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Father Jakob Gapp, SM
August
13 was the anniversary of the death of Father Jakob Gapp, a Marianist
priest martyred because of his resistance to National Socialism. He said
"yes" to God and no to National Socialism with a belief that it
was not compatible with Christianity. He once told his students "God
is your god, not Adolf Hitler." For this he was martyred on August 13,
1943.
The
day of his death he was able to write the following letter.
Berlin-Plötzensee, August 13, 1943
My dear cousins, dear Seppl, and all those dear to me,
When
this letter reaches you, I will already have passed on to a better life.
Since I am not certain if Seppl and Anna are still in Wattens, I am writing
to you so that this letter does not get lost.
Last
year I was arrested on French soil on November 9. I was brought to Berlin and was
finally condemned to death on July 2, the feast of the Sacred Heart of
Jesus. The sentence will be carried out today. At seven o'clock this
evening I will go to our dear Savior, whom I have always ardently loved. Do
not mourn for me. I am completely happy. Naturally, I have experienced many
a difficult hour, but I have been able to prepare myself for death very
well.
Live
well and suffer everything out of love for God. During this difficult time
since my arrest I have prayed for you continually, and now I will intercede
for you in heaven. I will also convey your greetings to all of our
departed. After such a difficult struggle, I am now at the point in my life
where I consider the present day to be the beautiful day of my life. May
God reward all that you have done for me since my childhood.
Dear
Seppl! How often I have thought of you. Don't be sad. Everything passes,
only heaven remains. We will some day be together again and then there will
be no separation. Please inform all of our relatives of my death. I have
been condemned for treason. And remember me to all of our good friends. You
know which ones.
Our
mother is waiting for me. After a few hours I will be with her. What a joy!
So give my very sincerest regards to everyone. I will pray for all of you.
I will also pray for our homeland. And so, until we meet again.
Intimately in J.M.J., your brother
Jakob
peace
and love,
aj
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