Mass held in Tallinn for Archbishop Eduard Profittlich's beatification in an art gallery setting

Beatification of Archbishop Eduard Profittlich in Estonia

In a historic event, the beatification of Archbishop Eduard Profittlich took place in Tallinn's Freedom Square on a day marked by solemnity and reflection. This is the first beatification in the history of the Estonian Catholic Church, and the first of its kind in Estonia.

Born in Germany, Archbishop Profittlich moved to independent Estonia during the 1930s. He was appointed apostolic administrator of Estonia and later ordained archbishop. However, his life was cut short when he was arrested by Soviet authorities in 1941, accused of being an "agent of the Vatican."

Archbishop Profittlich was taken to Kirov Prison, 800 kilometers from Moscow, where he endured ruthless nightly interrogations, humiliation, and physical and moral torture. Despite these hardships, he remained steadfast in his faith. He died on February 22, 1942, as a result of endless torture before his sentence of 'anti-revolutionary acts' could be carried out.

The beatification mass was presided over by Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of Vienna, acting as the Pope's representative. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, in his press release, honoured and acknowledged Profittlich's beatification as a significant religious and historical event. He compared Archbishop Profittlich's martyrdom to the atrocities committed by Russia during its aggression against Ukraine, including deportations, executions, and other acts against humanity and international law.

Tsahkna also drew parallels between Profittlich's martyrdom and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia. He stated that Profittlich's martyrdom reflects the suffering of the whole of Estonia during the long Soviet occupation.

The choir of the St. Peter and St. Paul Cathedral in Tallinn sung during the mass, adding a poignant note to the solemn proceedings. A gallery of the beatification mass is available for those who were unable to attend.

The objective of the Soviet occupation was to erase Estonia's independence and break its spirit, but Estonia survived. More than 22,000 Estonians were murdered or died in prisons, labor camps, and forced settlements during the Soviet occupation under inhumane conditions. Archbishop Profittlich's life and martyrdom serve as a testament to the resilience of the Estonian spirit.

The beatification mass can be watched live by clicking on the video link above. This is a momentous occasion for the Estonian Catholic Church and the people of Estonia, and a reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of freedom and faith.