Martin Brenner

Martin Brenner (1548–1616) was prince-bishop of Seckau from 1585, who led the recatholicization of Styria during the Counter-Reformation. Born at Dietenheim in Württemberg and a doctor of theology from Pavia, he was appointed bishop by the Archbishop of Salzburg in 1585 and vicar general of Styria in 1591.

From 1600 he headed military-backed commissions that expelled Lutheran preachers, burned Protestant books and forced the people to swear Catholic oaths or emigrate. He reconverted all of Styria within half a year and was called the Apostle of Styria.

From 1602 he promoted catechism instruction in reconverted districts and in 1604 led a conversion campaign in Klagenfurt. He resigned his see in 1615 and died at Leibnitz in 1616.