The Roman Catholic Church in Estonia has for years investigated the life and martyrdom of Archbishop Eduard Profittlich to bring forth his holiness and prove his sacrifice in the name of Christ, writes Marge-Marie Paas, spokesperson for the Catholic Church.
The Roman Catholic Church in Estonia has for years been involved in researching the life and martyrdom of Archbishop Eduard Profittlich. The Catholic Church recognizes someone as a martyr if the person has given their life in the name of Christ and there is clear proof, a fact, a testimony to this, because only those who are truly connected to the communion of saints in the Church are numbered among the saints.
If someone is cruelly treated, killed, or tortured in any other way, this does not yet, in an ecclesiastical sense, provide grounds to call them a martyr. A solid basis is needed, just as Archbishop Profittlich left it as written proof in his last letter to relatives (dated February 8, 1941): “My life, and if necessary, my death, is life and death in Christ. And that is so unspeakably beautiful.” This last testimony allows Profittlich to be affirmed among the blessed in heaven.