The Roman Catholic Diocese of Graz-Seckau ( la, Dioecesis Seccoviensis, german: Diözese Graz-Seckau) is a
diocese
In church governance, a diocese or bishopric is the ecclesiastical district under the jurisdiction of a bishop.
History
In the later organization of the Roman Empire, the increasingly subdivided provinces were administratively associa ...
comprising the
Austria
Austria, , bar, Östareich officially the Republic of Austria, is a country in the southern part of Central Europe, lying in the Eastern Alps. It is a federation of nine states, one of which is the capital, Vienna, the most populous ...
n state of
Styria. It is part of the
ecclesiastical province
An ecclesiastical province is one of the basic forms of jurisdiction in Christian Churches with traditional hierarchical structure, including Western Christianity and Eastern Christianity. In general, an ecclesiastical province consists of seve ...
of
Salzburg
Salzburg (, ; literally "Salt-Castle"; bar, Soizbuag, label= Austro-Bavarian) is the fourth-largest city in Austria. In 2020, it had a population of 156,872.
The town is on the site of the Roman settlement of ''Iuvavum''. Salzburg was founded ...
.
History
The See of Seckau was founded on 22 June 1218, then the third suffragan of Salzburg after
Gurk (1072) and
Chiemsee (1215), by Archbishop Eberhard von Regensberg with permission by
Pope Honorius III
Pope Honorius III (c. 1150 – 18 March 1227), born Cencio Savelli, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 18 July 1216 to his death. A canon at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, he came to hold a number of impor ...
. Emperor
Frederick II gave his consent on 26 October 1218; he conferred on the incumbent of the see the dignity of a
Prince of the Roman Empire
A prince is a male ruler (ranked below a king, grand prince, and grand duke) or a male member of a monarch's or former monarch's family. ''Prince'' is also a title of nobility (often highest), often hereditary, in some European states. The ...
, though with no secular power. A fourth suffragan diocese,
Lavant, followed in 1228.
The first bishop was Provost Karl von Friesach (1218–30) who had his see at
Seckau Abbey
Seckau Abbey (german: Abbey of Our Lady) is a Benedictine monastery and Co-Cathedral in Seckau in Styria, Austria.
History
Middle Ages
Seckau Abbey was endowed in 1140 by Augustinian canons. An already existing community in Sankt Marein bei ...
in
Upper Styria
Upper Styria (german: Obersteiermark), in the Austrian usage of the term, refers exclusively to the northwestern, generally mountainous and well-wooded half of the federal state of Styria. The southwestern half of the state around the capital of ...
; his diocese only comprised 13 parishes. Most of the time, the Seckau bishops resided at
Seggau Castle near
Leibnitz
Leibnitz (Slovenian: ''Lipnica'') is a city in the Austrian state of Styria and on 1 Jan. 2017 had a population of 12,176. It is located to the south of the city of Graz, between the Mur and Sulm rivers.
The town is the capital of the Leibni ...
and at
Graz, they also served as
vicar
A vicar (; Latin: '' vicarius'') is a representative, deputy or substitute; anyone acting "in the person of" or agent for a superior (compare "vicarious" in the sense of "at second hand"). Linguistically, ''vicar'' is cognate with the English pre ...
s in the
Duchy of Styria. Under the
Habsburg emperor
Joseph II
Joseph II (German: Josef Benedikt Anton Michael Adam; English: ''Joseph Benedict Anthony Michael Adam''; 13 March 1741 – 20 February 1790) was Holy Roman Emperor from August 1765 and sole ruler of the Habsburg lands from November 29, 1780 un ...
, the diocese was reorganised and its territory enlarged. However, the original intention of the emperor to establish an archbishopric at Graz, the capital of Styria, was frustrated by the opposition of the Archbishop of Salzburg.
In 1786, the episcopal see was finally transferred from Seckau to
Graz Cathedral
Graz Cathedral (german: Grazer Dom), also called St. Giles' Cathedral (german: Dom St. Ägidius), is the cathedral church in the Austrian city of Graz, dedicated to Saint Giles. It is the seat of the bishop of the Steiermark diocese from 1786, cal ...
, though the name of the diocese remained unchanged until 1963. A new
cathedral chapter was installed, composed at first of three dignitaries and four canons. The see included thenceforth the Salzburg territory in Styria; at the same time, the short-lived
Diocese of Leoben was created in
Upper Styria
Upper Styria (german: Obersteiermark), in the Austrian usage of the term, refers exclusively to the northwestern, generally mountainous and well-wooded half of the federal state of Styria. The southwestern half of the state around the capital of ...
. After the death of the first and only Bishop of Leoben, the administration of this see was again entrusted in 1808 to the Bishops of Seckau at Graz. The limits of Seckau are due to a regulation of 1859, incorporating the Diocese of Leoben into that of Seckau, while Seckau ceded
Lower Styria
Styria ( sl, Štajerska), also Slovenian Styria (''Slovenska Štajerska'') or Lower Styria (''Spodnja Štajerska''; german: Untersteiermark), is a traditional region in northeastern Slovenia, comprising the southern third of the former Duchy o ...
with its (chiefly)
Slovene-speaking population to the Diocese of Lavant with its see at
Maribor (Marburg).
