Pfarrkirche Etzen

Information about the church

The name "Etzen" refers etymologically to the settlement of a man called "Otzo". While the parish probably already existed in the 13th century, the place name "Etzen" is first documented around 1311. Income in Etzen is listed in the Zwettl monastery's "Gültbuch" from this time. From this point onwards, the ongoing connection between Zwettl Abbey and the village in manorial and parish terms can be traced back for centuries.

The fact that the lordship of Ottenstein also had land rights in the village as early as the 14th century is shown by the donation of certain revenues to Zwettl Abbey in the "Reuthof" (Reithof) near Etzen by Albero von Ottenstein, which is documented for the year 1335. The Zwettl provost's office, the parish of Marbach, the parish of Arbesbach and Zwettl Abbey itself also received fiefs.

The first church is built around 1200 as a branch of Zwettl. Etzen became a parish in 1483 with the establishment of the provostship of Zwettl. In 1619, the parish priest moved from Etzen to Marbach, leaving Etzen vacant. On May 11, 1784, the parish is re-established and incorporated into the Cistercian monastery of Zwettl. The parish church is dedicated to St. Laurentius, a Roman deacon and martyr.

Treat yourself

St. Lawrence, who worked as a deacon in Rome in the 3rd century, is known above all for his steadfastness in the face of martyrdom and his devotion to the poor.

The life of St. Lawrence

Laurentius was commissioned to administer and distribute the assets of the church. When the Roman Emperor Valerian demanded the treasures of the Church, St. Lawrence distributed them to the poor and the sick, as he considered them to be the true treasure of the Church. When he was asked to bring the treasures before the emperor, he presented the poor, sick and needy and declared them to be the true wealth of the Church.

"Give yourself to yourself"

St. Lawrence's self-giving was deeply connected to his inner conviction and spiritual orientation. He allowed himself the time and space to introspect and recognize the true meaning of his ministry - helping those in need as the true embodiment of Christian values. This inner clarification and dedication to his beliefs enabled him to stand firm in a moment of extreme trial.

Conclusion

"Treat yourself" in connection with St. Lawrence means taking the time to go deep within yourself and recognize what really matters. It is a call to self-reflection, to understand where our true treasure lies and to focus on those things that are of spiritual and moral value. St. Lawrence's example teaches us that true self-giving and finding inner peace is possible through service to others and holding on to our deepest convictions.

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:21)

This quotation from the Bible fits in with Laurentius' understanding that true treasures do not lie in material goods, but in spiritual values and in devotion to God and our neighbor.