Anti-Nazi Heroes
Today is the 60th anniversary of the execution of Colonel Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg, leader of the failed coup against Adolf Hitler (see Emerging from the Nazi shadow?). For a brief biography, click here: Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (1907-1944). Born into the Bavarian Catholic nobility, he is an example of the best of both Catholicism and the aristocracy.
Months after the failed coup, Lutheran theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer would be arrested for his part in the anti-Hitler resistance. He was later executed in the Flossenbürg concentration camp on April 9, 1945.
Years before, Saint MAXIMILIAN KOLBE died in Auschwitz' starvation chamber. Here is a brief description of the events leading up to his death:
Colonel Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg
Today is the 60th anniversary of the execution of Colonel Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg, leader of the failed coup against Adolf Hitler (see Emerging from the Nazi shadow?). For a brief biography, click here: Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (1907-1944). Born into the Bavarian Catholic nobility, he is an example of the best of both Catholicism and the aristocracy.
"Fate has offered us this opportunity, and I would not refuse it for anything in the world. I have examined myself before God and my conscience. It must be done because this man [Hitler] is evil personified." - Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg after gaining access to Hitler's briefings.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Months after the failed coup, Lutheran theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer would be arrested for his part in the anti-Hitler resistance. He was later executed in the Flossenbürg concentration camp on April 9, 1945.
Saint Maximilian Kolbe
Years before, Saint MAXIMILIAN KOLBE died in Auschwitz' starvation chamber. Here is a brief description of the events leading up to his death:
"In July 1941 there was an escape from the camp. Camp protocol, designed to make the prisoners guard each other, required that ten men be slaughtered in retribution for each escaped prisoner. Francis Gajowniczek, a married man with young children was chosen to die for the escape. Maximilian volunteered to take his place, and died as he had always wished - in service."
Redeemed by Our Savior, I work out my salvation with fear and trembling in Pohang, South Korea, where I live with my wife, daughter, and son and teach English at a science and technology university. Baptized a Methodist and raised a Missouri Synod Lutheran in Buffalo, NY, I spent six years as a guest of the Anglican Communion before being received by the Grace of God into the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church on the Feast of Saint Andrew, my patron, anno domini 2002.
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