Pfarrkirche Jagenbach

Information about the church

Jagenbach was first mentioned as Jackenbach in a deed of gift on November 10, 1208. The name is probably derived from a Slavic personal name Germanized as Jak(k)o in connection with the name of a body of water. Other forms of the name are Jahnipach (1280), Jahenpach (1311), Jaghenpach (1452), Jahenpach (1500) and Jaggenpach (1569). However, the village already existed before it was first named; the date of its foundation is unknown.

The Roman Catholic parish church is dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua. It stands on the edge of the village green and is a simple, listed country church from the first half of the 18th century. It is mentioned in documents as a chapel in 1746 and an extension with a tower was added to the west side around 1880. The parish of Jagenbach has existed since 1901 and belongs to the Zwettl deanery.

Treat yourself

St. Anthony of Padua, patron saint of Jagenbach parish church, is known as the "miracle saint" and is considered the patron saint of seekers. He was an important Franciscan and a famous preacher whose teachings and deeds embody deep compassion, humility and devotion to God.

The life of St. Anthony of Padua

A famous story from the life of St. Anthony tells how he once preached in a town where the people would not listen to him. St. Anthony then went to the river and began to preach to the fish. To his surprise, the fish gathered in front of him and seemed to listen attentively to his sermon. This story underlines Antony's deep faith and his conviction that the word of God would find attentive listeners, even if it was in an unconventional way.

"Treat yourself to yourself"

"Treat yourself" means consciously taking time for inner reflection, self-care and spiritual growth. Through his example, St. Anthony teaches us that striving for inner peace and steadfastness in faith is not always easy, but that we should hold on to our values despite challenges and rejection. The story of the sermon to the fish symbolizes that sometimes it is necessary to withdraw from the crowds and find alternative ways to achieve inner clarity and peace.

Antony shows that true self-care is also about finding your own path and staying true to it, even when you encounter resistance or lack of understanding. This means giving yourself permission to respect your own needs for spiritual growth and inner stillness, even if it means taking unusual or unexpected paths.

Conclusion

Through his life, St. Anthony of Padua teaches us that "indulge yourself" means not only giving yourself rest, but also developing deep trust in God and finding your own spiritual path. His devotion and willingness to take unconventional paths remind us that inner peace and strength of faith often come from a willingness to remain true to oneself and trust in God's guidance, even in difficult or unexpected situations.

"Rely on the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

This biblical passage underlines the trust in God's guidance that Anthony always showed and encourages us to trust in God in our search for inner peace and spiritual fulfillment.