Chapter 1: What is the setting and context of Franz Jagerstatter's story?
1943, Austria. Five years have passed. While the German war machine pushes through Europe, Saint-Rodrigan has remained peaceful, and Franz and Fanny have three young daughters. But with the war escalating, almost everyone they know has sided with Hitler's Nazi party. In a country transformed, Franz is a lonely outsider, and his allies are disappearing fast.
We've been waiting here for hours, Franz.
Are you sure he's going to see us?
Chapter 2: How does Franz feel about the escalating war around him?
Patience, Fanny. The bishop is a busy man.
You had an appointment.
Maybe you shouldn't have come.
I don't understand why we are even here.
Who else could answer my questions? Why is it so important to you? Nazi doctrines on race are incompatible with the faith. I want to know our duty as Catholics. It's not our war. But starting an unprovoked war? A power grab? Invading sovereign countries? Imprisoning your political opponents? What's next?
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Chapter 3: What challenges does Franz face as an outsider in his community?
None of this has anything to do with us. They are attempting genocide against the Jews.
Should we do nothing? Herr Jägerstatter?
Yeah?
The bishop will see you now.
Pray for me, Fanny.
I will.
Herr Jägerstatter. Thank you for seeing me, Your Excellency. Yes, please, sit down. Danke.
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Chapter 4: What questions does Franz have regarding his Catholic duty amidst war?
Father Fürthau said you have some pressing questions for me? Yes, Excellency. I have some questions prepared. I want to know who will give us the guarantee that it is not sinful to belong to a party that aims to eradicate the Christian faith? Party? The Nazi Party? Naturally. Who gives us a guarantee that any action is not sinful? Presumably the Church? Naturally.
When has the Church given its approval for someone to obey what the Nazi Party commands us to do? Church is not in the business of adhering to any political party, as you well know. But your own predecessor said you cannot be a good Catholic and a true Nazi, as you well know. Where is your anxiety over the Nazis leading you, Herr Jägerstatter? I cannot fight in this war.
Have you been required to? Local men are being called for military service. You know the gospel. Do not be anxious about tomorrow. With all due respect, Excellency, you do not have children. But have you been called up to fight? Is this war a just war, Your Excellency? The Germans invaded Poland and France. They are bombing civilians in England.
What if I am required to swear the oath of allegiance to Hitler? There is your what-if again. The sins of the Fuhrer are not the... The sins of the Nazis, they are not your sins. But if I swear allegiance to the Führer, do I not offend God? Franz! You would be killed by the Germans. Should I not die rather than commit a sin? Your primary responsibility is to those closest to you.
Your wife and children. Would you leave them fatherless?
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Chapter 5: What moral dilemmas does Franz confront regarding military service?
Am I to teach my daughters that it is right, even commendable, heroic to offend God? Did the Lord not say we will become his witnesses, his martyrs? The path to martyrdom is an extraordinary call from above. It is a summons from God. Has he not called? Such a calling has to be properly discerned. I can assure you it has been. Thank you for your time, Excellency. I'll see myself out.
Fanny, we're leaving.
That was fast. Franz, what's wrong? What did he say?
Not here. Let's discuss it outside.
It's cold out here.
The bishop didn't answer my questions.
What do you mean?
Maybe he thought I was a Nazi spy.
What did he say?
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Chapter 6: How does Franz's wife, Fani, react to his beliefs and decisions?
Rosal, behind the curtain again. Careful.
Oops, don't tell Papa.
Here we are.
Papa, Mama.
I'm going to my room. My daughters. And a broken vase.
It was a loser. Rosal, do not lie to Papa. Go play outside. Is everything okay?
But I want to play with Papa.
Of course I will play with you, Maria. Franz! Why don't we see if there is anything ripe to pick in the field? Yay! Come.
Franz!
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Chapter 7: What does Franz believe about his responsibility to his family?
Can we talk?
Excuse us, father.
You scare me, Franz. What will become of our family?
I know these past few... years have been difficult. We should not be anxious about tomorrow, hm? Who knows? The war may be over soon, or this heartache for nothing.
Herr Jägerstatter? Yes? A letter for you. Good day.
What is it?
A summons. I'm being called up to the infantry.
Hi, this is Peter Atkinson from The Mary Beggars. Tune in to Episode 4, From the Other Side, to hear the next installment of Franz Jägerstatter. Listen to all the episodes and discover new shows at thesaintspodcast.com.
The Mary Beggars is the entertainment division of Relevant Radio.
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