Podcasts about radegund

Full Text of ReadingsSolemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Lectionary: 171The Saint of the day is Blessed Franz JgersttterBlessed Franz Jägerstätter's Story Called to fight for his country as a Nazi soldier, Franz eventually refused, and this husband and father of three daughters—Rosalie, Marie and Aloisia—was executed because of it. Born in St. Radegund in Upper Austria, Franz lost his father during World War I and was adopted after Heinrich Jaegerstaetter married Rosalia Huber. As a young man, he loved to ride his motorcycle and was the natural leader of a gang whose members were arrested in 1934 for brawling. For three years he worked in the mines in another city and then returned to St. Radegund, where he became a farmer, married Franziska and lived his faith with quiet but intense conviction. In 1938, he publicly opposed the German Anschluss–annexation–of Austria. The next year he was drafted into the Austrian army, trained for seven months and then received a deferment. In 1940, Franz was called up again but allowed to return home at the request of the town's mayor. He was in active service between October 1940 and April 1941, but was again deferred. His pastor, other priests, and the bishop of Linz urged him not to refuse to serve if drafted. In February 1943, Franz was called up again and reported to army officials in Enns, Austria. When he refused to take the oath of loyalty to Hitler, he was imprisoned in Linz. Later he volunteered to serve in the medical corps but was not assigned there. During Holy Week Franz wrote to his wife: “Easter is coming and, if it should be God's will that we can never again in this world celebrate Easter together in our intimate family circle, we can still look ahead in the happy confidence that, when the eternal Easter morning dawns, no one in our family circle shall be missing—so we can then be permitted to rejoice together forever.” He was transferred in May to a prison in Berlin. Challenged by his attorney that other Catholics were serving in the army, Franz responded, “I can only act on my own conscience. I do not judge anyone. I can only judge myself.” He continued, “I have considered my family. I have prayed and put myself and my family in God's hands. I know that, if I do what I think God wants me to do, he will take care of my family.” On August 8, 1943, Franz wrote to Fransizka: “Dear wife and mother, I thank you once more from my heart for everything that you have done for me in my lifetime, for all the sacrifices that you have borne for me. I beg you to forgive me if I have hurt or offended you, just as I have forgiven everything…My heartfelt greetings for my dear children. I will surely beg the dear God, if I am permitted to enter heaven soon, that he will set aside a little place in heaven for all of you.” Franz was beheaded and cremated the following day. In 1946, his ashes were reburied in St. Radegund near a memorial inscribed with his name and the names of almost 60 village men who died during their military service. He was beatified in Linz on October 26, 2007. His “spiritual testament” is now in Rome's St. Bartholomew Church as part of a shrine to 20th-century martyrs for their faith. Blessed Franz’s liturgical feast is celebrated on August 9. Want to learn more about Blessed Franz Jägerstätter? Click here! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Developing new skills. Rosie Sykes on her new book that helps you build your own recipes. Spencer Drake on keeping bees. Food workshops in and around Cambridge. Foraging tips from Steve Thompson. Also, developments at Fin Boys and the end of the Radegund rebuild.

A princess born to the Thuringian royal house. A captive in war, forced to marry the Frankish king who killed her family. A queen, who renounced her position, received consecration as a deaconess, and took monastic vows. A religious leader, who acquired a fragment of the Cross of the Crucifixion for her convent of Holy Cross in Poitiers. And, lastly, a saint, remembered for her healings, exorcisms, and extreme self-mortification. Such was Radegund, a woman who lived through an era defined by headlong change. Honored as a "mother" by subsequent Frankish kings and as a holy woman by her nuns and devotees, Radegund enjoyed a reputation for righteousness that spread throughout the whole of medieval Europe, with later queens emulating her pious achievements. For generations, she defined medieval queenship, female monastic practice, and the expectations associated with holy women. Today, she is often envisioned as a pan-European saint. Radegund: The Trials and Triumphs of a Merovingian Queen (Oxford University Press, 2023) by Dr. E. T. Dailey presents a new interpretation of this remarkable woman, examining her vibrant life and legacy. Dr. Dailey shows how she succeeded in establishing a place for herself within this difficult and dangerous world, despite the trials she faced. He also demonstrates how Radegund achieved a position of prominence as a woman in a foreign land without resorting to the violence and intrigue that characterized the lives of other prominent women during this period. Based on a wealth of English, French, and German scholarship, this book will equip experts and lay readers with a concise, authoritative, and accessible portrait of Radegund. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose forthcoming book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

A princess born to the Thuringian royal house. A captive in war, forced to marry the Frankish king who killed her family. A queen, who renounced her position, received consecration as a deaconess, and took monastic vows. A religious leader, who acquired a fragment of the Cross of the Crucifixion for her convent of Holy Cross in Poitiers. And, lastly, a saint, remembered for her healings, exorcisms, and extreme self-mortification. Such was Radegund, a woman who lived through an era defined by headlong change. Honored as a "mother" by subsequent Frankish kings and as a holy woman by her nuns and devotees, Radegund enjoyed a reputation for righteousness that spread throughout the whole of medieval Europe, with later queens emulating her pious achievements. For generations, she defined medieval queenship, female monastic practice, and the expectations associated with holy women. Today, she is often envisioned as a pan-European saint. Radegund: The Trials and Triumphs of a Merovingian Queen (Oxford University Press, 2023) by Dr. E. T. Dailey presents a new interpretation of this remarkable woman, examining her vibrant life and legacy. Dr. Dailey shows how she succeeded in establishing a place for herself within this difficult and dangerous world, despite the trials she faced. He also demonstrates how Radegund achieved a position of prominence as a woman in a foreign land without resorting to the violence and intrigue that characterized the lives of other prominent women during this period. Based on a wealth of English, French, and German scholarship, this book will equip experts and lay readers with a concise, authoritative, and accessible portrait of Radegund. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose forthcoming book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

