KATHARINAfeier

The 1980s saw the birth of feminist theology in Austria. Female students formed reading circles to discuss the works of Elisabeth Schüssler-Fiorenza and other pioneers of feminist theology. In 1984, Herlinde Pissarek-Hudelist became the first woman to be appointed to a chair in (Catholic) theology in Innsbruck. The Austrian Women’s Forum for Feminist Theology was founded in 1986 as a network for women interested in religion and feminism.

There was also unrest at the theological faculty in Salzburg. Some female students wanted feminist theology at their faculty too. At least once as a guest lecturer. For example, at the traditional Thomas celebration at the faculty, where they honored their patron and church teacher with an academic lecture and a church service. But even in 1989, the faculty did not want to invite a woman as a speaker. The following year, the female students created the KATHARINAfeier (Catherine Celebration) in memory of Catherine of Siena, who was elevated to Doctor of the Church in 1972 (as the first woman). They celebrated a liturgy designed and led by women; the lecture was given by Hanna-Barbara Gerl-Falkowitz on Catherine of Siena. With few interruptions, the KATHARINAfeier has been held annually in the summer semester ever since.

The KATHARINA celebration is organized annually by female students, staff, and professors from the Faculty of Theology in collaboration with the Catholic Women’s Movement of the Archdiocese of Salzburg. Since 1990, feminist theology has been made visible at the University of Salzburg and continually rethought. The event is a collaboration between the University of Salzburg (PLUS), the Catholic University Community (KHG), and various women’s organizations in the city and state of Salzburg.

Leiterin:Univ.-Prof. Dr. Angelika Walser
Fachbereich Praktische
TheologieKatholisch-Theologische Fakultät
Moraltheologie und spirituelle Theologie
Universitätsplatz 1
Tel. +43/(0)662/8044-2676

The Katharinentor by Tyrolean artist Patricia Karg is a symbol of the work of St. Catherine of Siena and represents the presence of her courage and her groundwork for us. Since April 2014, Catherine of Siena has been the patron saint and companion of the Catholic Women’s Movement of Austria. Catherine questioned dogmas that were as rigid as pillars. She exerted pressure with her critical and spiritual thinking, thereby “bending” something and setting it in motion. In the artwork, the pillar becomes a gate. Catherine is a trailblazer; we can walk through her gate. It has noble content. Like a large keyhole, something new opens up to us. The arch is also reminiscent of the veil over her head; it is like a covering, a protection, a connection. The work surrounds us like a cloak, symbolically providing a sense of security.

  www.karg-patricia.com
Katholische Frauenbewegung Österreichs www.kfb.at