Praying figure cast in stone. This is the Josef kardinál Beran Statue. It stands as a tribute to a man of courage. Cardinal Josef Beran defied dictatorships. The memorial stands in front of the priestly seminary in Prague-Dejvice.
The statue’s story intertwines with the tumultuous 20th century. Josef Beran became Archbishop of Prague in 1946. This was after surviving Nazi imprisonment. However, a new challenge soon emerged. The rise of communism.
Cardinal Beran refused to bow to the Communist government’s demands. He forbade clergy from swearing loyalty to the regime. He denounced the seizure of church property. The clash was inevitable.
The Communists tried to promote a pro-government priest. They sought to undermine Cardinal Beran’s authority. Their efforts proved unsuccessful. The regime then intensified its pressure. House arrest was followed by imprisonment.
Despite facing persecution, Cardinal Beran remained steadfast. He stood firm in his faith. He refused to resign from his position. Even under immense pressure.
In 1965, Cardinal Beran was allowed to leave for exile in Rome. This was part of a deal between the church and government. Though exiled, his spirit remained unbroken. Pope Paul VI made him a cardinal that same year.
Cardinal Josef Beran died in Rome in 1969. He was given the rare honor of burial in St Peter’s Basilica. He was the only Czech national buried there. Until his remains returned home in 2018.
The Josef kardinál Beran Statue is a symbolic homecoming. It marks the 20th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution. The blessing of the cornerstone occurred on May 17. This coincided with the 40th anniversary of Beran’s death. The memorial was designed by Professor Stanislav Hanzik.
Msgr Michael Slavik explained the statue’s symbolism. The praying cardinal represents devotion. The gate symbolizes a heart open to God.
The Josef kardinál Beran Statue serves as a reminder. It reminds us of the importance of religious freedom. It is a symbol of resistance against oppression. A testament to faith. A beacon of hope.