of honesty and principle, devoted to his family and his faith, he was also known as a fervent opponent of the Nazis ...
In 1943, when served with an induction notice, Franz turned himself in and announced his refusal to take a military oath. Before taking his stand, he had sought counsel from his parish priest and the local bishop. They advised him to do his duty and serve his Fatherland. But Franz belived the Nazis were a satanic movement and that any compromise represented a mortal sin. ...
He was beheaded August 9, 1943. ... His beatification in 2007 was attened by his widow and surviving children. His feast day is May 21."
