Religious Orders in Resistance
(1938-1945)
back to:Ordens-Gemeinschaften im WiderstandPriester und Ordensleute im Widerstandread more:Clerical OppositionReligious orders in resistanceCatholic religious orders in Tyrol resisted the Nazi regime by continuing their missions despite repression. Many helped the persecuted, rejected ideological conformity, and upheld human dignity through care, education, and pastoral work—their resistance quiet but effective. Franz Reinisch – The Pallottine Father Who Refused the Oath to Hitler and Was Executed for ItPallottine Father Franz Reinisch (1903–1942) was a Catholic priest from Austria who became known as a determined opponent of National Socialism. Born in Feldkirch and raised in Tyrol, he initially studied law before deciding to enter the priesthood and was ordained in 1928. As a member of the Schönstatt Movement and a passionate preacher, he took an early and public stand against the Nazi regime, which earned him a ban on speaking and preaching in 1940. His resolute refusal in 1942, upon being drafted into the Wehrmacht, to take the military oath of allegiance to Adolf Hitler led to his arrest, his conviction for undermining military morale, and ultimately his execution on August 21, 1942, in Brandenburg-Görden. As the only Catholic priest who refused the oath on grounds of conscience and was executed for it, he is regarded today as a "martyr of conscience." His beatification process has been underway since 2013. read more:Reinisch_Franz_Pallottiner_Blog (EN) 🕯️ Father Franz Reinisch Memorial en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Reinisch The Monastery of St. Francis in Hall in Tirol. The Tyrolean Franciscan Province of the Blessed Engelbert Kolland was an religious province of the Franciscans (OFM) for Tyrol. It was founded in 1580 and, from 2001, bore the patronage of the Blessed Engelbert Kolland (1827–1860), a martyr of Damascus. Since 2007, it has been part of the Franciscan Province of Austria of St. Leopold. read more:The House of the Good Shepherd in Hall in Tirol The House of the Good Shepherd in Hall in Tirol was an important place of care, protection, and humanity during the National Socialist era. At a time marked by persecution, exclusion, and violence, the sisters and staff of the institution faced great challenges. The history of this house reminds us of the importance of compassion, Christian charity, and defending human dignity even under the most difficult circumstances. This page explores the role of the House of the Good Shepherd within the historical context of the Nazi period and helps preserve the memory of the people whose lives were affected. read more:(EN) House of the Good Shepherd (EN) Sister Erharda Hendlmeier (EN) Sister Ezechiela Endrass The Salesian Sisters in Thurnfeld during the Nazi Era During the National Socialist period, the community of the Salesian Sisters in Thurnfeld faced profound changes and severe restrictions. Their school was closed, and the sisters were compelled to work at the hospital run by the Sisters of the Holy Cross. In the final years of the war, the cellar of the convent served as an air-raid shelter for residents living in the surrounding neighbourhood during bombing attacks. At one point, there were also plans to convert the property into residential housing. The history of the Salesian Sisters in Thurnfeld illustrates how religious communities continued their mission under difficult circumstances and became places of refuge, assistance, and solidarity for the local population. read more:Salesian Sisters of Thurnfeld The Tertiary Sisters of Hall during the Nazi Era During the National Socialist period, the Tertiary Sisters of Hall faced severe restrictions and profound changes to their religious life. Their school was closed, and the sisters were forced to work in factories. Soldiers were also quartered in their buildings, significantly disrupting convent life. A particularly tragic event occurred towards the end of the Second World War when three sisters were killed during a bombing raid on the House of the Good Shepherd in Hall in Tirol. The history of the Tertiary Sisters of Hall reflects the hardships endured by religious communities under the Nazi regime and commemorates their dedication, resilience, and willingness to serve others during a time of war, violence, and oppression. read more:Blog (EN) TertiarschwesternBlog (EN) Sr. Alfonsa Brettauer The Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Hall in Tirol during the Nazi Era During the National Socialist period, the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Hall in Tirol experienced profound changes and significant challenges. A particularly valuable testimony from these years is the diary of Mother Superior Wilhelmine, which offers a direct insight into the daily life, concerns, and experiences of the religious community under Nazi rule. Her writings document how the sisters coped with political interference, restrictions on their