The life and sacrifice of Martyr Bishop Eduard Profittlich became a symbol of standing for faith, freedom, and fidelity, writes Bishop Philippe Jourdan of the Catholic Church in Tallinn.
The sixth day of this September is not merely a day of remembrance or solely a significant day for Catholics. I believe it is a festive day for all of Estonia, and this is not an exaggerated thought. It is a broader cultural and societal event that opens up an opportunity to discuss topics of faith, freedom, and human dignity. On this day, Catholic Archbishop Eduard Profittlich will be declared Blessed Martyr in Freedom Square in Tallinn.
The life mission of the man born in Germany led him to Estonia, where, from 1930, he served as a priest, and from 1936, as the first Catholic Bishop in Estonia after the Reformation. He dedicated himself to the reconstruction of the Church, dialogue with other Christian denominations, and the development of Estonian-language Catholic culture. His great desire was to be with the people he served – even if it meant danger to his life. When the Soviet Union occupied Estonia in 1940, he refused the opportunity to flee back to his homeland. He remained in Tallinn to be faithful to his Church. In 1942, he died in Kirov prison as a result of torture and cold. The location of his grave is unknown, but his memory lives on.