Anno Brandsma was born to devout Catholic dairy farmers in the Netherlands in 1881 in a region that was mostly Calvinist. After Franciscan prep school he entered the Carmelite novitiate at 17, taking the religious name “Titus” in honor of his father. He helped found the Catholic University of Nijmegen, served as its rector, and advised Catholic journalists. When the Nazis invaded Holland he spoke out against them, defended Jews as well as Catholics, and encouraged other journalists to do the same. When the Gestapo arrested him his interrogation began with the question: “Why have you disobeyed the regulations?” He replied: “As a Catholic, I could have done nothing differently.” He was martyred by lethal injection in Dachau.
CHALLENGE
St. Titus Brandsma said: “Those who want to win the world for Christ must have the courage to come into conflict with it.” What controversial topic are you passionate about? Are you afraid to speak up for what our faith teaches because to do so means causing conflict? Today, take the time to write a letter to the editor, an email, or a social media post that explains how your Catholic faith forms the shape of the right side of the issue.
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