A princess born to the Thuringian royal house. A captive in war, forced to marry the Frankish king who killed her family. A queen, who renounced her position, received consecration as a deaconess, and took monastic vows. A religious leader, who acquired a fragment of the Cross of the Crucifixion for her convent of Holy Cross in Poitiers. And, lastly, a saint, remembered for her healings, exorcisms, and extreme self-mortification. Such was Radegund, a woman who lived through an era defined by headlong change. Honored as a "mother" by subsequent Frankish kings and as a holy woman by her nuns and devotees, Radegund enjoyed a reputation for righteousness that spread throughout the whole of medieval Europe, with later queens emulating her pious achievements. For generations, she defined medieval queenship, female monastic practice, and the expectations associated with holy women. Today, she is often envisioned as a pan-European saint. Radegund: The Trials and Triumphs of a Merovingian Queen (Oxford University Press, 2023) by Dr. E. T. Dailey presents a new interpretation of this remarkable woman, examining her vibrant life and legacy. Dr. Dailey shows how she succeeded in establishing a place for herself within this difficult and dangerous world, despite the trials she faced. He also demonstrates how Radegund achieved a position of prominence as a woman in a foreign land without resorting to the violence and intrigue that characterized the lives of other prominent women during this period. Based on a wealth of English, French, and German scholarship, this book will equip experts and lay readers with a concise, authoritative, and accessible portrait of Radegund. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose forthcoming book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biography

A princess born to the Thuringian royal house. A captive in war, forced to marry the Frankish king who killed her family. A queen, who renounced her position, received consecration as a deaconess, and took monastic vows. A religious leader, who acquired a fragment of the Cross of the Crucifixion for her convent of Holy Cross in Poitiers. And, lastly, a saint, remembered for her healings, exorcisms, and extreme self-mortification. Such was Radegund, a woman who lived through an era defined by headlong change. Honored as a "mother" by subsequent Frankish kings and as a holy woman by her nuns and devotees, Radegund enjoyed a reputation for righteousness that spread throughout the whole of medieval Europe, with later queens emulating her pious achievements. For generations, she defined medieval queenship, female monastic practice, and the expectations associated with holy women. Today, she is often envisioned as a pan-European saint. Radegund: The Trials and Triumphs of a Merovingian Queen (Oxford University Press, 2023) by Dr. E. T. Dailey presents a new interpretation of this remarkable woman, examining her vibrant life and legacy. Dr. Dailey shows how she succeeded in establishing a place for herself within this difficult and dangerous world, despite the trials she faced. He also demonstrates how Radegund achieved a position of prominence as a woman in a foreign land without resorting to the violence and intrigue that characterized the lives of other prominent women during this period. Based on a wealth of English, French, and German scholarship, this book will equip experts and lay readers with a concise, authoritative, and accessible portrait of Radegund. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose forthcoming book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/european-studies

A princess born to the Thuringian royal house. A captive in war, forced to marry the Frankish king who killed her family. A queen, who renounced her position, received consecration as a deaconess, and took monastic vows. A religious leader, who acquired a fragment of the Cross of the Crucifixion for her convent of Holy Cross in Poitiers. And, lastly, a saint, remembered for her healings, exorcisms, and extreme self-mortification. Such was Radegund, a woman who lived through an era defined by headlong change. Honored as a "mother" by subsequent Frankish kings and as a holy woman by her nuns and devotees, Radegund enjoyed a reputation for righteousness that spread throughout the whole of medieval Europe, with later queens emulating her pious achievements. For generations, she defined medieval queenship, female monastic practice, and the expectations associated with holy women. Today, she is often envisioned as a pan-European saint. Radegund: The Trials and Triumphs of a Merovingian Queen (Oxford University Press, 2023) by Dr. E. T. Dailey presents a new interpretation of this remarkable woman, examining her vibrant life and legacy. Dr. Dailey shows how she succeeded in establishing a place for herself within this difficult and dangerous world, despite the trials she faced. He also demonstrates how Radegund achieved a position of prominence as a woman in a foreign land without resorting to the violence and intrigue that characterized the lives of other prominent women during this period. Based on a wealth of English, French, and German scholarship, this book will equip experts and lay readers with a concise, authoritative, and accessible portrait of Radegund. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose forthcoming book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A princess born to the Thuringian royal house. A captive in war, forced to marry the Frankish king who killed her family. A queen, who renounced her position, received consecration as a deaconess, and took monastic vows. A religious leader, who acquired a fragment of the Cross of the Crucifixion for her convent of Holy Cross in Poitiers. And, lastly, a saint, remembered for her healings, exorcisms, and extreme self-mortification. Such was Radegund, a woman who lived through an era defined by headlong change. Honored as a "mother" by subsequent Frankish kings and as a holy woman by her nuns and devotees, Radegund enjoyed a reputation for righteousness that spread throughout the whole of medieval Europe, with later queens emulating her pious achievements. For generations, she defined medieval queenship, female monastic practice, and the expectations associated with holy women. Today, she is often envisioned as a pan-European saint. Radegund: The Trials and Triumphs of a Merovingian Queen (Oxford University Press, 2023) by Dr. E. T. Dailey presents a new interpretation of this remarkable woman, examining her vibrant life and legacy. Dr. Dailey shows how she succeeded in establishing a place for herself within this difficult and dangerous world, despite the trials she faced. He also demonstrates how Radegund achieved a position of prominence as a woman in a foreign land without resorting to the violence and intrigue that characterized the lives of other prominent women during this period. Based on a wealth of English, French, and German scholarship, this book will equip experts and lay readers with a concise, authoritative, and accessible portrait of Radegund. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose forthcoming book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/french-studies

