Austrian Priest Honored for Resistance Against Nazi Regime

In the heart of Austria's Lungau region, the story of Father Josef Schitter (1911–1991) emerges as a powerful testament to courage and resistance against the Nazi regime. As part of the "Orte des Gedenkens" (Sites of Remembrance) project initiated by the state of Salzburg, Schitter's life and actions are being brought to light. His unwavering opposition to Nazism led to his imprisonment in the Dachau concentration camp, a harrowing experience from which he thankfully returned in April 1945.

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A Lungau priest in resistance against the NS regime

Father Schitter's resistance was not an isolated act. Historical accounts reveal that a significant portion of clergy in the Archdiocese of Salzburg faced persecution under the Nazi regime. Regional historian Rudolf Leo estimates that approximately half of all priests in the archdiocese were subjected to preaching bans in the initial year following Nazi Germany's invasion of Austria. Furthermore, a substantial number of priests faced imprisonment, with 14 ultimately being deported to concentration camps.

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The Lungauer priest Josef Schitter (1911–1991) with the handwritten Grillinger Bible (presumably 1430). Schitter was active in the resistance against the Nazi regime and was deported to the KZ-Dachau, from which he was freed in April 1945.

This commemoration in Lungau, as highlighted by Der Standard, is more than just a historical marker; it is a vital part of Austria's ongoing process of confronting its past. The "Orte des Gedenkens" project ensures that the sacrifices and struggles of individuals like Father Schitter are not forgotten. From the perspective of Austrian media like Der Standard, remembering such figures is crucial for national identity and for reinforcing the democratic values that stand in stark contrast to the oppressive ideology of the past. It is a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming brutality, individual acts of defiance can hold profound significance, contributing to the eventual triumph of freedom and human dignity.

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According to the data of the Archdiocese of Salzburg, about half of all priests in the Archdiocese were banned from preaching at least in the first year after the invasion of Nazi Germany into Austria.