The Case of Josef Sebastian Lang (1767-1811), Graduate of the general seminary in Olomouc, Local Chaplain in the Znojmo Region of South Moravia
2009
Abstract
This “key study” deals with the case of local chaplain Josef Sebastian Lang, a disciple of Josef Dobrovsky at the general seminary (Generalseminarium) in Hradisko near Olomouc who caused a scandal in 1803 upon his appointment to Lukov near Znojmo (South Moravia), by toppling the local authority, abolishing all duties, and declaring himself lord. Investigation showed that the the young priest had for a number of years kept up correspondence with his former seminary colleagues from Olomouc, with whom he discussed the most pressing issues of the day: he was critical of the Catholic Church, complained of the oath of celibacy, and also made no secret of his sympathies for the French Revolution.