A princess born to the Thuringian royal house. A captive in war, forced to marry the Frankish king who killed her family. A queen, who renounced her position, received consecration as a deaconess, and took monastic vows. A religious leader, who acquired a fragment of the Cross of the Crucifixion for her convent of Holy Cross in Poitiers. And, lastly, a saint, remembered for her healings, exorcisms, and extreme self-mortification. Such was Radegund, a woman who lived through an era defined by headlong change. Honored as a "mother" by subsequent Frankish kings and as a holy woman by her nuns and devotees, Radegund enjoyed a reputation for righteousness that spread throughout the whole of medieval Europe, with later queens emulating her pious achievements. For generations, she defined medieval queenship, female monastic practice, and the expectations associated with holy women. Today, she is often envisioned as a pan-European saint. Radegund: The Trials and Triumphs of a Merovingian Queen (Oxford University Press, 2023) by Dr. E. T. Dailey presents a new interpretation of this remarkable woman, examining her vibrant life and legacy. Dr. Dailey shows how she succeeded in establishing a place for herself within this difficult and dangerous world, despite the trials she faced. He also demonstrates how Radegund achieved a position of prominence as a woman in a foreign land without resorting to the violence and intrigue that characterized the lives of other prominent women during this period. Based on a wealth of English, French, and German scholarship, this book will equip experts and lay readers with a concise, authoritative, and accessible portrait of Radegund. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose forthcoming book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A princess born to the Thuringian royal house. A captive in war, forced to marry the Frankish king who killed her family. A queen, who renounced her position, received consecration as a deaconess, and took monastic vows. A religious leader, who acquired a fragment of the Cross of the Crucifixion for her convent of Holy Cross in Poitiers. And, lastly, a saint, remembered for her healings, exorcisms, and extreme self-mortification. Such was Radegund, a woman who lived through an era defined by headlong change. Honored as a "mother" by subsequent Frankish kings and as a holy woman by her nuns and devotees, Radegund enjoyed a reputation for righteousness that spread throughout the whole of medieval Europe, with later queens emulating her pious achievements. For generations, she defined medieval queenship, female monastic practice, and the expectations associated with holy women. Today, she is often envisioned as a pan-European saint. Radegund: The Trials and Triumphs of a Merovingian Queen (Oxford University Press, 2023) by Dr. E. T. Dailey presents a new interpretation of this remarkable woman, examining her vibrant life and legacy. Dr. Dailey shows how she succeeded in establishing a place for herself within this difficult and dangerous world, despite the trials she faced. He also demonstrates how Radegund achieved a position of prominence as a woman in a foreign land without resorting to the violence and intrigue that characterized the lives of other prominent women during this period. Based on a wealth of English, French, and German scholarship, this book will equip experts and lay readers with a concise, authoritative, and accessible portrait of Radegund. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose forthcoming book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/christian-studies

A princess born to the Thuringian royal house. A captive in war, forced to marry the Frankish king who killed her family. A queen, who renounced her position, received consecration as a deaconess, and took monastic vows. A religious leader, who acquired a fragment of the Cross of the Crucifixion for her convent of Holy Cross in Poitiers. And, lastly, a saint, remembered for her healings, exorcisms, and extreme self-mortification. Such was Radegund, a woman who lived through an era defined by headlong change. Honored as a "mother" by subsequent Frankish kings and as a holy woman by her nuns and devotees, Radegund enjoyed a reputation for righteousness that spread throughout the whole of medieval Europe, with later queens emulating her pious achievements. For generations, she defined medieval queenship, female monastic practice, and the expectations associated with holy women. Today, she is often envisioned as a pan-European saint. Radegund: The Trials and Triumphs of a Merovingian Queen (Oxford University Press, 2023) by Dr. E. T. Dailey presents a new interpretation of this remarkable woman, examining her vibrant life and legacy. Dr. Dailey shows how she succeeded in establishing a place for herself within this difficult and dangerous world, despite the trials she faced. He also demonstrates how Radegund achieved a position of prominence as a woman in a foreign land without resorting to the violence and intrigue that characterized the lives of other prominent women during this period. Based on a wealth of English, French, and German scholarship, this book will equip experts and lay readers with a concise, authoritative, and accessible portrait of Radegund. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose forthcoming book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars.

