Eyewitness H. Steurer

Bruno Gröning helps a war veteran

Bruno Gröning often traveled by train to people seeking help, and the following occurred on one of these journeys.

H. Steurer: “The train in which Bruno Gröning was traveling arrived at Innsbruck station, where it was making only a short stop. Bruno Gröning pulled down the window of his compartment and looked out. I happened to be standing on the platform, and I was in great pain.

I had read in the paper about his work among suffering people. Now, there he was, looking out of the train window. I went over to him and asked him please to help me, as I was in great pain. He got up and went to the back of his compartment, then came back and handed me a tin foil ball through the window. He told me to lay the ball against the parts of my body that pained me, and that I should pray. Then his train began to move.

My pains were caused by a mine explosion and resulting splinter injuries. I had lost my right eye and an arm. I followed Bruno Gröning’s advice at once and held the ball close to my body. In a very short time the pains were gone and never recurred. From the very first moment, Mr. Gröning made a particular and wonderful impression on me. I had the feeling that here was a person who could really help. He did not ask for payment for the ball. He just helped me selflessly.”