Blessed Clemens August von Galen
Also known as
- Lion of Münster
Profile
Born to one of the oldest German noble families. Ordained on 28 May 1904 at Münster, Germany. Chosen bishop of Münster on 5 September 1933. Fiercely anti-Communist, and an outspoken opponent of the Stalinist regime. A strong nationalist who loved his homeland, his was known for his opposition to the Nazis, their programs and policies. He was a key opponent in the fight to end the Nazi program of “euthanasia“, the murder of the old, the crippled, the ill. Created Cardinal–Priest of San Bernardo alle Terme on 18 February 1946.
Born
- 22 March 1946 at Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany of natural causes
- interred in the cathedral of Münster
- 20 December 2003 by Pope John Paul II (decree of heroic virtues)
- 9 October 2005 by Pope Benedict XVI
- recognition celebrated by Cardinal Saraiva Martins at Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome, Italy
- the beatification miracle involved Hendrikus Nahak, a 16-year old Indonesian whose life was threatened by a particularly dangerous form of appendicitis in 1995 who was healed after his nurse called on Cardinal von Galen to intercede on the boy‘s behalf
Readings
nec laudibus, nec timore (neither praise nor fear) – Blessed Clemens’ motto for his ministry
MLA Citation
- “Blessed Clemens August von Galen“. CatholicSaints.Info. 8 July 2023. Web. 15 May 2024. <>