Dr. Reinhold Stecher (1921-2013) bishop of Innsbruck

“We suddenly became enemies of the state”
The spectacular theft of the miraculous image and the wave of arrests at Maria Waldrast in 1941

In the spring of 1941, the situation surrounding the historic pilgrimage site of Maria Waldrast escalated dramatically. The Nazi regime had ordered the church to be closed—a severe blow to the deeply religious population of the region. Yet what followed showed that faith and resistance could not simply be suppressed.

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The Tyrolean Pilgrimage 

Dr. Josef Mair

Reinhold Stecher (1921-2013) bishop of Innsbruck

Photograph bishop Dr. Reinhold Stecher. Online, https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reinhold_Stecher#/media/Datei:Reinhold-stecher.jpg (Access: April 16, 2026)

Life, Work, and Legacy of the Bishop of Innsbruck

Reinhold Stecher was one of the most influential figures of the Catholic Church in Tyrol. As Bishop of Innsbruck (1981–1997), he stood for an open, dialogue-oriented Church and spoke out courageously on social and internal Church issues.
His life was shaped by faith, resistance, education, and humility. Particularly remarkable: he wrote his autobiography himself—a rare testament to personal reflection.
“I know myself to be sustained and embraced by the infinite love of God!”

Childhood and Background

Reinhold Stecher was born on December 22, 1921, in Innsbruck. He grew up in an educated family. His father, Dr. Heinrich Stecher, came from South Tyrol, while his mother Rosina was from Innsbruck.

• Early loss of his father (1928)
• Raised in a Catholic environment
• School years and graduation (Matura) in Innsbruck in 1939

These early experiences laid the foundation for his later path in life.

Resistance during National Socialism

The “Anschluss” of Austria in 1938 marked a profound turning point in Stecher’s life.
As a member of the Catholic youth movement, he quickly came under pressure from the Nazi regime. The Church was subjected to arbitrary state control, and many clergy were persecuted.

Silent Resistance in Maria Waldrast (1941)

A powerful example of religious resistance was the protest movement against the closure of the monastery at Maria Waldrast:

• Hundreds of people publicly prayed the rosary
• Stecher actively participated as a young man
• Arrests by the Gestapo followed

The rescue of the miraculous image by courageous believers remained in his memory for the rest of his life.

Arrest and Imprisonment

In 1941, Stecher was arrested as a theology student for his involvement in organizing a pilgrimage.
He endured:

• Two months of solitary confinement
• Intensive interrogations
• The threat of deportation to a concentration camp

At the last moment, he narrowly escaped being sent to a concentration camp—and was instead conscripted into the Wehrmacht.

Second World War: Experiences at the Front

Stecher served as a mountain infantry soldier:

• Deployment in northern Russia
• Three years in Finland (Karelia)
• End of the war in Norway

This period had a lasting impact on him—also through ecumenical encounters with Protestant Christians who shared his opposition to the Nazi regime.

A Key Spiritual Experience: The Rosary

During his imprisonment, Stecher had a profound spiritual experience.
The so-called “ten-finger rosary” helped him cope with isolation.
He described the rosary as:

• A simple prayer with deep meaning
• A patient prayer in a restless world
• A comforting prayer that creates a sense of community

This experience stayed with him throughout his life and became central to his spirituality.

Priest, Educator, and Pastoral Worker

After the war, Stecher continued his studies in Innsbruck:

• Ordination to the priesthood: 1947
• Doctorate in theology: 1951

Among his teachers were renowned theologians such as Karl Rahner.
His areas of work included:

• Youth ministry
• Religious education at all levels
• Spiritual director at the seminary
• 24 years in teacher training

He was regarded as a dedicated educator and an inspiring mentor.

Passion for the Mountains

The Tyrolean mountains played a central role in his life.
Stecher organized:

• Alpine courses in the summer
• Encounters in rock and ice
• Collaboration with alpine clubs and mountain rescue services

For him, the mountains were also a place of education and personal development.

Author and Artist

Stecher published a total of twelve books. He understood his works as:
“a more relaxed form of proclamation”
He was also active as a painter. The proceeds from his artworks were donated to charitable causes, particularly to Caritas.

Bishop of Innsbruck (1981–1997)

In 1981, Stecher was appointed bishop by Pope John Paul II – a role he initially accepted hesitantly.
Key focuses of his tenure:
·       Criticism of mandatory celibacy
·       Advocacy for reforms
·       Dialogue-oriented church policy
·       Clear positions against conservative movements
His confrontations with Bishop Kurt Krenn made him known beyond Austria.

Efforts against antisemitism

Stecher gained international attention through his decisive action against the cult surrounding the "Anderl of Rinn." By banning this antisemitic legend, he set a strong example for:
·       Education and enlightenment
·       Interreligious dialogue
·       The Church's responsibility

Retirement and later work

After his emeritation in 1997, Stecher remained active:
·       Pastoral work in Hoch-Rum
·       Leading retreats and reflection days in German-speaking regions
·       Accompanying priests, religious orders, and laypeople
His closeness to the people remained his trademark.

Death and legacy

Reinhold Stecher died on January 29, 2013, in Innsbruck.
His legacy includes:
·       Courage for internal church criticism
·       Commitment to dialogue and humanity
·       Lived faith in difficult times
·       Deep humility
His experience from imprisonment remains particularly striking:
That even a prison cell can become a place of peace through prayer.

Conclusion: Why Reinhold Stecher is still relevant today

Reinhold Stecher stands for a Church that:
·       Is open to societal issues
·       Takes responsibility
·       Places the human being at the center
His life connects history, faith, and humanity – and is therefore more relevant than ever.