Full Text of ReadingsWednesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 355The Saint of the day is Blessed Franz JgersttterBlessed Franz Jägerstätter's Story Called to fight for his country as a Nazi soldier, Franz eventually refused, and this husband and father of three daughters—Rosalie, Marie and Aloisia—was executed because of it. Born in St. Radegund in Upper Austria, Franz lost his father during World War I and was adopted after Heinrich Jaegerstaetter married Rosalia Huber. As a young man, he loved to ride his motorcycle and was the natural leader of a gang whose members were arrested in 1934 for brawling. For three years he worked in the mines in another city and then returned to St. Radegund, where he became a farmer, married Franziska and lived his faith with quiet but intense conviction. In 1938, he publicly opposed the German Anschluss–annexation–of Austria. The next year he was drafted into the Austrian army, trained for seven months and then received a deferment. In 1940, Franz was called up again but allowed to return home at the request of the town's mayor. He was in active service between October 1940 and April 1941, but was again deferred. His pastor, other priests, and the bishop of Linz urged him not to refuse to serve if drafted. In February 1943, Franz was called up again and reported to army officials in Enns, Austria. When he refused to take the oath of loyalty to Hitler, he was imprisoned in Linz. Later he volunteered to serve in the medical corps but was not assigned there. During Holy Week Franz wrote to his wife: “Easter is coming and, if it should be God's will that we can never again in this world celebrate Easter together in our intimate family circle, we can still look ahead in the happy confidence that, when the eternal Easter morning dawns, no one in our family circle shall be missing—so we can then be permitted to rejoice together forever.” He was transferred in May to a prison in Berlin. Challenged by his attorney that other Catholics were serving in the army, Franz responded, “I can only act on my own conscience. I do not judge anyone. I can only judge myself.” He continued, “I have considered my family. I have prayed and put myself and my family in God's hands. I know that, if I do what I think God wants me to do, he will take care of my family.” On August 8, 1943, Franz wrote to Fransizka: “Dear wife and mother, I thank you once more from my heart for everything that you have done for me in my lifetime, for all the sacrifices that you have borne for me. I beg you to forgive me if I have hurt or offended you, just as I have forgiven everything…My heartfelt greetings for my dear children. I will surely beg the dear God, if I am permitted to enter heaven soon, that he will set aside a little place in heaven for all of you.” Franz was beheaded and cremated the following day. In 1946, his ashes were reburied in St. Radegund near a memorial inscribed with his name and the names of almost 60 village men who died during their military service. He was beatified in Linz on October 26, 2007. His “spiritual testament” is now in Rome's St. Bartholomew Church as part of a shrine to 20th-century martyrs for their faith. Blessed Franz’s liturgical feast is celebrated on August 9. Want to learn more about Blessed Franz Jägerstätter? Click here! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Wir sind in St. Radegund am Fuße des Schöckl in der Steiermark und genießen die wunderschöne Aussicht aus einem Holzhaus. Weite, Licht und eine fröhliche Gastgeberin bilden wieder einen schönen Rahmen für ein intensives Gespräch. Gabriele ist Holzbaumeisterin und die Leidenschaft für ihren Beruf wurde ihr sprichwörtlich in die Wiege gelegt. Ihre Eltern führten einen Zimmereibetrieb, den sie selbst bereits von den Großeltern übernommen hatten und für Gabi war schon immer klar, dass sie die nächste Gestalterin im Familienbetrieb sein würde. Eine Mischung aus Leidenschaft und der doch starken Prägung ihres Vaters macht ihre besondere Leidenschaft aus. Jedenfalls war auch ihren beiden Schwestern klar, dass Gabi in die Fußstapfen der Eltern steigen wird. Davor aber hat sie eine Klosterschule in Graz besucht. Nach der achten Schulstufe ist sie – schon mit Blick auf den Zimmereibetrieb – in eine HTL gewechselt. Die Aufnahmeprüfungen waren die erste Hürde, aber sie wollte den Beruf in einer Schule erlernen. Damals waren nur zwei junge Frauen in der Klasse und es hat doch etwas gedauert, bis sie angekommen und von den Burschen akzeptiert waren. Sie hat nie versucht sich gegen unangenehme Aussagen ihrer Kollegen zu wehren. Die Gemeinschaft war schließlich so gut, dass das Schulnetzwerk bis heute besteht und „sie sich immer noch riechen können“, betont Gabi. Bauhof und Praxiserfahrungen waren selbstverständlicher Teil der Ausbildung. Auch wenn sie sich beim ersten Mal in einem Dachboden voll Taubenkot schon gefragt hat, was sie da eigentlich macht. Doch auch da muss Frau durch, war Gabis Devise. Und bei blöden Sprüchen – die es auf der Baustelle durchaus öfter gab – hat sie eine Methode entwickelt: „Ich habe zwei Ohren und schalte auf Durchzug. Es ist wichtig bei sich zu bleiben. Dann schafft man alles und wird stärker.“ Nach der Matura ging es in den elterlichen Betrieb. Sie wollte weitere Praxiserfahrungen sammeln und wusste, dass sie die Meisterprüfung ablegen musste, wenn sie den Betrieb einmal übernehmen wollte. Mit jungen 22 Jahren begann Gabi mit dem Meisterkurs wo sie ihren Mann Sepp kennengelernt hat. „Ich habe in meinem Leben immer Glück gehabt“ meint sie, denn nicht nur die Berufswahl war perfekt, denn auch mit ihrem Mann stimmt die Wellenlänge bis heute. Anfangs haben sie beide Betriebe parallel geführt, aber nach der Hochzeit haben sie begonnen diese zusammenzuführen – eine Herausforderung, wie sich immer wieder herausstellte. Die viele Hin-und-Her-Fahrerei war anstrengend und auch andere Gründe sprachen dafür sich zu fokussieren. Heute ist der Firmenstandort in St. Radegund bei Graz und der Standort in Graz wird anders genutzt. Sie schätzen beide sehr, dass ihre Väter sie gestalten und entscheiden ließen. Es ist nicht einfach sein Lebenswerk loszulassen und die Jungen machen zu lassen. Rückblickend rät sie uns, dass jeder eine wirtschaftliche Ausbildung machen soll, egal ob Selbstständig oder nicht. Unternehmerin sein hat viele Facetten: Es geht um Mitarbeiterführung, Marketing, Lohnverrechnung, Buchhaltung, den Betriebsstandort und vieles mehr. Deshalb verbringt sie heute zwar die meiste Zeit im Büro, ist aber auch immer wieder gerne draußen bei den Kund:innen und es macht ihr Spaß eine Baustelle aufzunehmen. Kund:innen schätzen sehr, dass sie als Frau oft einen anderen Blick auf die Dinge hat und andere Lösungsvorschläge bringt. Gabi schätzt es am Wochenende sehr mit ihrem Mann am eigenen Haus zu werkeln. Das erdet sie und Sepp. Und so freuen sich beide schon auf das neue Haus, an dem sie nun für sich bauen. Denn auch für die beiden wird es langsam Zeit loszulassen und die Arbeit an die nächste Generation weiterzugeben. Wie sie das Angehen, welche drei Dinge im neuen Haus wichtig waren und wie es ist, 24 Stunden mit dem Ehemann zusammen zu sein – erzählt uns Gabi im Gespräch am Küchentisch an einem stürmischen Nachmittag.

Welcome to Part II of the Saga of the Nerds Who Fuck and Kill Each Other: AKA, the Frankish Merovingian Dynasty. If you loved Episode 21 (XOXO, Caesar), you're in the right place! If you haven't listened, never fear: we'll give a quick recap and jump right into two stories of seduction, murder, and betrayal in 6th century Gaul. First, we focus on St. Radegund, daughter-in-law of St. Clotilde and one of King Clothar's many wives. Then, we hop forward a few years and explore the legendary, witchcraft-adjacent feud of Fredegunda and Brunhilda, the two ladies who inspired today's title. Enjoying the podcast? Please take a moment to rate/review/subscribe! We'd love to hear from you. Here's how to get in touch with us: Email: saintsandwitchespodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @saintsandwitchespodcast Twitter: @saintsnwitches Family tree of the Merovingian dynasty: https://www.familyecho.com/?p=START&c=txeij47s6l&f=552641287256699663 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/saints-and-witches/support

A visit to The Swoop: a cafe, taproom, shop and tastings venue in Green Street which sells only local products. Also, what next for The Radegund, after Covid hit the renovation work at this abandoned pub? Jenny Jefferies on winning the top award at the Guild of Foodwriters. Dave Fox explores the history of Cambridge's allotments.

