Conference of the Permanent Deacons and Wives in Austria 2025
The conference of the Permanent Deacons and Wives in Austria 2025 took place from 24-26 October in Wels in the diocese of Linz and was held under the biblical motto “Justice and peace kiss each other” (Psalm 85:11)
by Kilian Schadt, Germany
This conference for all deacons in Austria and their wives takes place every two years.
Over 180 people came together to share their faith in a fraternal atmosphere, to discuss developments in diaconal ministry and to celebrate together. I was able to attend the conference as a representative of the IDC to present the work of the IDC and was warmly welcomed.
The first-class theological presentations at the conference centred on diaconal pastoral care. On the one hand, elements of a spirituality of diaconal pastoral care and, on the other, the sacramental character of the poor as the basis of diaconal pastoral care. The contributions were strongly influenced by the Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te on love for the poor, which Pope Leo XIV had published shortly beforehand.
In numerous workshops and excursions, successful examples of diaconal pastoral work in the diocese of Linz were presented. To name just one example, the “Trailer of Charity” project was also presented, in which a team of volunteers provides car trailers for quick, unbureaucratic help with house removals. Professionally trained staff collect items from flats, fit them out and even manage complex installations. This is a very valuable service, especially for residents of social housing.
The conference was rounded off with a solemn mass celebrated by Bishop Manfred Scheuer.
The author: Kilian Schadt (left) has been Managing Director of the IDC since August 2024. Shown here with him are (from left to right) Auxiliary Bishop Anton Leichtfried, Commissioner of the Austrian Bishops’ Conference for Permanent Deacons, Deacon Alexander Niederwimmer, spokesperson for deacons in the Diocese of Linz and his deputy, Deacon Helmuth Zipperle