Special churches
* Church of
Göss Abbey, briefly the cathedral of the
Diocese of Leoben (''Dom Sankt Maria und Andreas''): parish church; former abbey church and former cathedral
*
Mariazell Basilica
Mariazell Basilica, also known as Basilica Mariä Geburt (Basilica of the Birth of the Virgin Mary), is a Roman Catholic Pontifical shrine in Mariazell, Austria. It is the most important pilgrimage destination in Austria and one of the most visite ...
(''Basilika Mariä Geburt'') in
Mariazell
Mariazell ( Central Bavarian: ''Mariazöö'') is an Austrian city in the southeastern state of Styria. Well known for being a hub of winter sports and a pilgrimage destination, it is located north of Graz. It is picturesquely situated in the vall ...
: minor basilica and national shrine
*
Mariatrost Basilica
The Baroque Mariatrost Basilica on top of the Purberg hill in Mariatrost, a district of Graz, is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites of Styria in Austria.
The pilgrimage church stands prominently on top of the Purberg hill (469 m) in the ...
(''Basilika Maria Trost'') in
Mariatrost: minor basilica
* Church of
Rein Abbey: abbey church and minor basilica
The Diocese also operates a religious museum (''Diözesanmuseum''), housed in the former Jesuit University building in the Graz Old Town across from the cathedral and the Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria with the mausoleum of Emperor
Ferdinand II.
Leadership, in reverse chronological order
The current bishop,
Wilhelm Krautwaschl, was appointed by
Pope Francis
Pope Francis ( la, Franciscus; it, Francesco; es, link=, Francisco; born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 17 December 1936) is the head of the Catholic Church. He has been the bishop of Rome and sovereign of the Vatican City State since 13 March 2013. ...
on Thursday, April 16, 2015. He was Rector of the Episcopal Seminary in Graz and Vocations Director and Tribunal Judge (since 2006).
*
Bishop
A bishop is an ordained clergy member who is entrusted with a position of authority and oversight in a religious institution.
In Christianity, bishops are normally responsible for the governance of dioceses. The role or office of bishop is c ...
s of Graz-Seckau (Roman rite):
** Bishop Wilhelm Krautwaschl (2015.04.16 – ''present'')
** Bishop
Egon Kapellari (2001.03.14 – 2015.01.28)
** Bishop
Johann Weber (1969.06.10 – 2001.03.14)
** Bishop
Josef Schoiswohl Josef may refer to
*Josef (given name)
*Josef (surname) Josef is the surname of the following people:
* Jens Josef (born 1967), German composer of classical music, a flutist and academic teacher
* Michelle Josef (born 1954), Canadian musician and tr ...
(''see below'' 1963.04.22 – 1969.01.01), became titular Archbishop upon retirement
* Bishops of Seckau (Roman rite):
** Bishop Josef Schoiswohl (1954.01.18 – 1963.04.22 ''see above'')
** Bishop
Ferdinand Stanislaus Pawlikowski (1927.04.26 – 1953.12.07), became titular Archbishop upon retirement
** Bishop
Leopold Schuster
Leopold may refer to:
People
* Leopold (given name)
* Leopold (surname)
Arts, entertainment, and media Fictional characters
* Leopold (''The Simpsons''), Superintendent Chalmers' assistant on ''The Simpsons''
* Leopold Bloom, the protagonist o ...
(1893.10.20 – 1927.03.18)
** Bishop
Johann Baptist Zwerger (1867.08.14 – 1893.08.14)
** Bishop
Ottokar Maria Graf von Attems
Ottokar is the medieval German form of the Germanic name Audovacar.
People with the name Ottokar include:
*Two kings of Bohemia, members of the Přemyslid dynasty
** Ottokar I of Bohemia (–1230)
** Ottokar II of Bohemia (–1278)
*Four Styrian m ...
(1853.09.10 – 1867.04.12)
** Bishop
Joseph Othmar von Rauscher
Joseph Othmar Ritter von Rauscher (6 October 1797 in Vienna – 24 November 1875 in Vienna) was an Austrian Prince-Archbishop of Vienna and Cardinal.
Life
He received his earlier education at the gymnasium in Vienna, devoting himself chiefly ...
(1849.01.29 – 1853.06.27), appointed Archbishop of Vienna (
Cardinal in 1855)
** Bishop
Roman Sebastian (Franz Xaver) Zängerle,
O.S.B.
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, caption = Design on the obverse side of the Saint Benedict Medal
, abbreviation = OSB
, formation =
, motto = (English: 'Pray and Work')
, found ...
