#november3blrupertmayer

[anastpaul]

Thought for the Day – 5 November – Feast of All Saints and Blesseds of the Society of Jesus

3 November is the feast of the Jesuit priest, Blessed Rupert Mayer.   He was born in Germany in 1876 and entered the Society of Jesus in 1900, one year after his ordination. Known as the ‘Apostle of Munich’, Blessed Rupert Mayer survived two world wars – the first as chaplain-in-service of those who fought and died and the second as prisoner.   He was imprisoned for his opposition to the Nazi regime which had taken power in his home country and because he refused to remain silent about the atrocities being committed around him.   He was the first chaplain to be awarded the Iron Cross for bravery.   His service in the military ended when his left leg was shattered in a grenade attack and had to be amputated.

After the war Fr Mayer went to Munich where he served the poor and started two Sunday Masses for travellers at the main railroad terminal.   When Hitler rose to power Fr Mayer spoke out against Nazism and in 1937 was ordered by the Gestapo to stop speaking in public.   He continued preaching in church and was arrested three times.   In 1939 he was sent to the Sachsenhausen concentation camp near Berlin.

As the health of the popular sixty-three year old Jesuit war hero began to deteriorate the camp officials, afraid that he would die and be declared a martyr, sent him to a Benedictine monastery.   When World War II ended he returned to Munich and his pastoral work.

On 1 November 1945, while celebrating Mass and in the middle of his homily about how Christians are called to imitate the saints, Fr Mayer collapsed and died.   St Pope John Paul II beatified him in 1983.

Fr Mayer was an extraordinarily generous priest who through his limitless work and love for people was able to find Christ in each person.   Rupert Mayer’s warmth, understanding and unconditional self-giving led each person he met to experience the love of Christ.   Fr Mayer received his strength from the Lord.   He is a perfect example of ‘taking up your cross’, never slowing down, never hesitating to do the will of God.

Blessed Rupert Mayer, Pray for Us!

(via Thought for the Day - 5 November - A Jesuit Blessed of the two wars - Bl Rupert Mayer (1876-1945))