Franz Jagerstatter Beatified October 26, 2007

Blessed Franz Jagerstatter was a farmer in Nazi occupied Austria during the Second World War. He was beheaded by the Nazis for refusing to serve in the German military. Jagerstatter refused to serve in the military because taking the life of another human was against his Catholic faith.

During his beatification Mass at the Cathedral of the Diocese of Linz, Austria, the following was part of the prayer for Bl. Franz's future cannonization: "During a time of contempt for God and humankind, you bestowed in him unerring discernment and integrity. In Faith he followed his conscience and said a decisive NO to unjust war."

There are several websites where we can learn about Bl. Franz and his life and programs during Lent 2008 to honor him and his stand against unjust war and its cost to humanity.

www.cjd.org/paper/franz.html

http://www.franzprayforus.org/

On January 9, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI stated "... less than one half of the immense sums spent worldwide on armaments would be more than sufficient to liberate the immense masses of the poor from destitution. This challenges humanity's consciences."

Let us pray that we can walk in Bl. Franz's footsteps and help to change our world to a place where disputes can be settled without war.