The Angel of Dachau: A moving memorial 80 years after his death

The Angel of Dachau: A moving memorial 80 years after his death

March 2, 2025 marks the anniversary of the death of Father Engelmar Unzeitig, a remarkable priest and martyr who died in the Dachau concentration camp during World War II. The Mariannhill missionary, who altruistically cared for fellow prisoners suffering from typhus, became infected himself and died at the age of just 34. His selfless devotion was appreciated by his prisoners, who referred to him as the “Angel of Dachau” during his lifetime. His beatification took place on September 24, 2016. The Diocese of Linz commemorates his memorial day through various events, which is also celebrated annually in St. Mary's Cathedral kathpress.at reported.

As part of the redesign of Linz's Mariendom, the relics of Blessed Engelmar Unzeitig were buried under the newly consecrated altar on December 8, 2017. This happened during a solemn service led by Bishop Manfred Scheuer and attended by numerous guests of honor and representatives of the diaspora. The new altar, which was made from 150 million year old Jurassic limestone, is intended to send a signal that the church is both a living community and a place of remembrance of the martyrs. The altar, the heart of every church, symbolizes the connection between believers and faith dioezese-linz.at held on.

The renovations in St. Mary's Cathedral are part of a comprehensive concept that aims to make the liturgical celebration more tangible for the faithful. These measures include new acoustics and lighting and create a spatial dialogue between the congregation and the altar. The Mariendom can thus be experienced as a meeting place that also appeals to people without a religious background and invites them to think about their own life questions. The redesign also offers an open space for various liturgical celebrations and forms of worship that present the faith in a modern and accessible way.