Liturgical Memorial of Blessed Maria Restituta Kafka

On the liturgical memorial of Blessed Maria Restituta Kafka, her memory as a courageous witness of the faith was honored at the Hartmannkloster.

The sermon by Director Mag. Martin Leitner painted a picture of a woman who decided early on to dedicate her life “to God and to people” (from the beatification on June 21, 1998) – not out of conformity, but out of a deep listening to the Holy Spirit.

As a nurse, Maria Restituta lived her vocation with great professional competence, determination, and warmth. Her commitment to the sick and poor made her a defining figure in the Mödling hospital. This inner attitude also led her to resist the National Socialist regime: despite the ban, she had crucifixes placed in the hospital rooms – a clear commitment to the cross of Christ and the inviolable dignity of human beings.

In his sermon, Director Mag. Martin Leitner connected her life’s testimony with the biblical readings: The Spirit of God leads to life and fruitfulness, while fear and conformity lead to inner death. Maria Restituta remained faithful to this Spirit until the very end – even in prison and in the face of death. Her last words were a radical profession of faith: “For Christ I have lived; for Christ I want to die.”

Her example challenges us even today: to make the cross visible – not provocatively, but credibly. Through compassion, moral courage, prayer, and commitment to truth and justice. Blessed Maria Restituta encourages us to live in the Spirit and bear fruit – especially in a world that often excludes God.