Blasius (Ernst) Marberger OPraem

Ernst Marberger attended the Franciscan grammar school in Hall in Tyrol and was accepted into the student fraternity Sternkorona Hall in 1906. After graduating from high school, he entered the Premonstratensian canon monastery in Wilten, was ordained in 1906 and received the religious name Blasius. He completed his theological studies at the monastery's house school. In 1910, he took his solemn vows and was ordained a priest. He then took on pastoral duties in Gries and Ellbögen. He returned to Wilten in 1918 and was entrusted with various tasks in the monastery. He took special care of the library and the art collection. In 1931 he was entrusted with the parish of St. Sigmund im Seilrain. After the Anschluss, he was given a severe warning in 1939 for a procession-like entry into the church for confirmation, in 1940 he was, as his records state, "propter nihil incarceriert" (imprisoned for nothing) and in 1941 he was fined for violating the Personal Status Act for conducting a funeral without notifying the authorities.