Father Honorius Hohlbrugger OFM (1904–1993): A Life of Service and Resistance

Photo Franciscan Father Honorius (Heinrich) Hohlbrugger. Held in: Archive of the Tyrolean Franciscan Province in Hall in Tyrol.

A Tyrolean Franciscan Who Went to Prison for His Faith

The Tyrolean Franciscan Province of St. Leopold has a long history of pious work and spiritual ministry. Among its members were those courageous souls whose faith was tested during the darkest of times and who remained steadfast. One such figure was Father Honorius (Heinrich) Hohlbrugger.

Early Life and Vocation

Heinrich Hohlbrugger was born on November 1, 1904, in Innsbruck-Hötting. Baptized in the Diocese of Brixen, he found his spiritual home with the Franciscans. His path to religious life began on August 24, 1922, when he received his habit at the monastery in Pupping. After his temporary profession in 1923, he made his solemn profession on August 26, 1926, in Hall, thereby committing himself permanently to the order.
His priestly training culminated in his ordination to the priesthood on September 29, 1929, in Innsbruck, conferred by Bishop Sigismund Waitz. The young Father celebrated his first Mass on the following Sunday of the Rosary.

A Versatile Friar

Father Honorius was an highly active and versatile member of his province. His assignments took him to numerous monasteries in Tyrol and Upper Austria, including Pupping, Hall, Salzburg, Schwaz, Telfs, Enns, Maria Schmolln, Lienz, and Innsbruck. He held a multitude of responsible roles:
·       Guardian (monastery superior) in Maria Schmolln, Innsbruck, and Lienz.
·       Definitor (member of the provincial leadership).
·       Economist (administrator) of the province.
·       Editor of the order's magazines “St. Franziszi-Glöcklein” and “Provinzmitteilungen” (Provincial Notifications).
·       Archivist and Chronicler of the province.
·       Pastor in parish ministry (op. ad extra), as a confessor, and as director of the Third Order.
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His work was characterized by organizational talent and a deep commitment to the community.

Resistance and Imprisonment under National Socialism

The most prominent and courageous chapter in Father Honorius's life was written during the Nazi era.
On the Second Sunday of Advent, December 10, 1939, while serving as a relief priest in Hippach in the Zillertal valley, he delivered a sermon on the Gospel of Matthew (Chapter 11, 2-10). In his courageous address, he warned against having fear of man in education and sharply criticized the state's youth policy. He literally said: "Today's youth are being raised to be children of Satan." He further warned that they were tearing religion from the hearts of children and prophesied that "in ten years the churches will be closed, the crosses removed, and in their place, signs of Satan will be erected."
For these prophetic and stirring words, he was arrested that same day. He was accused of "pulpit abuse" and violations of the so-called "Heimtücke-Gesetz" (Treachery Act). He was taken into custody at the Innsbruck Regional Court, where he was held until January 18, 1940.
On March 30, 1940, the verdict of the Innsbruck Special Court was handed down: he was sentenced to six months in prison for pulpit abuse. He served this sentence from April 2 to September 11, 1940, again in Innsbruck.
No sooner had he been released from prison than he was dealt another blow: his home monastery in Hall was closed by the Nazi authorities. Father Honorius was expelled from the convent on September 30, 1940.
His further service to the faith, however, continued underground. From 1941 to 1945, he served as a blessed parish vicar in Kronstorf (Upper Austria), where he provided spiritual guidance to the community during this difficult time.

Later Years and Death

After the war, Father Honorius tirelessly continued his diverse work for the province. He spent his final years from 1984 onwards in the Klaraheim of the Franciscans in Hall, where he passed away on August 13, 1993, at the advanced age of 88.
Father Honorius Hohlbrugger stands as a prime example of the resistant courage of the Church in Austria during the Nazi dictatorship. His life was a testament to an unyielding faith that did not flinch in the face of persecution and imprisonment. May we remember his courage and steadfastness.
Requiescat in pace. (Rest in peace)