Did you know that the Alois-Andritzki-Kapelle is a place of quiet reflection? This chapel holds a special significance for the Catholic Student Community of Leipzig. It is a tribute to a remarkable man. Alois Andritzki was a Sorbian priest. He stood against the Nazi regime.
The Alois-Andritzki-Kapelle is located in the backyard of Harkortstrasse 19. You have to walk across a parking lot next to number 19 to reach it. This adds to the feeling of seclusion. It creates a space for contemplation.
Alois Andritzki’s story is one of courage and faith. Born in 1914, he became a priest. He served at the Katholische Hofkirche in Dresden. Andritzki’s strong beliefs clashed with the Nazi ideology. He criticized their persecution of clergy and faithful people. He was arrested in 1941 for his defiance.
First, they tried to intimidate him through interrogations. On January 21 1941 Gestapo arrested him. After further interrogations he was sent to prison in Dresden on February 7 1941. In July 1941 he was sentenced to six months in prison for insidious attacks on the state. Because he refused to cooperate with the National Socialists, he was deported from Dresden to Dachau concentration camp on October 2 1941. There he was locked up with other clergymen in the priest block. Alois Andritzki was given prisoner number 27829.
He was sent to Dachau Concentration Camp. Despite the harsh conditions, he continued to practice his faith. He formed study groups with other priests. They read scripture and formed a liturgy circle. In December 1942, typhus broke out in the camp due to poor hygiene. Andritzki contracted the disease.
As he lay dying, he asked for a priest to administer communion. The guard mocked him. The guard said, “Christ wants him? He will get an injection!” Alois Andritzki was killed by a poisonous injection on February 3 1943.
After the war, Andritzki’s memory was honored. He was seen as a martyr for his faith. In 2011, Alois Andritzki was beatified. This is a significant step toward sainthood in the Catholic Church. He is the first Sorbian and the first Saxon to be beatified.
His ashes were initially buried in Dresden. They were later moved to the Hofkirche. Today, a Stolperstein, a stumbling stone, marks his memory in front of the cathedral in Dresden. It serves as a constant reminder of his sacrifice.
The Alois-Andritzki-Kapelle stands as a symbol. It represents his unwavering commitment to justice and faith. It offers a space for students and others to reflect on these values. The chapel is a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right. It also serves as a place to contemplate faith. It encourages people to live a life of purpose.
So, as you stand before the Alois-Andritzki-Kapelle remember Alois Andritzki’s courage. Consider his dedication to his beliefs. Take a moment to appreciate the peace and reflection this space offers. It is a testament to the enduring power of faith in the face of adversity.