Avila Lecture Series

"We must object to anything or any philosophy that is not in line with Catholic doctrine."  These are the words of Fr. Titus Brandsma, S.T.D., a Dutch Carmelite priest, after being arrested by the Gestapo in 1942, accused of being a “saboteur,” aligned with the Catholic Church, “trying to sabotage the orders of the occupying powers….” Fr.  Titus had indeed spoken out courageously against Nazism, calling it a “black lie,” and a “sewer of falsehood.” Upon the request of his Archbishop, Fr. Titus spoke to editors of Catholic newspapers, advising them not to print Nazi propaganda:  Fr. Titus’ bravery made him a marked man.  He was sent to Dachau concentration camp, where he often was beaten savagely.  Immediately prior to his death, he gave his rosary beads to the nurse who would administer his lethal injection, kindly urging her to pray to Mary.  This final act of kindness speaks to the heart of a priest who loved Mary, and wanted, even in a concentration camp, to carry Christ’s life into the world. This presentation will discuss the courage of Blessed Titus and the role of Mary in his priestly life.

Our speaker, Dr. Dianne M. Traflet, is Associate Dean and Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology at Seton Hall University. She earned a J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law and holds a doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Rome.