Fr. Louie Vitale, OFM
Veterans Day, November 11, 2007
Imperial County Jail, California
The following reflection was written from prison by Fr. Louie Vitale on the recent Beatification of “Blessed Franz” Jagerstatter, S.F.O., Martyred August 9, 1943
As I sit in a solitary cell as a federal prisoner serving – along with Stephen Kelly, S.J., [who is serving his time in Arizona] – five month sentences for saying no to torture at Ft. Huachucha, AZ, one year ago, I reflect on the very recent act of beatification by Pope Benedict XVI of Franz Jagerstatter of Austria. Franz bears the name of Francis of Assisi and was a member of the lay order founded by that Saint which spread so widely in the13th century carrying with it the penitent’s mandate “never to bear arms.” A call so successful that they were credited with bringing to an end – at least for that moment of history – all the wars of that part of the world. (A truly successful peace movement!)
That legacy has passed through many centuries carrying the much earlier mandate of Jesus to Peter to “put down the sword.” As Thomas Merton points out the response of early Christians to war was martyrdom. Francis in Assisi realized that as he sat in a cell as a P.O.W. His namesake Franz Jagerstatter bore that pledge (a vow of nonviolence) to Francis to a Nazi cell in Austria and, as Christ, freely & lovingly accepted a very violent death.
On October 26, 2007, Franz Jagerstatter’s life – and actions – received the infallible approval of that same church that canonized those early martyrs. As Francis of Assisi, their decisive witness has merited for them the fullness of life in “the Beloved Community of God” – Franz’s action in spite of the counter urging of clergy in those momentous times was in fact the witness of Christ in the midst of demonic darkness. Franz dreamt that the leaders of his nation were on “a train to Hell.” Franz jumped off – and won the crown of heaven.
As I reflect in my stark cell – which I have “consecrated” in his name (with a little salad oil) I pray before the Holy card of Blessed Franz sent me from the Beatification by John Dear, S.J. This Holy card rests on the metal mirror on the cell’s bare wall together with a card from the Carmel of Reno of many of the great women and men peacemakers of our time. As I pray I ask to be included in their midst and for all of us to have the strength to jump off of the train of horrendous violence of our times. This may sound boastful, but it is the boast of Paul & Jesus’ disciples to be passed on to us as a mandate to bear Christ the peacemaker to our world.
As I pray here in the early hours (we are wakened at 2:30am for breakfast) I feel the deep unity in the heart of Christ of which Franz spoke and draw in all those imprisoned here (mostly Mexican nationals attempting to reap the crops of survival of their forebears) and dare to unite all torture survivors who share such cells in a far more monstrous way.
I am also aware that Francis’ call not to bear arms was not only for his times – as Franz realized – but a call to all of us. We should respond to the call of Benedict XVI: “no to all wars.” As today we go physically, via TV or in our prayers to the graves of all who have died in wars (not only soldiers but in these times, increasingly women, children, elderly) we vow to get off that most lucrative, opulent, highly armed – with world destructing nuclear weapons – train to Hell before we blow not just the train but all of creation “to Hell” – Surely the Patron of Ecology -as the world recognizes as Francis – would urge us all to do – perhaps we can promote the cause of Franz – not only for canonization but as Patron of all who refuse to kill their brothers and sisters in any war or act of violence. Is this not the message Jesus came to bring?
Let the words of Blessed Franz guide our thoughts and actions in the way of peace:
“We need no rifles or pistols for our battles (much less nuclear weapons) but instead spiritual weapons…
Let us love our enemies, bless those who curse us, pray for those who persecute us. For love will conquer and will endure for all eternity. And happy are they who live & die in God’s love.”
“If one harbors no thought of vengeance against others and can forgive everyone he will be at peace in his heart-and what is more lovely than peace? Let us pray to God that a real and lasting peace may soon descend upon this world.”
“The commandments of God teach us, of course, that we must render obedience to secular rulers but only to the extent that they do not order us to do anything evil for we must obey God rather than men.”
“There have always been heroes & martyrs who gave their lives for & their faith. If we hope to reach our goal some day that we too must become heroes of the faith.” (Aside: General Taguba, hearing what we were doing, exclaimed, “You are heroes!”)
The Bishop of Linz, Austria, home of Franz Jagerstatter, stated during the beatification that Franz is: “A prophet with a global view & penetrating insight.” “A shining example in his fidelity to the clarion of conscience.” “An advocate of nonviolence & peace, a voice of warning against ideologies. A deep-believing person for who God really was the core& center of life.”
Blessed Franz, Pray for Us – give us your vision, wisdom & courage – make us truly “instruments of peace.” (Although among the living his valiant wife Franziska may be co-patron to show us the way!)
Peace and all good,
Louie
