Born in Romania in 1885, Iuliu Hossu went to a Catholic school growing up. After receiving doctorate degrees in philosophy and theology, at the age of 25 he was ordained by his uncle, who was a bishop. He was a chaplain to Romanian soldiers during World War I, and afterward, he was selected as bishop. After World War II, the Soviet occupation of Romania fraudulently installed a Communist government that demanded all Catholics sever ties with Rome and convert to the Romanian Orthodox church. Bishop Iuliu Hossu opposed the government and was arrested, then put into prison for 16 years. After his release, he was placed under house arrest and followed by Communist secret police until his death in 1970. Iuliu’s Cardinalate was kept secret until after his death.
CHALLENGE
Blessed Cardinal Iuliu Hossu stood strong for the Church despite the consequences of going against the secular government. Our leaders in the Church will always be under pressure from leaders in the City of Man who want the Church to conform to the world rather than the other way around. Our bishops need to know that we appreciate their bravery. Today, write a letter of thanks and encouragement to your bishop and say a Rosary for him.
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