Father Epiphan Dr. (Josef) Redhammer OFM (1889–1950)

Franciscan Scholar, Resistance Figure, and Long-Serving Director of the Hall Gymnasium

Father Epiphan Redhammer was one of the most influential figures of the Tyrolean Franciscan Order in the first half of the 20th century. His life was defined by deep faith, scholarly passion, and the courageous defense of his convictions during a dark period in history.

Photo Franciscan Father Epiphan Dr. (Josef) Redhammer. Held in: Archive of the Tyrolean Franciscan Province in Hall in Tyrol.

From Innkreis to Tyrol: His Early Life and Vocation

Born on December 11, 1889, in Ort im Innkreis, Upper Austria, as Josef Redhammer, he felt a calling to the Franciscan Order (Ordo Fratrum Minorum - OFM), where he received the religious name Epiphan. His formation took place in the Franciscan monasteries of Pupping, Salzburg, Schwaz, and Bozen. He was ordained a priest on June 29, 1914, in Schwaz.
Alongside his theological studies, he pursued academia with great passion. In 1919, he earned a Doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Innsbruck with a thesis on the Franciscan and Counter-Reformation figure Father Johannes Nasus. His academic subjects, History and Geography, would remain his lifelong passions.

Educator, Provincial, and Director of the Hall Gymnasium

The center of Father Epiphan's life and work became the Franciscan Gymnasium in Hall in Tirol, today's Akademisches Gymnasium. He served for many years as a Professor of History and Geography and eventually as the School's Director from 1928 to 1932, 1945 to 1948, and again from 1948 until his death in 1950. His leadership left a lasting mark on the institution.
His order held his competence and judgment in such high esteem that he was elected Provincial Minister of the Tyrolean Franciscan Province (the order's regional superior) three times: from 1932–1935, 1944–1945, and 1945–1948. In this role, he guided the entire order in Tyrol and Vorarlberg.

Resistance and Expulsion during the National Socialist Era

The period of National Socialism presented Father Epiphan with immense challenges. As a devout Christian and friar, he was in fundamental opposition to Nazi ideology. His courageous stance and refusal to comply with the regime did not go unpunished.
From November 4 to 8, 1940, he was imprisoned in the local jail (Amtsgefängnis) in Hall. Just three days later, on November 11, 1940, a drastic punishment followed: his expulsion from the Gau (region) of Tirol-Vorarlberg. He was forced to leave his homeland, his order, and his school and was transferred to the monastery of Suben in Upper Austria as a punitive measure. Despite this repression, he continued his duties there, even serving as a chaplain for the local prison.

Later Recognition and Death

After the end of World War II, Father Epiphan returned to Hall and resumed his position as director of the gymnasium. In recognition of his services to education and the church, he was appointed a Hofrat (Court Councillor) in 1949.
Father Epiphan Redhammer died on April 30, 1950, in Hall, the town that had been the stage for his work and his resistance. He was buried in the cemetery in Hall.

Summary of His Life and Work

• Friar: Three-time Provincial of the Tyrolean Franciscans, General Visitator of several German Franciscan provinces.
• Educator: Long-serving professor and director of the Hall Gymnasium, Court Councillor.
• Scholar: Doctor of Philosophy, expert in Church history.
• Resistance Figure: Imprisoned and expelled by the National Socialists.
• The Man: A pious, courageous, and principled individual who stood up for his faith and convictions.

Father Epiphan Redhammer remains a model of intellectual integrity, dedication to education, and the courage to raise one's voice in the face of injustice.
Further Reading: Redhammer, E.: "P. Johannes Nasus, ein Lebensbild aus der Zeit der katholischen Restauration in Tirol" (Dissertation, 1919).