Suche
Mein Konto
Cardinal Marx: Karl Leisner as a point of light in the fight against hatred and violence
At the service in Dachau, Cardinal Marx encourages people to stand up for freedom and against hatred, inspired by Karl Leisner.
Cardinal Marx: Karl Leisner as a point of light in the fight against hatred and violence
On Sunday, December 22, 2024, a haunting memorial service for Nazi martyr Karl Leisner took place in Dachau, led by Cardinal Reinhard Marx. On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of his ordination, Marx called for people to take a stand against racism, violence and hatred. The cardinal emphasized that Leisner's example should inspire young people to stand up for freedom and human dignity. This is particularly important today, when aggressive and demeaning rhetoric is increasing in society. The Archdiocese of Munich and Freising reported that Marx saw Leisner's diaries as a reflection of current challenges that continue to be relevant.
A life for faith
Karl Leisner, who was secretly ordained a priest in the Dachau concentration camp on December 17, 1944, is considered a symbol of resistance against National Socialist tyranny. Despite his imprisonment, Leisner remained a ray of hope for many fellow prisoners, sharing his food rations and providing comfort. His ordination was carried out in great secrecy by Bishop Gabriel Piguet because those involved were in danger of losing their lives. He celebrated his first and only mass just nine days later, on December 26, 1944, and died in the horrific aftermath of imprisonment on August 12, 1945. How katholisch.de reported, Leisner left behind valuable things in the form of his diary notes in which he held on to the faith until his end in an oppressive situation and even prayed: “Bless also, Most High, my enemies.”
The tribute to his life and his martyrdom is not only a remembrance, but also a call to the present to take courage and stand up for the basic values of humanity. The canonization of Leisner, currently in progress, underscores the importance of his story and the legacy he left behind. Marx encouraged all believers to follow Leisner's example and work for respectful and free coexistence, seeing the martyr's words as inspiration for today's challenges, as well kathpress.at held on.