Willi DELARUE War memorial

Within the serene walls of St. Michael-Kirche in Sossenheim, a poignant story unfolds. The Willi DELARUE War memorial stands as a testament to a life given too soon. This memorial isn’t just a name etched in stone. It’s the story of Willi DELARUE, a son of this very parish, born on Christmas Day, 1914. He grew up within this community, his life intertwined with the familiar streets and the comforting presence of St. Michael’s. Imagine young Willi, attending services here, his voice joining the hymns, his dreams taking flight within these sacred walls. He answered a higher calling, ordained into priesthood on Christ the King Feast in 1939. His first mass, his Primiz, was celebrated right here in St. Michael’s on November 19, 1939. A joyous occasion for the community, a proud moment for his family. Little did they know it would be one of the last times they would see him in this setting. War’s dark shadow fell upon Europe. Willi DELARUE, a man of peace, found himself serving as a chaplain in the Westerwald. His primiz motto, taken from Matthew 20:28, resonated deeply: “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” From his diary, a poignant entry reveals his devotion: “Take my young life as a sacrifice to Your honor and for the healing of our people.” On January 21, 1944, in Tuzla, Bosnia (then Yugoslavia), Willi DELARUE succumbed to his wounds. The Willi DELARUE War memorial here at St. Michael-Kirche serves as a permanent reminder of his sacrifice. It bears his name, his dates of birth and death, and those poignant words from his diary. It is a place of remembrance, not only for Willi, but for all victims of war, echoing the inscription: “O Lord, grant eternal rest to all victims of war.” The Willi DELARUE War memorial invites us to reflect on the devastating impact of conflict and the profound sacrifices made in its midst.