(1824.05.18 – 1848.04.27)
** Fr.
Simon Melchior de Petris
Simon may refer to:
People
* Simon (given name), including a list of people and fictional characters with the given name Simon
* Simon (surname), including a list of people with the surname Simon
* Eugène Simon, French naturalist and the genus ...
(1812.04.19 – 1823.08.01), was Vicar Apostolic; was never consecrated bishop
** Bishop
Johann Friedrich Graf von Waldenstein-Wartenberg
Johann, typically a male given name, is the German form of ''Iohannes'', which is the Latin form of the Greek name ''Iōánnēs'' (), itself derived from Hebrew name ''Yochanan'' () in turn from its extended form (), meaning "Yahweh is Gracious" ...
(1802.07.21 – 1812.04.15)
** Bishop
Joseph Adam Graf Arco
Joseph is a common male given name, derived from the Hebrew Yosef (יוֹסֵף). "Joseph" is used, along with "Josef", mostly in English, French and partially German languages. This spelling is also found as a variant in the languages of the mo ...
(1780.01.01 – 1802.06.03), became Archbishop (personal title) in 1793
** Bishop
Joseph Philipp Franz Reichsgraf von Spaur (1763.10.01 – 1780.03.20)
** Bishop
Leopold Ernest von Firmian
Leopold Ernst von Firmian (1708–1783) was an Austrian bishop and cardinal.
He was Bishop of Seckau from 1739 to 1763, campaigning against Protestantism. He also acted as coadjutor bishop or administrator of the Bishopric of Trento, from 1748 ...
(1739.02.13 – 1763.09.01), appointed Bishop of Passau (now in Germany); future Cardinal
** Bishop
Jakob Ernst Graf von Liechtenstein-Kastelkorn
Jakob Ernst von Liechtenstein-Kastelkorn (14 February 1690 in Doboszowice, Hertwigswalde – 12 June 1747 in Salzburg) was Roman Catholic Diocese of Graz-Seckau, Bishop of Seckau, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Olomouc, Bishop of Olomouc and Archb ...
(1728.01.17 – 1739.01.26), appointed Bishop of Olomouc (Olmütz) (now in Czech Republic); future Archbishop
** Bishop
Leopold Anton Eleutherius Reichsfreiherr von Firmian
Leopold Anton Eleutherius Freiherr von Firmian (11 March 1679 – 22 October 1744) was Bishop of Lavant 1718–24, Bishop of Seckau 1724–27 and Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg from 1727 until his death.
Early life
He was born in Munich, on his ...
(1724 – 1727.12.22), appointed Archbishop of Salzburg
** Bishop
Karl Joseph Reichsgraf von Kuenburg (1723.04.21 – 1723.10.04)
** Bishop
Joseph Dominicus von Lamberg (1712.03.13 – 1723.03.15), appointed Bishop of Passau (now in Germany) (Cardinal in 1737)
** Bishop
Franz Anton Adolph Graf von Wagensperg Franz may refer to:
People
* Franz (given name)
* Franz (surname)
Places
* Franz (crater), a lunar crater
* Franz, Ontario, a railway junction and unorganized town in Canada
* Franz Lake, in the state of Washington, United States – see Fran ...
(1702 – 1712.02.18)
** Bishop
Rudolf Joseph Reichsgraf von Thun (1690.02.16 – 1702.05.20)
** Bishop
Johann Ernst Reichsgraf von Thun (1679.12.29 – 1687.11.24), appointed Archbishop of Salzburg
** Bishop
Wenzel Wilhelm Reichsgraf von Hofkirchen Wenzel is a male given name (long version Wenzeslaus) as the German and Old English form of the Czech given name Václav or Venceslav, meaning "praised with glory". Variations are Вячеслав (Ukrainian and Russian), Vencel (Hungarian), Wacła ...
(1670.02.20 – 1679.11.06)
** Archbishop
Maximilian Gandolph von Künburg (Apostolic Administrator 1668.11.12 – 1687.05.03) (Cardinal in 1686)
** Bishop Maximilian Gandolph von Künburg (1665.02.07 – 1668.07.30), appointed Archbishop of Salzburg; future Cardinal
** Bishop
Johannes Markus Freiherr von Aldringen
Johannes is a Medieval Latin form of the personal name that usually appears as " John" in English language contexts. It is a variant of the Greek and Classical Latin variants (Ιωάννης, ''Ioannes''), itself derived from the Hebrew name '' ...
(1633.08.22 – 1664.02.02)
See also
*
Roman Catholicism in Austria
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, image = Wien_-_Stephansdom_(3).JPG
, imagewidth = 200px
, alt =
, caption = St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna.
, abbreviation =
, type = ...
References
Sources
GCatholic.org Diocese websiteDiocesan Museum Graz
{{DEFAULTSORT:Graz-Seckau
Roman Catholic dioceses in Austria
Religious organizations established in the 1210s
1218 establishments in Europe
Roman Catholic dioceses established in the 13th century
Graz-Seckau, Roman Catholic Diocese of
13th-century establishments in Austria
Establishments in the Duchy of Styria