Univ.-Prof. Dr. Johannes Kosnetter

After the Matura am Gymnasium in Hollabrunn, Johannes Kosnetter begins his studies in theology in Vienna in 1921. In 1921 he joined the student association Aargau . After his priesthood in 1925, he first works as a co-operator and then continues his studies, which he completed in 1930 with his doctorate as Dr. theol. In 1930/31 he worked as a religious teacher at the Girls' Realgymnasium in Vienna II. To prepare for his scientific career, he studies in 1931–1934 at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome Exegese and Oriental Languages (lic. rer. bibl.) and works as a chaplain at the College of Priests Collegio Teutonico di Santa Maria dell’Anima pastoral care. After a study stay in the summer semester 1934 in Berlin, he is again awarded 1934–1936 Religious underwriting at the girls' gymnasium in Vienna XVIII. He then habilitated at the Faculty of Theology at the University of Vienna and was appointed a university professor for New Testament as a student and successor of Theodor Innitzer (1932–1955 Archbishop of Vienna).

Since July 1938 it has been prohibited in Austria to sell food to Jews. Despite this, Johannes Kosnetter has been supplying a Jewish middle school professor who has been dismissed from the service with food and other supplies of daily life, as she can no longer leave her apartment to be arrested and deported. He takes this risk to himself knowing that it is dangerous and following arrest and severe punishments in detoxification and denunciation.

After the war, in 1946, Johannes Kosnetter is appointed as the ordinary university professor for New Testament, which he remains until his retirement in 1972. In 1949/50 he is a Dean of the Faculty of Theology.