The eleventh of thirteen children, Clemens August von Galen was born in a castle to a noble count in Germany in 1878. He and his siblings were sent to a Jesuit school in Austria, then he pursued a vocation to the priesthood, serving as pastor of many parishes around Germany. He was elected bishop in 1933, choosing the motto, “Neither praise nor threats will distance me from God”. He lived that motto immediately, speaking out boldly against the growing Nazi party. In 1941 “The Lion of Münster” bravely delivered powerful sermons against the Gestapo, National Socialism, and euthanasia. Hundreds of thousands of printed copies of his sermons were distributed, enraging Hitler. In February 1946 he was made a cardinal, but he died from appendicitis just a month later.
CHALLENGE
Blessed Clemens August von Galen was furious at the Nazi’s disregard for human life. Around the world, so-called “death with dignity” laws are being passed that continue the Nazi program, but with a kinder name. Today read the Church’s short “Declaration on Euthanasia”, then go to Human Life International’s website and give them a donation.
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