Styria mourns: P. Karl Maderner, founder of the House of Silence, died

Styria mourns: P. Karl Maderner, founder of the House of Silence, died

Graz, Österreich - The Styrian community mourns the culmination of P. Karl Maderner, the founder of the renowned "House of Silence". He died on June 21, 2025 in the Annahheim in Graz at the age of 83. His death came after a severe fall in Pupping, where he spent the last years of his life. Now family, friends and many companions say goodbye to a concise personality who significantly shaped the spiritual life in the region.

The funeral will take place on July 2 at 11 a.m. in the Franciscan Church in Graz, followed by the funeral at the St. Peter City Cemetery. Previously, a prayer service will be held in the "House of Silence" on July 1 at 6 p.m. For P. Karl, this place not only had professional, but also personal value, which many people have connected to him in recent years.

a life in the sign of spirituality

born in 1942 in Ternitz, Lower Austria, Maderner entered the Franciscan order after completing a baker and cooking apprenticeship. After his consecration for the priest in 1972, he was a chaplain in Graz-Mariatrost and also took over pastoral care for prospective religious teachers. A formative moment in his career was the foundation of the "House of Silence" in 1979 in the Rosental near Heiligenkreuz on Waasen, where he worked until 1999 and then worked as a pastor for 20 years. His wish has always been to create a place that acts as a spiritual home and accompanies many people on their lives.

Many combine positive experiences with P. Karl. He was not only renewed and pioneer in dealing with the content of the faith, but above all a modern Franciscan who always built bridges across denominations and religious borders. His life was characterized by a deep connection to God and a sibling lifestyle, which made him a role model for many.

The legacy of P. Karl Maderner

his work is not only made from the place he created, but also by what he leaves leaves. The board and the home management of the "House of Silence" are already planning a realignment and structural adaptations in order to continue his inheritance. In September 2024, P. Karl gave his blessing for future work on the board and the house management. This continuation of his ideas is always in memory of the deep spiritual and human value he has conveyed.

The Franciscan Order, to which P. Karl contributed decisively, have been very committed since the Province of Austria in 2007 and offer numerous apostolic activities. This versatility and its commitment to peace, justice and the preservation of creation are in line with the values ​​for which P. Karl Maderner advocated. ( franziskaner.at )

The grief for P. Karl Maderner will sail across the community across generations. His life's work and the memories he leaves will enrich and inspire many.