Former Bishop of Linz, Maximilian Aichern, to be Laid to Rest in Styria
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A period of mourning and remembrance is underway for Maximilian Aichern, the former bishop of Linz, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 93. Funeral ceremonies will be held in both Linz and St. Lambrecht, culminating in his burial on Monday, February 9th, at St. Lambrecht Abbey in Styria.
Public Farewell in Linz
Opportunities for the public to pay their respects to Bishop Aichern began Thursday evening. From 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., individuals gathered in the tower chapel of Mariendom to view the bishop as he lay in state. This initial period of remembrance set the tone for a series of solemn events planned in Linz.
On Friday, members of the cathedral chapter commenced prayers, known as Lauds, at the coffin at 7:45 a.m. Following this devotional act, the public was invited to offer personal farewells throughout the day. A wake followed the evening service, beginning at 7:00 p.m., during which the coffin was moved to the altar and remained there until Saturday at noon.
Solemn Requiem and Live Broadcast
A formal farewell ceremony took place on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., leading into a solemn requiem at noon presided over by Bishop Scheuer. The service was broadcast live for wider access, available on ORF III and ORF ON. This allowed those unable to attend in person to participate in the mourning process.
Transfer to St. Lambrecht and Final Rites
Following the ceremonies in Linz, Bishop Aichern’s remains were transferred to his beloved home monastery of St. Lambrecht. The coffin was laid out in the collegiate church of St. Lambrecht on Sunday, beginning at 11:30 a.m., providing another opportunity for public viewing and reflection.
The final requiem mass will be celebrated on Monday at 2 p.m. in the collegiate church, led by Abbot Johannes Perkmann. Bishop Wilhelm Krautwaschl of Graz will deliver the final blessing before the interment. Bishop Aichern will be laid to rest in the abbot’s crypt of the collegiate church, under the direction of Abbot Alfred Eichmann. It is a poignant return to the monastery where he previously served as abbot before his appointment in Linz, bringing his spiritual journey full circle.