Full Text of ReadingsTuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 360All podcast readings are produced by the USCCB and are from the Catholic Lectionary, based on the New American Bible and approved for use in the United States _______________________________________The Saint of the day is Blessed Franz JgersttterCalled to fight for his country as a Nazi soldier, Franz eventually refused, and this husband and father of three daughters—Rosalie, Marie and Aloisia—was executed because of it. Born in St. Radegund in Upper Austria, Franz lost his father during World War I and was adopted after Heinrich Jaegerstaetter married Rosalia Huber. As a young man, he loved to ride his motorcycle and was the natural leader of a gang whose members were arrested in 1934 for brawling. For three years he worked in the mines in another city and then returned to St. Radegund, where he became a farmer, married Franziska and lived his faith with quiet but intense conviction. In 1938, he publicly opposed the German Anschluss--annexation--of Austria. The next year he was drafted into the Austrian army, trained for seven months and then received a deferment. In 1940, Franz was called up again but allowed to return home at the request of the town's mayor. He was in active service between October 1940 and April 1941, but was again deferred. His pastor, other priests, and the bishop of Linz urged him not to refuse to serve if drafted. In February 1943, Franz was called up again and reported to army officials in Enns, Austria. When he refused to take the oath of loyalty to Hitler, he was imprisoned in Linz. Later he volunteered to serve in the medical corps but was not assigned there. During Holy Week Franz wrote to his wife: “Easter is coming and, if it should be God's will that we can never again in this world celebrate Easter together in our intimate family circle, we can still look ahead in the happy confidence that, when the eternal Easter morning dawns, no one in our family circle shall be missing—so we can then be permitted to rejoice together forever.” He was transferred in May to a prison in Berlin. Challenged by his attorney that other Catholics were serving in the army, Franz responded, “I can only act on my own conscience. I do not judge anyone. I can only judge myself.” He continued, “I have considered my family. I have prayed and put myself and my family in God's hands. I know that, if I do what I think God wants me to do, he will take care of my family.” On August 8, 1943, Franz wrote to Fransizka: “Dear wife and mother, I thank you once more from my heart for everything that you have done for me in my lifetime, for all the sacrifices that you have borne for me. I beg you to forgive me if I have hurt or offended you, just as I have forgiven everything…My heartfelt greetings for my dear children. I will surely beg the dear God, if I am permitted to enter heaven soon, that he will set aside a little place in heaven for all of you.” Franz was beheaded and cremated the following day. In 1946, his ashes were reburied in St. Radegund near a memorial inscribed with his name and the names of almost 60 village men who died during their military service. He was beatified in Linz on October 26, 2007. His “spiritual testament” is now in Rome's St. Bartholomew Church as part of a shrine to 20th-century martyrs for their faith. Blessed Franz's liturgical feast is celebrated on August 9. Want to learn more about Blessed Franz Jägerstätter? Click here! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Tagtäglich verfolgen uns die Kriegsbilder aus der Ukraine. „Krieg“ ist in Europa wieder bittere Realität, ein Thema, mit dem wir uns auseinandersetzen müssen. Franz Jägerstätter lebte Ende des 2. Weltkrieges im oberösterreichischen St. Radegund. Er folgte seinem Gewissen, verweigerte den Kriegsdienst und bezahlte dafür mit seinem Leben. Der Linzer Bischof Dr. Manfred Scheuer gilt als Experte beim Thema Franz Jägerstetter, er war auch diözesaner Postulator im Seligsprechungsprozess des Märtyrers. Wir hatten Gelegenheit mit ihm zu sprechen. (Ein geplanter Vortrag von ihm im Haus der Begegnung Heilig Geist in Burghausen am 27. Mai musste laut Veranstalter abgesagt werden.) (Bild: Bischof Dr. Manfred Scheuer © Diözese Linz, Wakolbinger)

Seit mehr als 70 Tagen verfolgen uns die Kriegsbilder aus der Ukraine. „Krieg“ ist in Europa wieder bittere Realität, ein Thema, mit dem wir uns auseinandersetzen müssen. Waffen liefern, oder nicht? Wenn ja, welche? Wie kann es wieder Frieden geben? Franz Jägerstätter lebte Ende des 2. Weltkrieges im oberösterreichischen St. Radegund. Er folgte seinem Gewissen, verweigerte den Kriegsdienst und bezahlte dafür mit seinem Leben. Zwei Veranstaltungen in Burghausen erinnern an ihn, wie Armin Berger berichtet. (Bild: Wolfgang Bayer / pbp)

Full Text of ReadingsMonday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 359All podcast readings are produced by the USCCB and are from the Catholic Lectionary, based on the New American Bible and approved for use in the United States _______________________________________The Saint of the day is Blessed Franz JgersttterCalled to fight for his country as a Nazi solider, Franz eventually refused, and this husband and father of three daughters—Rosalie, Marie and Aloisia—was executed because of it. Born in St. Radegund in Upper Austria, Franz lost his father during World War I and was adopted after Heinrich Jaegerstaetter married Rosalia Huber. As a young man, he loved to ride his motorcycle and was the natural leader of a gang whose members were arrested in 1934 for brawling. For three years he worked in the mines in another city and then returned to St. Radegund, where he became a farmer, married Franziska and lived his faith with quiet but intense conviction. In 1938, he publicly opposed the German Anschluss--annexation--of Austria. The next year, he was drafted into the Austrian army, trained for seven months and then received a deferment. In 1940, Franz was called up again but allowed to return home at the request of the town's mayor. He was in active service between October 1940 and April 1941, but was again deferred. His pastor, other priests, and the bishop of Linz urged him not to refuse to serve if drafted. In February 1943, Franz was called up again and reported to army officials in Enns, Austria. When he refused to take the oath of loyalty to Hitler, he was imprisoned in Linz. Later he volunteered to serve in the medical corps but was not assigned there. During Holy Week Franz wrote to his wife: “Easter is coming and, if it should be God's will that we can never again in this world celebrate Easter together in our intimate family circle, we can still look ahead in the happy confidence that, when the eternal Easter morning dawns, no one in our family circle shall be missing—so we can then be permitted to rejoice together forever.” He was transferred in May to a prison in Berlin. Challenged by his attorney that other Catholics were serving in the army, Franz responded, “I can only act on my own conscience. I do not judge anyone. I can only judge myself.” He continued, “I have considered my family. I have prayed and put myself and my family in God's hands. I know that, if I do what I think God wants me to do, he will take care of my family.” On August 8, 1943, Franz wrote to Fransizka: “Dear wife and mother, I thank you once more from my heart for everything that you have done for me in my lifetime, for all the sacrifices that you have borne for me. I beg you to forgive me if I have hurt or offended you, just as I have forgiven everything…My heartfelt greetings for my dear children. I will surely beg the dear God, if I am permitted to enter heaven soon, that he will set aside a little place in heaven for all of you.” Franz was beheaded and cremated the following day. In 1946, his ashes were reburied in St. Radegund near a memorial inscribed with his name and the names of almost 60 village men who died during their military service. He was beatified in Linz on October 26, 2007. His “spiritual testament” is now in Rome's St. Bartholomew Church as part of a shrine to 20th-century martyrs for their faith. Click here for more on Franz Jägerstätter! Saint of the Day Copyright Franciscan Media

