“Be holy, because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” (Leviticus 19:2)
“(God) chose us in Christ to be holy.” (Ephesians 1:4)
On September 6th, an historic event will take place at Tallinn’s Freedom Square – Bishop Eduard Profittlich SJ will be declared Blessed. This is not only a great moment for Estonian Catholics, but for the entire nation. For the first time, someone will be beatified in Estonia who lived, served, and suffered right here in our land – in the very heart of Estonia.
Bishop Eduard Profittlich was born in Germany, but gave his life for the people of Estonia. He arrived here in the 1930s, obtained Estonian citizenship, and in 1936 was appointed Apostolic Administrator, later becoming Bishop. His mission was clear: to strengthen the Catholic community, to serve Christ faithfully, and to proclaim the Gospel to the Estonian people. He lived a simple and devoted life, marked by a deep love for peace and truth.
When the Soviet occupation began in 1940, he did not flee but remained with his flock. In 1941, the Soviet authorities arrested him, accusing him of being “a Vatican agent.” He died on February 22nd, 1942, in Kirov prison, having borne witness to his faith to the very end. His martyrdom stands as a powerful testimony to faith, courage, and love – values that transcend nationality, language, and politics.
Beatification means that the Catholic Church officially recognizes his holiness and invites the faithful throughout the world to venerate him and to pray for his intercession. Yet this moment is also special for Estonia. Eduard Profittlich was one of us – a citizen, a clergyman, a believer – who lived in the darkest moment of our history, yet whose life was a light.
His beatification is a call to remember the lessons of the past, to honor those who suffered, and to strive for a society where freedom, conscience, and justice prevail. It reminds us that holiness is not only about great deeds, but about faithfulness in daily life – even when it demands sacrifice.
Through this recognition, the Catholic Church in Estonia receives renewed encouragement. Bishop Profittlich is now our intercessor in heaven – Estonian at heart, saintly in faith, and a martyr in love.
Dear brothers and sisters, let us constantly seek the intercession of the future Blessed Eduard Profittlich, so that the upcoming beatification may be a wonderful opportunity for many people in Estonia to draw closer to Christ and to discover God’s Will in their lives.
✠ Philippe Jourdan
Bishop of Tallinn
August 9, 2025
