From Life, For Life
Around 100 guests accepted the invitation of the Salvatorian Sisters to celebrate the jubilee “100 Years of the Austrian Province” together. Under the motto “From Life for Life,” the event was not only an opportunity to look back on the history of the community. Rather, the focus was on how Salvatorian life and mission are lived today and what prophetic impulses they can offer to Church and society.
Looking Back with Gratitude, Moving Forward with Courage
A jubilee invites people to pause, express gratitude, and appreciate what has been achieved. For the Salvatorian Sisters, however, celebrating means more than remembering the past. In light of the challenges of the present, their attention is consciously directed toward what is needed today and what can continue to provide meaning tomorrow.
The Austrian Province is present in several locations. In addition to the Provincial House in Vienna, the sisters are active at St. Josef Hospital, in pastoral ministry, social institutions, accompaniment and support of individuals, educational projects, and numerous volunteer services. Other communities live and work in Pitten, Kalwang, Mariazell, and Linz.
Diverse Responses to the Needs of Our Time
Through words and images, Provincial Leader Sr. Patricia Erber SDS presented the current ministries of the Salvatorian Sisters. The broad range of their activities became clearly visible. Sisters work in nursing care and hospital chaplaincy, serve in leadership positions within Church institutions, accompany people in various life situations, and advocate for disadvantaged groups.
Sr. Patricia Erber: “Our special attention is directed toward those who live on the margins of society.” (c) Martin Maria Eder
Particular attention is given to people on the margins of society. This includes accompanying asylum seekers as well as the congregation’s long-standing commitment to combating the trafficking of women and girls. At the same time, the Salvatorian Sisters make an important contribution to values-based formation in their institutions, including St. Josef Hospital, the Salvator Kaisermühlen Educational Campus, and the Mater Salvatoris Nursing Home in Pitten.
Looking Beyond Austria
Sr. Edith Bramberger SDS broadened the perspective beyond Austria’s borders. As an international religious congregation, the Salvatorian Sisters share responsibility for people on several continents. Through donations and project partnerships, they support schools and healthcare facilities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, among other initiatives.
This global interconnectedness is an essential part of Salvatorian identity. It highlights the fact that Christian action always entails global responsibility.
Traces of the Prophetic in Troubled and Troubling Times
The intellectual highlight of the celebration was a lecture by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Michaela Quast-Neulinger of the University of Innsbruck. Under the title “Traces of the Prophetic in Troubled and Troubling Times,” she explored what prophetic action might look like today.
Michaela Quast-Neulinger: “Prophetic action does not mean exercising power. It means looking critically at reality, taking responsibility, and opening up perspectives for the future.” (c) Martin Maria Eder
Drawing on Jesus’ words, “By their fruits you will know them” (Mt 7:15–20), she analyzed social developments that threaten democracy, human rights, and social cohesion. She pointed out how power can be abused, how religion may be instrumentalized for political purposes, and how people are often set against one another.
Stay Awake, Pray, and Act
According to Quast-Neulinger, prophetic action is not about wielding power but about examining reality critically, assuming responsibility, and creating hope-filled perspectives for the future. What is needed are people who remain open to being touched by the suffering of others, who name injustices, and who stand up for justice, solidarity, and human dignity.
Her appeal was addressed to all people of good will: Christians, members of other religions, and everyone willing to take responsibility for social coexistence. Especially today, she argued, there is a need for vigilance, courage, and a commitment to working together for a society worthy of human dignity.
Encouragement for the Future
At the end of the celebration, one impression remained above all: even after 100 years, the Salvatorian Sisters continue to shape their mission with creativity, openness, and dedication. Their diverse ministries demonstrate that the motto “From Life for Life” is far more than an anniversary slogan. It describes an attitude that accompanies people, strengthens them, and offers hope.
Or, as keynote speaker Michaela Quast-Neulinger summed it up: “It was truly wonderful to be with you. Very encouraging indeed.”
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