From April 27 to May 5, the life and beatification testimony of Blessed Eduard Profittlich were presented in the United States, at the invitation of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The Diocese of Tallinn was represented in Washington DC by Father Tomasz Materna, priest of the St. Peter and St. Paul’s parish in Tallinn, and Marge Paas, postulator of the beatification process.
The purpose of the visit was to share the story of Archbishop Eduard Profittlich, his faithfulness to Christ, and his martyrial testimony at a time when the people of Europe and Estonia experienced the sufferings of totalitarian regimes. