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Roma, 9 de octubre. Beatificiaón de Cardenal Clemens August von Galen Rome, October 9: beatification of Cardinal Clemens August von Galen Rom, 9. Oktober: Seligsprechung von Kardinal Clemens August von Galen |
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El „Leon de Münster“ The „Lion of Münster“ Der „Löwe von Münster“ Fotos: Archiv © 2005 |
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ROME, Fr. Alberto Eronti. It is obvious that since the 5th of October, Rome is experiencing an "invasion" of Germans. For the poorly informed, it will be a surprise, but on the other hand it will not be a surprise for those who know that on Sunday, October 9th, Cardinal Clement August von Galen (1878-1946) was beatified. He was bishop of Muenster (Westfalia). In the streets, on the omnibus and at the "trattoria" you hear "the language of the Pope" say some reports of the media. The German people and the German Church have been shaken up by a series of Church happenings which are not easy to digest in one year: the election of Pope Ratzinger, WYD in Cologne, and now the beatification of one of the best known bishops of the 20th century.
This exceptional man is remembered in many circles as "the Lion of Muenster" because of his categorical opposition to the nazi regime. It is true that at one time and due to the hard reality being lived by the people and the German nation, Bishop Von Galen had hopes by the first steps of the regime. Many know the phrase which arose on the occasion of the visit by Father Joseph Kentenich to the Cardinal. The Cardinal told the Founder of Schoenstatt that "he believed that National Socialism could be baptized" and Father Kentenich responded thus: "I do not see on which part of the body the baptismal water may be poured!" When the nazi regime manifested itself with all the iniquity it contained, the Cardinal faced it with evangelical valor. His voice was heard with such force that someone compared it with the roar of a lion. What he thought and felt about National Socialism when it was definitely determined that many incapacitated persons had been murdered could be summarized thus: "Once the right to kill persons considered unproductive is permitted, none of us could be more certain." He was a man who dared much in times when proclaiming the Gospel could lead to imprisonment in concentration camps and even death.
The courage of faith
His beatification occurs at a very special time in the history of Europe. Once anew, many principles are discussed and many values are overlooked. Once again man is facing nihilism…..the dictatorship of economic power and politics…..relativism and ethical and moral permissiveness. In this context, this beatification takes place. Perhaps because Providence desires that once again we hear "the roar of the Lion" defending man in his essential being. When Cardinal José Saraiva Martins, Prefect of the Congregation for the Saints, proclaimed Cardinal Von Galen blessed, it was not just "one more beatification." Faith tells us that God responds to the needs of the times through instruments. This beatification is a luminous sign to guide us in the present "dictatorship of ethical and moral relativism" which makes us recall these words which the Founder of Schoenstatt would often quote: "When man separates from God, a degrading process begins which first brutalizes him and then makes him a beast." The beatification of Cardinal Von Galen calls us to a hope-filled battle for men and for each man.
Did you know? Words from Cardinal von Galen to Father Kentenich – "You have dared much in your life" – these words have inspired the title of one of the best known Schoenstatt "best sellers": the novena "The Courage of Faith."
Translation: Carlos Cantú La Feria, Texas USA