Bishop Krautwaschl: Experience closeness and strengthening of the faith in the Ennstal!

Bishop Krautwaschl: Experience closeness and strengthening of the faith in the Ennstal!

Liezen, Österreich - June 5, 2025 was all about Bishop Wilhelm Krautwaschl, who went to a visitation in the pastoral region of Middle Ennstal/Paltental. The aim of the visit was to meet people in a personal way and demonstrate pastoral proximity. As reported Blo24, the program included a series of appointments that led the bishop to various social facilities.

The bishop visited the North Education Center in Rottenmann, Lebenshilfe in Liezen and the retirement home in Lassing. In these places he looked for direct exchange with people. He had personal conversations, listened carefully and expressed a lot of appreciation. The dialogue with the community was particularly important to him.

highlight of the visitation

One of the highlights of the visitation was the confirmation of young Christians in the parishes of Stainach and Liezen. These solemn occasions were led by Bishop Krautwaschl with great commitment. The celebration of the Holy Mass in various parishes was also part of his program. A large number of believers took part in a final Sunday service in Irdning. The entire visit was perceived by those present as a strong sign of the liveliness of the church in the region, as also Krautwaschl.info.

Bishop Krautwaschl, who has been Bishop of the Diocese of Graz-Seckau since June 14, 2015, sees himself as a passionate Christian and as a bishop for around 750,000 Catholics in Styria. His goal is to be traveling with people and to live the "for you". This was also reflected in his visits, which were characterized by an intensive desire for community.

future questions of the church

These personal encounters come at a time when the Graz-Seckau diocese deals with important questions of the future. At a recent plenary meeting of the Styrian Diocesan Conference, the Vaticannews and solidarity discussed with disadvantaged. Around 150 participants dealt with the task of outlining future steps for the diocese.

Among the results developed were eight strategic “directional statements”, which are intended to serve as a guideline for the next five years for Bishop Krautwaschl. Challenges such as gender equality in the church were also addressed. The discussions on this topic were not always mutual and will play a central role in the future, especially since human rights and equal opportunities for women are in focus.

With these impulses, Bishop Krautwaschl shows that he has an open ear for the concerns of his community. The starting signal for the next steps is given in autumn when the participants are invited to further participate. So it remains to be hoped that the Styrian diocese can bring a fresh wind to the challenges of its future.