Remember the Salesian priest Theodor Hartz. This stone stele honors him. It stands as a silent testament to a life dedicated to faith and youth. A life tragically cut short in the horrors of Dachau concentration camp.
Theodor Hartz was born on January 2 1887 in Lutten Germany. He became a priest in 1914. He served as director of the St Johannes Stift in Essen-Borbeck from 1924 to 1938 and again from 1941. This institution was dedicated to supporting young workers. He also headed a theological college in Benediktbeuern for a time. His work focused on Catholic youth. He bravely resisted Nazi oppression.
Hartz openly protested against Nazi attacks on young people as early as 1933. The Nazis watched him. They warned and punished him for his defiance. Despite these dangers he continued his work. His dedication was unwavering.
In April 1942 the Gestapo arrested him. They falsely accused him of spreading anti-state messages. They claimed he appealed to people’s generosity to undermine the regime. This was based on a private letter intercepted by the authorities. The letter explained why he hadn’t replied to a benefactor. It was a simple explanation of the Salesians’ house closure and seized assets.
He was sent to Dachau concentration camp in June 1942. The inhumane conditions there broke him. He died on August 23 1942. The priest of his home parish refused burial. His ashes were finally laid to rest in October 1942 in Essen-Borbeck.
This stele is more than a marker. It is a powerful symbol of resistance. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the Nazi regime. It remembers not only Theodor Hartz but all victims of suffering war and death. Let us honor his memory and the enduring power of faith. Let us also remember the countless others who faced similar fates. Their stories deserve to be heard. They remind us of the importance of courage and compassion in the face of oppression. This stele ensures they are not forgotten.