Michele Nunn ist schon mehrmals einen anderen Weg gegangen. Sichtbar wird das in ihrem Lebenslauf und spätestens beim Blick auf ihr „individuelles Studium“ der Umweltsystemwissenschaften mit Schwerpunkt Geografie und Raumforschung. Sie stammt aus Leoben, wuchs in Graz auf und hat dort auch studiert. Im Studentenviertel lernte sie ihren heutigen Ehemann Jason kennen. Der Australier ist gelernter Flugzeugtechniker und war eigentlich nur auf der Durchreise im schönen Alpenland. Seine Weltreise finanzierte er sich mit Gelegenheitsjobs und um sein Reisebudget aufzuladen, jobbte er in einer Bar in Graz. Am letzten Tag vor seiner Abreise traf er Michele und ist sofort dageblieben. „Das ist die unromantische Wahrheit“ lacht Michele mit uns im Gespräch. Der eigentliche Plan der beiden war, gemeinsam nach Australien zu gehen. Das Studium dauerte länger als gedacht, die Deutschkenntnisse von Jason wurden besser, das Leben nahm seinen Lauf und so blieben sie erst mal in Graz. Es folgten einige Jahre als eingefleischte mit viel Arbeit, Ausgehen mit Freunden, Essen gehen und Geld verdienen. Bis der Wunsch nach Veränderung und die Sehnsucht ins Grüne zu ziehen immer größer wurde. Die Familiengründung beschleunigte diesen Schritt und führte die beiden zuerst nach Weinitzen und dann weiter nach St. Radegund am Fuße des Schöckels. Nachdem fast alle Australier bei der Feuerwehr sind, hatten die beiden keine Anschluss-Schwierigkeiten in Dorfleben. Selbst ihre drei Kinder und Micheles Eltern haben sich wunderbar integriert und gemeinsam beleben sie eine alte Buschenschank mit großem Gemüsegarten. Der Umzug aufs Land, die Kinder und auch die konträre Arbeit mit wachsenden Lebensmitteln stellte sie vor die Entscheidung:“ Ganz oder gar nicht, was halbes wollten wir nicht“ begründet Michele ihre Entscheidung, ihre beiden „sicheren“ Jobs zu kündigen und komplett neu zu starten. Doch zu Beginn, stellte sich die Frage nach dem „womit neu starten“. Gemeinsam wurde recherchiert, überlegt und viel besichtigt. Besonders im Weinviertel wurden die beiden fündig und kamen mit vielen neuen Ideen und Inspirationen zurück. Michele und Jason hatte immer schon Freude mit ihrem Gemüsegarten und als ihr Nachbar ihnen ein Feld zur Pacht anbot, fiel die Entscheidung wie von alleine. Ein paar Monate später standen sie mit ein paar Karotten, einem Krautkopf und einigen Kartoffeln in der Nachbargemeinde am Bauernmarkt. Heute betreiben sie „Gundis Dorfladen“ und kooperieren mit vielen Kleinstbauern und regionalen Betrieben aus der Region. Die beiden Anpacker bezeichnen sich nicht als Bauern sondern als Gemüsegärtner. Sie haben sich alles selbst beigebracht und Michele denkt, dass es manchmal das Beste ist, nicht zuviel zu wissen und quer einzusteigen. Sie produzieren ihre Lebensmittel biologisch – zwar ohne Bio-Zertifikat, aber jeder der sich von der Qualität überzeugen möchte ist auf ihrer „Farm“ herzlich willkommen. Dort steht die Türe gerne für jedermann*frau offen, dass dafür nicht immer alles in Reih und Glied stehen muss, hat sich Michele von Jasons australischer Lebensart abgeschaut. Wie das Zusammenleben mit den eigenen Eltern klappen kann, wovon die beiden noch Träumen und was wir alles gelernt haben in der Vielfaltsgärtnerei „Colourful Greens“ könnt ihr euch in dieser Folge anhören.

Story: Ein verborgenes Leben erzählt die Geschichte des österreichischen Kriegsdienstverweigerers und Widerstandskämpfer Franz Jägerstätter, der am 20. Mai 1907 in St. Radegund in Oberösterreich geboren und am 9. August 1943 aufgrund seiner Wehrkraftzersetzung zum Tode verurteilt wurde. Rund sieben Dekaden später wurde Franz Jägerstätter von Papst Benedikt XVI. selig gesprochen. Darüber hinaus gehört er bis heute zu den wichtigsten wie prominentesten Symbolfiguren des Widerstands gegen den Nationalsozialismus.

Story: Ein verborgenes Leben erzählt die Geschichte des österreichischen Kriegsdienstverweigerers und Widerstandskämpfer Franz Jägerstätter, der am 20. Mai 1907 in St. Radegund in Oberösterreich geboren und am 9. August 1943 aufgrund seiner Wehrkraftzersetzung zum Tode verurteilt wurde. Rund sieben Dekaden später wurde Franz Jägerstätter von Papst Benedikt XVI. selig gesprochen. Darüber hinaus gehört er bis heute zu den wichtigsten wie prominentesten Symbolfiguren des Widerstands gegen den Nationalsozialismus.

