Bartholomew Holzhauser was a 17th-century German priest, theologian, and visionary. Born in Laugna in 1613, he pursued extensive studies in philosophy and theology before being ordained in Ingolstadt. He served in various pastoral roles, including positions in Tittmoning, Leoggenthal, and Bingen am Rhein. He is best known for establishing a religious community intended to revitalize priestly discipline and for his prophetic writings regarding church history and the Apocalypse. He died in Bingen in 1658 at the age of 44 and was later declared Venerable by the Catholic Church.
Religious life
Seeking to address declining religious fervor following the Thirty Years War, Holzhauser founded the Bartholomites, also known as the United Brethren. This group, which later became the Apostolic Union of Secular Priests, aimed to model priestly perfection through communal living and shared resources. Members focused on education within seminaries and followed a structured routine of prayer. Although the community reached a peak of nearly 1,600 members, it eventually became extinct in the late eighteenth century.
Prophecies and writings
As a visionary, Holzhauser shared several prophecies with contemporary rulers, including Emperor Ferdinand III. His writings included significant interpretations of the Book of Revelation, where he proposed that church history consists of seven distinct periods. He also authored various theological works and spiritual exercises used in seminaries for many years. His prophetic insights, such as those concerning the religious state of England, have been noted by historians for their perceived alignment with later events.