A Protestant Pastor Defends a Catholic Priest in Meran
A report from Meran recounts an incident in a local inn, where a visiting Protestant pastor from Holstein defended a Catholic parish priest disparaged by a coreligionist. The correspondent highlights this intervention as a notable interfaith gesture in support of the clergy.
Full transcription
Supplement to the Katholische Blätter 1846. No. 46
Tyrol.
Meran, Nov. 1 (Corresp.) Some time ago, a Protestant pastor from Itzehoe in Holstein left our town, and—honor to whom honor is due—the following incident shows that even among Protestants there are upright souls who speak out for the truth.
In one of the local inns, a Catholic took the liberty of steering the guests' table conversation toward the servants of the Church; — in particular, a worthy clergyman, known for his devotion to and labor for his parishioners, was disparaged by him for that very reason. The visiting pastor, also among the guests, did not hesitate to interrupt our coreligionist and remind him openly and candidly of the duties of a spiritual caregiver, as well as the impropriety of his words: »He that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.« Luke 10:16.
What a shameful example for those who welcome every opportunity to vent their persecution fury against holy religion and its servants!
1846 at a glance
The year 1846 in Merano was characterized by active construction on sacred and historical buildings, social engagement, and a growing influx of high-ranking guests. Prominent figures such as Archduke Johann, King Frederick Augustus II of Saxony, and King Leopold of Belgium visited the region, further solidifying Merano's rising status as a spa resort. At the same time, church affairs, regional solidarity, and peaceful coexistence among different denominations shaped the daily life of the local community. →
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"A Protestant Pastor Defends a Catholic Priest in Meran." Katholische Blätter aus Tirol, 16 November 1846. https://digital.tessmann.it/tessmannDigital/Zeitungsarchiv/Seite/Zeitung/62978/1/16.11.1846/289210/17. https://www.meran-archive.com/en/artikel/1846-11-16-verteidigung-eines-katholischen-seelsorgers-durch-einen-protestantischen-pastor-