TESTO DELL'ARTICOLO ➜http://www.bastabugie.it/it/articoli.php?id=6119CORONAVIRUS: I CATTOLICI E LA VERA OBBEDIENZA di Aldo Maria ValliSe qui da noi, in Occidente, il blocco delle cerimonie religiose a causa del coronavirus ha provocato sofferenza in molti cattolici, all'Est ha anche riportato alla memoria i tempi delle persecuzioni anticattoliche, quando le chiese e le altre strutture religiose erano vuote perché i regimi comunisti, per motivi ideologici, impedivano il culto pubblico."La visione terrificante delle chiese vuote mostra ciò che sarebbe potuto succedere se l'ostilità anticattolica avesse prevalso", ha detto una conduttrice radiofonica polacca manifestando il pensiero di numerosi suoi connazionali di una certa età, in grado di ricordare che cosa fu la persecuzione antireligiosa.MESSE INTERROTTEAnche nell'Europa dell'Est è successo, come da noi, che le forze dell'ordine siano intervenute per disperdere fedeli che, nonostante i divieti, si erano recati in chiesa per la Messa, e queste immagini hanno a loro volta riproposto ricordi alquanto spiacevoli, tanto più che alcuni sacerdoti sono stati multati per non aver rispettato le regole.In Romania il vescovo greco-cattolico Virgil Bercea, sessantadue anni, che per alcuni anni, prima della rivoluzione del 1989, fu sacerdote clandestino nella Romania comunista, ha dichiarato che il divieto di celebrare le Messe a causa della pandemia ha ovviamente provocato molte domande e suscitato dolorosi ricordi. "Prima della liberazione - ha sottolineato - le nostre case avevano preso il posto delle chiese. E ora che tutto è di nuovo chiuso ci troviamo in una situazione angosciante".In Ucraina, dove sono ancora consentite le funzioni religiose con un massimo di dieci fedeli, il Consiglio ucraino delle chiese e delle organizzazioni religiose, che comprende anche leader cattolici, il 9 aprile ha denunciato violazioni delle regole da parte della polizia, che in alcuni casi, interpretando le norme in modo restrittivo, ha preteso di chiudere completamente le chiese, e anche questi fatti hanno contribuito a riproporre situazioni che si sperava fossero consegnate al passato.In Russia il segretario generale della conferenza episcopale, monsignor Igor Kovalevsky, ha detto che in molti cattolici le norme per il contenimento della pandemia hanno suscitato "paure e associazioni di idee negative" e non è mancato chi ha contestato le regole.Chi ha vissuto sotto il comunismo ricorda bene come andavano le cose quando si poteva pregare solo in casa, senza far rumore, perché c'era sempre il rischio di poter essere denunciati.VESCOVI CORAGGIOSIAll'epoca un grande aiuto venne dalla consapevolezza che c'erano pastori non disposti ad arrendersi, e le parole di quei grandi testimoni della fede possono dire qualcosa anche a noi oggi.È il caso del cardinale Stefan Wyszyński, il primate polacco che nel gennaio del 1953 sfidò il regime comunista, reagendo con una celebre lettera al diktat che revocava alla Chiesa la libertà di culto, e pagando la sua presa di posizione con il carcere.Nei suoi Appunti dalla prigione si legge: "Il peccato più grande per un apostolo è la paura; la paura di un apostolo è la prima alleata dei suoi nemici. La mancanza di coraggio è l'inizio della sconfitta per un vescovo".Nella lettera, firmata da tutto l'episcopato e inviata al governo, a proposito del divieto di culto era scritto: "Affermiamo che il suddetto decreto non può essere da noi riconosciuto come legittimo e vigente, giacché contrario alla Costituzione e alle leggi di Dio e della Chiesa [...]. Se dovessimo trovarci di fronte all'alternativa di sottomettere la giurisdizione ecclesiastica come uno strumento di governo civile oppure accettare un sacrificio personale, non vacilleremo [...]. Non possiamo sacrificare le cose di Dio sull'altare di Cesare! Non possumus!".Il 25 settembre del 1953 il cardinale fu arrestato dalle autorità comuniste e portato in carcere. Uscendo dal palazzo episcopale, disse a una suora che voleva preparargli un bagaglio: "Sorella, non porterò nulla. Sono entrato povero in questa casa e povero vi uscirò". Sarebbe rimasto in carcere per tre anni.Insieme a ricordi inquietanti, l'attuale situazione ci consente di riscoprire figure che possono insegnare davvero molto.È il caso anche dell'eroico cardinale Ján Chryzostom Korec, vescovo di Nitra, in Slovacchia, autore del libro La notte dei barbari.Ebbi la possibilità di conoscere il cardinale Korec e ricordo bene la passione con cui rievocava gli anni della Chiesa clandestina, costretta alle catacombe. Mi fece vedere alcune copie del samizdat che produceva in clandestinità e rievocò il periodo di isolamento in carcere, quando ripeteva ad alta voce interi brani di opere filosofiche e teologiche per non perderne la memoria.Sì, possiamo proprio dire che dall'Est ci arrivano testimonianze che possono esserci di grande aiuto per superare, con fede e dignità, questa fase difficile.Nota di BastaBugie: Benedetta Frigerio nell'articolo seguente dal titolo "A chi obbedire? Il beato Franz contro i vescovi proni allo Stato" parla del film sul beato Franz Jägerstätter (vedi foto), torturato e ucciso dal regime nazista a cui si oppose. Un film che ha da dire molto ai cattolici di oggi e che spiega quale sia la vera obbedienza.Ecco l'articolo completo pubblicato su La Nuova Bussola Quotidiana il 26 aprile 2020:C'è una storia a cui la quarantena ha incollato diverse persone. Si tratta dell'ultimo capolavoro del regista Terrence Malick, "Hidden Life" ("La vita nascosta"), uscito negli Stati Uniti l'anno scorso e che avrebbe dovuto esordire nelle sale cinematografiche italiane questo mese. Molti hanno avuto la possibilità di vederlo in streaming. E forse non è un caso, perché la storia di questo contadino austriaco, che per fedeltà a Cristo si oppose al regime nazista morendo martire a 36 anni nell'agosto del 1943, ha qualcosa da dire al mondo contemporaneo, cattolico e non.Franz Jägerstätter, beatificato nel 2007 da papa Benedetto XVI, viveva con sua moglie e le tre figlie a Radegund, coltivando i campi e allevando bestie in mezzo allo spettacolo delle Alpi austriache. Bisogna ricordare che la vita di quest'uomo prima del matrimonio fu contraddittoria e libertina (ebbe una figlia a 26 anni con un'altra donna) e che la fedeltà alla verità può farsi eroica in persone da cui magari non ce lo si aspetterebbe.A 29 anni sposò Franziska Schwaninger, che cambiò completamente la sua vita, ordinandola e scandendola fra lavoro, preghiera e lettura della Bibbia. Fu proprio la conoscenza di Cristo a portarlo, tre anni dopo le nozze, a decidere di non assumere incarichi istituzionali nel suo paese, dove fu l'unico a votare contro il plebiscito di annessione alla Germania, motivo per cui cominciò ad essere emarginato dalla sua comunità.Nel 1940 fu arruolato ma conoscendo i programmi eugenetici del Partito nazista si convinse ancora di più che l'obbedienza alla fede e alla verità, illuminata dall'incontro con Gesù, era incompatibile con la sottomissione al governo. Perciò, rifiutandosi di combattere quando fu richiamato nell'esercito nel febbraio del 1943, venne arrestato.Jägerstätter non disobbedì solo alle autorità civili, ma anche a quelle religiose. Sia il parroco della sua chiesa sia il suo vescovo, Josephus Calasanz Fließer, lo spinsero a desistere dall'obiezione di coscienza: secondo loro il Signore non poteva volere che con la sua condotta mettesse a rischio non solo la sua vita, ma anche quella della sua famiglia, che infatti pagò cara la sua scelta, pur sostenendola.Ricordiamo che Radegund era un paese di cattolici praticanti, ma che in nome del "buon senso" e dell'obbedienza ai superiori, a cui pure il Vangelo richiama, appoggiati da alcuni curati e vescovi, chiusero gli occhi sui soprusi del governo. Infatti, il beato scrisse: «Il Cristo ha rimproverato a Pietro di averlo rinnegato per paura e per rispetto umano», mentre disse al suo parroco in una lettera: «Devo annunciarLe che forse perderà uno dei Suoi parrocchiani... Poiché nessuno può ottenere che io venga dispensato dal compiere una cosa che metterebbe in pericolo la mia salvezza eterna».La ribellione del beato alle autorità anche ecclesiastiche la giustificò negando che l'obbedienza richiesta dal Vangelo sia senza eccezioni: «I comandamenti di Dio ci insegnano che dobbiamo prestare obbedienza ai nostri superiori, anche se non sono cristiani, ma solo finché non ci ordinano qualcosa di sbagliato, poiché dobbiamo obbedire più a Dio che agli uomini».A dire, con il santo cardinale Newman, che prima del Papa c'è la coscienza. Il che non è un invito a vivere da "cattolici adulti" (ossia secondo le proprie opinioni e voglie), ma a seguire la verità rivelata da duemila anni di Magistero a cui il Papa stesso si deve sottomettere. Verità che, come tutti, anche i prelati possono tradire al pari di Pietro.«L'uomo ha in realtà una Legge scritta da Dio dentro al cuore... e secondo questa egli sarà giudicato», dice la Costituzione pastorale Gaudium et spes. Questa verità, continua l'enciclica di san Giovanni Paolo II Veritatis splendor, «è indicata dalla "Legge divina"», norma universale e oggettiva della moralità», il cui nucleo sta nei Dieci Comandamenti: «Non avrai altro Dio fuori di me... Ricordati di santificare le feste... Non uccidere»; e che si riassume nel comandamento di Gesù di amare Dio e il prossimo.I mesi di carcere e quelli dopo la morte (fu ghigliottinato) di Jägerstätter, dovuta proprio alla sequela dei Comandamenti, furono uno strazio per la moglie appena trentenne con tre figlie piccole da crescere: la gente smise di aiutarla nei campi, le bimbe venivano schernite e isolate, il partito le tolse ogni sussidio economico. Ma prima di morire, a sua moglie e a sua madre (che invece cercò di opporsi alla sua scelta), il beato scrisse:«Avrei tanto voluto risparmiarvi questa sofferenza che dovete sopportare per causa mia.

