At the beginning of June, a courtesy visit took place to the Diocese of Trier in Germany, where a representative of the Roman Catholic Church from Estonia met Bishop Stephan Ackermann (b. 1963). In addition to the meeting with Bishop Ackermann of Trier, meetings also took place at the Trier seminary, where the Servant of God Eduard Profittlich SJ studied, and Birresdorf and Leimersdorf were visited.
Bishop Ackermann was very pleased with the visit from faraway Estonia and the opportunity to jointly remember Archbishop Eduard Profittlich, a worthy Servant of God. The Bishop emphasized that he should learn more about the life and dedication to the Church of the Servant of God Eduard Profittlich, because the ongoing process is very important: on the one hand, the beatification, which is not just an event for one diocese, but for the entire Catholic Church, and on the other hand, the strengthening of relations between the two dioceses in Christ.
During the conversation, Bishop Ackermann was asked how well-known Profittlich is and whether the process is also important to them. The Bishop replied: “For our diocese, the beatification of Eduard Profittlich is an important process. His life and testimony of faith are not well-known in Trier, but this should be promoted more in our Diocese of Trier. Our diocese has a very long history, being one of the oldest dioceses in Germany, and such ecclesiastical events must be at the forefront and serve as an example for the faithful. It is important for us here in Trier to bear witness that such a person originated from here. This was his home.”
Together with Bishop Ackermann, mutual respect was expressed for Archbishop Eduard Profittlich, and a plan was discussed to establish a pilgrimage network so that Estonian pilgrims would have the opportunity to visit places connected with Eduard Profittlich in Germany, and German pilgrims could visit places connected with him in Mary’s Land. Ackermann: “This would be an extremely beautiful opportunity for the time of beatification, if people were to come here on pilgrimage. Estonia is, of course, far from Trier, but it is possible to organize. In our Diocese of Trier, a joint youth camp has already taken place at the initiative of the Order of Malta, and I see that it is very important to make a pilgrimage here to Trier as an act of faith.”
Bishop Ackermann highlighted one important aspect in a spiritual sense. For him, Eduard Profittlich is an example as a bishop. He is certainly a spiritual role model for many bishops. Beatifications of bishops do not occur frequently, and it is particularly important in a spiritual sense that he would be an example specifically for priests and bishops. “In our lives, there are many examples. And we do not need a person, a historical figure, whose bust to place in the central square as an example. Of course, I must say that I have not delved into the details of Eduard Profittlich’s life, but one thing I will say: he would certainly be an example for bishops if his life story were more widely introduced here in Germany as well. He is an example for me as a bishop. For example, I have thought about how he remained in Estonia and did not return home to Germany when the situation in Estonia became difficult, but instead stayed in Estonia and was faithful in his faith to his people. This is what is very inspiring to me about him. And I would add that, of course, he is an example for me in his ministry. We need such examples in the service of the Church.”
Eduard Profittlich worked extensively with young people. This was especially true when he lived and worked in Poland, as youth ministry was his responsibility in the local parishes there. This summer, Estonian youth also took Eduard Profittlich’s prayer with them when going to World Youth Day in Lisbon, to pray it together. Bishop Ackermann emphasized that the Church should always be open to young people. Profittlich saw difficult times in Europe, and today’s youth should also understand the situation that surrounds us. “Profittlich was also open to other cultures. He was open to everyone. This very openness of his can be an example for today’s youth. If we are open, we can also proclaim the good news in the world and help our neighbor in faith.”
The Catholic community in Estonia is small, with about 6,000 church members. However, on Sundays and major holidays, Estonian Catholic churches are so full that following the liturgy can be difficult. This is a sign that faith is important. According to Bishop Ackermann, this is a phenomenon. Certainly, the Servant of God Archbishop Eduard Profittlich has contributed to this. “I am glad that this process is progressing quite quickly. This is an acknowledgment for you. And I think about how the Church survived and grew in faith during the dictatorship there in Estonia, so far north of us. But I tell you all this with great respect. What you are doing is truly commendable. The Bishop of Trier has helped you with this process and will certainly continue to do so – it is a united Church when people help each other; it is a missionary Church when faith is proclaimed together; this process is a good example of all this and also brings us great joy.”
Marge-Marie Paas visited Bishop Stephan Ackermann and spoke with His Excellency,
In the Diocese of Trier, on May 30, 2023.
Photo: Diocese of Trier.