Lübeck is reminiscent of: Pilgrims of Hope commemorate the Martyrs 2025!

Lübeck is reminiscent of: Pilgrims of Hope commemorate the Martyrs 2025!

Lübeck, Deutschland - from Friday to Sunday, Lübeck turned into a pilgrimage when over 100 women and men from northern Germany headed for their destination, the Propsteikirche Herz Jesus. This pilgrimage was part of the Catholic Holy Year "Pilgrim of Hope", which was launched by Pope Francis and continued by Pope Leo XIV. The pilgrims from different communities embarked on the paths to commemorate the four Lübeck martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their faith in the dark time of National Socialism. As the Archdiocese of Hamburg reports, the pilgrimage days took place from June 25th to 28th, 2023.

The service, which of Archbishop Dr. Stefan Heße, who came from Schwerin by bike. Despite the strong headwind, he held on to the power of hope that is embodied in the stories of the martyrs. In his sermon, Heße touched the aspects of hope by presenting an impressive letter from the Blessed Johannes Prassek. This was written and addressed in July 1942, despite the oppressive threats from the Nazi regime.

a commemoration in the present

The thoughts of the archbishop found special response in the context of today's global political uncertainties, such as the war in Ukraine and the tensions in the Middle East. Prassek's message is viewed as a meaningful counterpoint on these challenges. The memory of the martyrs is not only a review, but also a call for hope and action in difficult times.

The pilgrimage to Lübeck will take place again in 2025 and the city should continue to highlight as a place of commemoration and hope. Interested pilgrims can call up materials, including prayers and historical information, via the official website of the Archbishop's Foundation for Lübeck Martyr. A new booklet entitled "Be my witnesses" is also available. It contains historical information and suggestions for services and is offered both printed and digitally.

The Lübeck martyrs in the focus of research

An interesting aspect of the Lübeck martyr is currently the subject of a scientific study, which is led by Sebastian Holzbrug. Research aims to present the image of the martyrs more differently than it has often been the case in the past. For a long time, the view that they were primarily victims of the National Socialist propaganda. In fact, Johannes Prassek, Hermann Lange, Eduard Müller and the Evangelical Pastor Karl Friedrich Stellbrink have actively preached the Nazi regime.

These priests were executed in Hamburg on November 10, 1943 and were blessed in 2011 by the Catholic Church. In their pastoral care, they not only stood behind Bishop Clemens August Graf von Galen, but also had their own critical views that they represented in their sermons. When parents of Lübeck soldiers complained about these topics from the Bishop of Osnabrück, this shows the courage that these priests had. The study, which runs until September 2024, should not reduce the memory of the martyrs, but rather create a better understanding of the complex situation of that time.

If you want to deal more intensely with the Lübeck martyrs and their inheritance, you will find extensive materials on the website of the Archbishopric of Hamburg and the Archbishop's Foundation Lübeck Martyr. An invitation to participate also applies to the youth, which is engaged in a special program, as well as for table guests who are called to participate in the commemoration.

Further information on pilgrimage and the Lübeck martyrs can be found here: Erzbistum-hamburg.de , luebeckermaertyrer.erzbistum.hamburg and katholisch.de .