A Catholic priest has passed away after collapsing suddenly during Sunday Mass in Austria.
The tragic incident occurred on Sunday, February 1, in Wiesmath, located in the district of Wiener Neustadt. The priest, Raimund Beisteiner, was 59 years old.
According to a statement from the Archdiocese of Vienna, Beisteiner collapsed moments after administering Holy Communion. He was about to return the host to the tabernacle when he suddenly fell before the congregation.
Despite receiving immediate professional medical assistance, the priest died inside the church.
The Mayor of Wiesmath, Erich Rasner, who was present at the Mass alongside many worshippers, witnessed the incident. He later expressed deep shock over the loss.
Beisteiner had served the parish for nearly 20 years and was widely respected within and beyond the community. Rasner described him as an “extremely conscientious and sensitive priest” and spoke of the personal loss of a long-standing friendship.
Following his death, a prayer service was quickly organised in his honour. The service was attended by several priests from the deanery, as well as Archbishop Josef Grünwidl.
