ABSTRACT

This chapter examines the specific and illuminating event within the processes of integration, renewal and the religious houses of the Austrian Habsburg lands were one component of this dynamic relationship. The historic spiritual, political and economic potential of the monastic houses was considerable and legally their position remained well entrenched, but in the process of renewal they were to be tethered to the interests of both bishop and prince. Such practical cooperation between the princely and episcopal authorities in practice between the Monastery Commission and the Passau Official, their respective representatives in Vienna could be highly productive, as Bishop Urban had foreseen. Rudolf did agree, however, that there must be no incursions on the princely sovereignty and authority' and that the Passau commissioners at the meeting and in the agreement which followed would not debate the privileges of the House of Austria. But the princely authority had also gained dramatically, if less explicitly, in the negotiations.