A substantial part of Terrence Malick's latest movie “A Hidden Life” takes place in a German prison where the film's protagonist, a real historical figure now considered a Catholic saint, Franz Jägerstätter, is being held in prison for refusing to swear a loyalty oath to Hitler. As he mills about the prison courtyard with his fellow inmates, two words loom large on the stone wall that fences them in: “Sprechen Verboten.” Speaking prohibited. Rod Dreher, senior editor at the American Conservative, has called “A Hidden Life,” “the best evocation of the gospel ever put to film.” That's a serious claim to make. And I might agree. Malick, a director known for transportive cinematography, takes viewers into the remote Austrian village of St. Radegund in the early 1940s. There, Franz, his wife Fani, and their three small daughters, faithfully farm their land and faithfully attend the local Catholic Church. When Franz hears about Hitler's conquest, he begins to worry. His worst fears are realized when he's called up for military service but refuses to swear the required oath to the Führer. Ultimately, Franz Jägerstätter was imprisoned, tortured, and ultimately, executed. Not only does the film powerfully portray the suffering Franz is forced to endure, but how his decision to refuse the oath baffles nearly everyone else around him. Apparently, it's a decision that still baffles people today, especially the film critics. For example, in a review for Rolling Stone, Peter Travers faults Malick for giving audiences, quote, “very little to help us understand the man behind the saint” and next to nothing about “the thought process that helped Franz hold steadfast.” Apparently for Travers, devout Christian faith is “very little.” In reality, by portraying Franz's devout Christian faith so clearly, Malick has told audiences all we need to know. Before his imprisonment, Franz seeks counsel from his local priest and eventually the bishop. Both warn what his obstinance might bring to bear on his vulnerable family. Even so, he holds fast to his faith, and his wife holds fast to hers. Given the central role faith plays in the film, one might expect it to be a bit more preachy. In fact, there's very little dialogue, preaching or otherwise, in the whole three-hour film. While we hear the words of faith in Franz's letters to Fani and in Fani's prayers for Franz, it's almost as if the sign on the prison wall, “speaking prohibited,” is the film's central theme. Thus, in this film, the gospel's power and Franz's faith is mostly shown, not spoken. Perhaps that's why certain secular critics missed the obvious. Franz doesn't give a theological lecture on the historicity of the resurrection or virtue signal via rousing testimony about his own moral courage. His is a quiet faithfulness, first shown by how he works his farm, trusting God for harvest, and eventually shown as he follows his conscience, which for some reason, just won't allow him to say the words of the oath that's required. Franz faces every temptation to compromise. His neighbors and family even appeal to his own values in attempting to change his mind. Isn't he being prideful or judgmental by refusing to swear the oath? Doesn't he have a duty to his family? And, of course, there's the temptation to be “practical.” What if, Franz's lawyer asks him, he could serve as a medic? What if he didn't have to carry arms? Would that solve the problem? Franz's final answer is finally put into words, in a powerful scene in which a Nazi officer - not unlike Pontius Pilate questioning Jesus - asks why he's doing this. Franz's answer: “I don't know. I just know that something inside of me tells me I can't swear that oath.” This is the Christian life. Everyday faithfulness to what the Holy Spirit is asking of us. Will his defiance change the course of the war? Will it bring down Hitler? Probably not. Will it endanger him and his family? Definitely yes. But God doesn't call us to results; those are always and everywhere His. He calls us to obedience - even if it's hidden. I cannot say that Franz's decision is prescriptive for everyone else. The key is that Franz must follow God's call on his own life. In an early scene, Franz tells a frightened fellow inmate to “trust what you knew in better times.” If we, like Franz, build a solid foundation for faith in better times, we will have the ears to hear what God would have us do in the midst of our trials. This film will give you lots to think and talk about it. Please know it contains some violence, and its subject matter is obviously intense. But I recommend it heartily.