Wallfahrtskirche St. Wolfgang

Information about the church

The village of St. Wolfgang is home to the imposing St. Wolfgang pilgrimage church. With a length of 42 m, a width of 21 m and a height of 14 m, the church, which dominates the village from a hilltop, is still the largest village church in the diocese of St. Pölten.

Around 1400, Thomas Schaler, Burgrave of Weitra, and his brother Johannes, donated the church in the village of Pfaffenschlag, as the place was originally called. On November 6, 1407, the choir of the church is consecrated to St. Wolfgang and in 1408, Bishop Georg von Passau once again confirms the foundation as a branch church of the parish of Großschönau. St. Wolfgang's Church soon developed into a pilgrimage destination. In 1447, the Brotherhood of Our Lady of Weitra built a pilgrims' house as accommodation (today the vicarage). However, the pilgrimage only lasted until the Reformation. Christoph von Prag, Protestant lord of the castle of Engelstein, closed the church around 1570/1580. The church became Catholic again from 1617, but the pilgrimage could not be revived. Since the establishment of a monthly pilgrimage day in 1975, the church has increasingly become a pilgrimage destination again.

Treat yourself

St. Wolfgang, patron saint of the parish church of St. Wolfgang, lived in the 10th century and is known for his piety, his educational work and his role as Bishop of Regensburg. He is often venerated as the patron saint of woodcutters and carpenters, as he spent much of his life in the forests of Bavaria, where he lived as a hermit before being appointed bishop.

The life of St. Wolfgang

Wolfgang was born in Swabia around 934 and received an extensive education, which made him an educated and pious man. He entered the Benedictine monastery in Einsiedeln, where he taught theology and gained a reputation as an excellent teacher and pastor. After a few years as a teacher, he withdrew into solitude to pray and meditate in seclusion. Later, however, he was appointed Bishop of Regensburg against his will, where he distinguished himself through reforms, particularly in education and monastic discipline.

Wolfgang's humility and his willingness to lead a simple, ascetic life made him a popular and respected bishop. Despite his high position, he maintained a deep humility and spiritual discipline that led him to continue to spend time in solitude and prayer.

"Treat yourself to yourself"

St. Wolfgang embodied "treat yourself" in a profound way by repeatedly taking time and space for inner contemplation, even when he was faced with the high demands of his episcopal office. His retreat into solitude, both as a young man and later as a bishop, shows his deep conviction that true wisdom and spiritual strength come from inner contemplation and listening to God.

Wolfgang understood that in order to be an effective and wise leader, he could not lose himself in external obligations and demands. Instead, he consciously took time for prayer and meditation to maintain his inner strength and deepen his connection to God.

Conclusion

"Treat yourself" in connection with St. Wolfgang means consciously withdrawing again and again despite external duties and responsibilities in order to find inner peace and spiritual clarity. St. Wolfgang's life teaches us that true guidance and wisdom do not come from external activity alone, but from the ability to connect with God in silence and remain true to oneself. In a hectic everyday life, Wolfgang's example can inspire us to regularly find time for our own inner contemplation and spiritual renewal in order to return to the world strengthened and centered.

"Be still before the Lord and wait for him." (Psalm 37:7)

This biblical passage expresses the attitude of inner peace and patient expectation that St. Wolfgang practiced. It is a reminder that true spiritual strength and guidance come from moments of stillness and waiting for God's direction.