He administered throughout his pastoral mission in Würzburg and was killed "in odium fidei" (in hatred of the faith).

He performed a wide range of charitable acts and he was more than willing to - at the time of his death - shed his blood for his beliefs and for his fellow Christians.

He was firm in his faith as a Christian - he had converted during this time and earned the ire of his parents - and continued his studies for the priesthood.

[1][2] The cause for Wagner's beatification was formally opened on 18 October 1939, granting him the title of Servant of God.

[3] On 18 October 1973 he was recognized as one who died in hatred of the faith and it allowed for Pope Paul VI to celebrate his beatification on 24 March 1974.