Franz Jägerstätter

🗓️ Aug 9th

Franz Huber’s father was killed in WWI, and he was adopted by his mother’s partner, Heinrich Jägerstätter. In 1943, Franz was conscripted by Nazis forces occupying his native country of Austria. Against the advice of a local priest, he refused to carry a weapon and was arrested for undermining military morale. After six months in chains, he was beheaded on August 9th.

Mandatory Fun:

• Start with his Wikipedia page

• Gordon Zahn’s In Solitary Witness broke the story for the English-speaking world and was the main force behind Franz becoming a saint.

• The Vatican has an English version of his life for his canonization that’s worth a look.

• The Refusal is a documentary featuring interviews with Franz’s widow.

• A Hidden Life, a contemplative biopic by Terrence Malick, has received positive reviews.