“Measures Taken”

Jerusalem: Rector of the pilgrims’ hospice released from duty

The rector of the Austrian Pilgrim Hospice in Jerusalem, Markus Stephan Bugnyar, has been temporarily relieved of his duties.(Bild: Heinz Hudelist)

The rector of the Austrian Pilgrim Hospice in Jerusalem, Markus Stephan Bugnyar, has been temporarily suspended from duty. According to the website of the Archdiocese of Vienna, "allegations of serious misconduct in relation to an employee" have been made.

Bugnyar is to be suspended until the allegations have been "finally clarified," according to the archdiocese. To ensure the continued operation of the hospice, managing director Lucas Maier will temporarily take over the management.

"Careful handling of the allegations"
With this suspension, the Archdiocese emphasizes that it is “neither confirming the misconduct nor assigning blame to the hospice director.” The measure merely reflects the “necessary diligence in handling the allegation,” the Archdiocese explicitly stated. 

At the same time, it asked for understanding "that, out of consideration for the personal rights of all those involved, no further information can be provided at this time."

20 years in a leadership position
Markus Bugnyar (49), a priest from Burgenland, has been director of the “Austrian Pilgrim Hospice of the Holy Family in Jerusalem” since May 1, 2004. The pilgrim guesthouse, with 124 beds, a chapel, and its own “Café Triest,” is located directly on the Via Dolorosa. Founded in 1854, it is the oldest national pilgrim house in the Holy Land.

After an eventful history, the building has been back in the possession of the Catholic Church since 1985. In 1988, it was reopened as a pilgrim hospice after renovation. However, the guesthouse’s mission extends far beyond its role as a mere pilgrim hostel. In Jerusalem, it also serves as a cultural institution, an educational facility, and a place for dialogue among cultures and religions. The Austrian Pilgrim Hospice is under the authority of the respective Archbishop of Vienna as its patron.