religious life, and the hardships brought about by war. Today, the diary serves as an important historical source that helps preserve the memory of the community's experiences and their resilience during a time of persecution, uncertainty, and conflict. read more:Blog (EN) The Convent in Hall in Tyrol: The Sisters of the Holy Cross in Hall in Tirol during the Nazi EraDuring the National Socialist period, the Sisters of the Holy Cross in Hall in Tirol were subjected to severe persecution, expropriation, and harassment. Although the convent was Swiss-owned, it was seized by the Nazi authorities. The convent and its surrounding properties were confiscated, military officers were quartered there, and the buildings were converted into a hospital for patients suffering from highly contagious diseases. The sisters were forced to continue their work under extremely difficult conditions and endured repeated acts of intimidation and humiliation. One particularly tragic case was that of an Adoration Sister from Innsbruck who, after being relocated to Thurnfeld, died as a result of the heavy physical labour she was required to perform. The history of the Sisters of the Holy Cross in Hall in Tirol bears witness to the suffering, sacrifices, and resilience of religious communities that continued to serve others despite persecution and arbitrary oppression under the Nazi regime. read more:Blog (EN) Provincial House of the Sisters of the Holy Cross in Hall in Tyrol Blog (EN) Sister Alena Thöny Resistance from the Monastery – The Premonstratensians of Wilten against the Nazi Regime Wilten Abbey in Innsbruck was not only a place of prayer, but also a centre of quiet yet determined resistance against National Socialism. After the "Anschluss" of Austria in 1938, the monks of the monastery quickly came under the scrutiny of the new rulers. They were expelled, their home was confiscated – but they did not give up. One of the most outstanding resisters from this circle was Father Dominikus Dietrich. Born in Hall, he entered Wilten Abbey in 1889 and later became its prior, risking his life on several occasions. He wrote a courageous letter to Hitler, was arrested, received a ban from the region and continued to resist the destruction of the abbey tower as late as 1944. His unwavering commitment to faith and homeland makes him an impressive witness to resistance in Tyrol. read more:(EN) Plattner Anton OPAEM (1906-1958) Blog (EN) Ernst Marberger Opraem. Blog (EN) Adrian Höck OPraem. Blog (EN) Father Dominikus Dietrich oecv.at/Biolex/Detail/12100697 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Premonstratensians Briefly about the Marianists:The Marianists were founded in 1817 by Father William Joseph Chaminade. Their mission: education and formation of the heart, especially for young people, shaped by a deep devotion to Mary. Today, they are active worldwide in schools and pastoral care. Jakob Gapp was one of them – until his violent death. Courage Born of Faith Father Jakob Gapp was a Marianist – and one of the few religious figures who publicly opposed National Socialism. What drove him, how he lived, and why he was executed in Berlin in 1943: you can read all about this remarkable witness of faith in the article below. read more:(EN) Marianist _Father _Jakob _Gapp en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_of_Mary_(Marianists) Gapp_Jakob_Memorial Sister Angela Autsch (1900–1944): The Tyrolean Trinitarian Nun Who Defied the Nazis and Became the "Angel of Auschwitz"Sister Angela Autsch (1900–1944), also known as the "Angel of Auschwitz," was a German Trinitarian Sister who bravely resisted the Nazi regime. Born Maria Cäcilia Autsch in Westphalia, she entered the order in 1933 and lived at the convent in Mötz, Tyrol . During the Nazi era, she actively opposed the persecution of the Church and successfully fought to prevent the confiscation of her convent . Her outspoken criticism of Adolf Hitler, whom she referred to as a "scourge for Europe," led to her arrest by the Gestapo in August 1940. Without a trial, she was deported to the Ravensbrück concentration camp for women . In 1942, she was transferred to Auschwitz-Birkenau . Despite the life-threatening conditions, she became known for her extraordinary humanity. While working in the camp infirmary and kitchen, she secretly provided medicine, food, and comfort to sick and weakened fellow prisoners, risking her own life . She even cared for her SS persecutors when assigned to the SS hospital . Her compassion earned her the title "Angel of Auschwitz" from her fellow inmates . Sister Angela died on December 23, 1944, in Auschwitz-Birkenau from heart failure during an Allied air raid . Her cause for beatification was opened, and in 2018, Pope Francis recognized her heroic virtue, declaring her "Venerable" read more:Blog (EN) Sister_Amgela_Autsch_OSST en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angela_Maria_Autsch
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