Estonia: Martyred bishop’s message of peace amid war in Europe

Celia Kuningas-Saagpakk (second from left), Bishop Jourdan (C), Marge Paas, and Foreign Minister Reinsalu (R)

By Devin Watkins

August 23 2022

As Estonia marks the 31st anniversary since its independence from the Soviet Union, the foreign ministry hosts an exhibit on the life of Archbishop Eduard Profittlich, with the nation’s Ambassador to the Holy See saying the martyred Jesuit missionary continues to offer a message of peace and faith.

“Today we all witness Russia’s brutal aggression in the heart of Europe. I think speeches give us strength to carry on and teach us how to use the faith to remain strong during this incredibly difficult and depressing time.”

Celia Kuningas-Saagpakk, Estonia’s Ambassador to the Holy See, drew that parallel between the current war in Ukraine and the Catholic bishop who was martyred in Soviet Russia in 1942.

Servant of God Archbishop Eduard Profittlich, SJ was the first resident Catholic bishop in Estonia since the 1600s. The German-born Jesuit served as Apostolic Administrator of Estonia for just over 10 years. He was arrested by Soviet authorities, held in a Siberian gulag, and sentenced to death. He died from exposure on 22 February 1942 before the sentence could be carried out. His cause for beatification is currently working its way through the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of the Saints.

Much-needed message of peace

Speaking to Vatican News, Ms. Kuningas-Saagpakk said Archbishop Profittlich constantly preached peace during his lifetime, despite the threat to his life during the Soviet occupation of Estonia.

On Saturday, Estonia celebrated the 31st anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union, which was declared on 20 August 1991.

Now, as the world witnesses Russia’s invasion of its other neighbor, Europe once again “sees acts against humanity, desperation, loss of life, and the suffering of millions of people in Ukraine,” she said.

At the same time, Archbishop Profittlich’s message of faith and peace is “exactly what we all need now,” noted Ms. Kuningas-Saagpakk, adding that she is glad the Catholic Church in Estonia continues to promote his teachings.

Exhibit on Archbishop Profittlich’s life

The Ambassador recently attended the opening of an exhibition marking the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Estonia and the Holy See. The exhibit focuses on the life of Archbishop Profittlich, and is housed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tallinn.

She was joined by Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu, Bishop Philippe Jourdan, the Apostolic Administrator of Estonia, and Marge Paas, the diocesan postulator for the archbishop’s cause for beatification.

Ms. Kuningas-Saagpakk said the exhibit hopes to highlight the “incredible story of a man who helped save souls with his prayers and courage during very, very difficult times in our history.”

Despite being a Jesuit missionary from Germany, Profittlich learned to speak Estonian and his sermons were widely followed, including by many non-Catholic Christians.

“He played a leading role in building the Catholic Church in Estonia, and I believe it is fair to say that without the contribution of the bishop, the Catholic Church would not have survived the years of Soviet occupation.”

Sharing the fate of his flock

When the Soviets occupied Estonia, the Archbishop was offered the chance to return to Germany. Yet, after consulting Pope Pius XII, he willingly decided to stay, even though he “knew the fate he would likely suffer.”

“The example of Archbishop Profittlich is very important for Estonian society,” said Ms. Kuningas-Saagpakk, “especially because his decision to share the destiny of so many people touched our souls, but also his dedication to help everyone by giving hope and faith to people during these very depressing times as a martyr, a witness to Christ.”

Servant of God Eduard Profittlich, SJ

Solid diplomatic ties

As the Holy See and Estonia mark the centenary of formal diplomatic ties, the Ambassador highlighted the importance of this special anniversary.

She pointed out that the Holy See refused to recognize the occupation of Estonia by the Soviet Union, which lasted until 1991.

“We always highlight that we are very grateful—forever grateful—that the Holy See never recognised—de jure nor de facto—the Soviet annexation of Estonia. As our Foreign Minister said, this fact will always remain written in cold letters in the history of our bilateral relations.”

Ms. Kuningas-Saagpakk added that Estonia has received two papal visits in recent decades—Pope St. John Paul II in 1993 and Pope Francis in 2018—even though the local Catholic community is “rather small”, numbering only around 6,500.

The Ambassador to the Holy See concluded by expressing the EU member state’s desire to actively contribute to promoting “global peace and security, as ending Russia’s aggression in Ukraine is most certainly our top priority today.” – Vatican News