Learn about the resilience of Polish Catholic clergy in Dachau, commemorated on the anniversary of the camp’s liberation.
April 29 marked the anniversary of the liberation of Dachau concentration camp, where the Polish Catholic clergy suffered greatly. Established in 1933 as Germany’s first concentration camp, Dachau became a center for the persecution of clergy from across occupied Europe.
Polish Priests in Dachau: A Harrowing Ordeal
Among the approximately 2800 Catholic clergy imprisoned in Dachau, 1780 were Polish. Most hailed from territories annexed by the Reich after September 1939. Transported from various regions, they faced unimaginable conditions and relentless persecution.
The Martyrs of Dachau: Courage Amidst Adversity
Polish priests, classified as political prisoners, endured physical and psychological torment. Despite prohibitions on religious practices, they upheld their faith, providing solace to fellow inmates. Tragically, 84% of Polish clergy perished in the camp, their sacrifice immortalized in memorials.
Resilience and Legacy
Branded with a red triangle marked with the letter ‘P’, Polish clergy found solidarity in their shared plight. Confined to barracks, they refused to relinquish their beliefs, offering spiritual guidance clandestinely. Their unwavering spirit and solidarity endure as a testament to the human spirit amidst darkness.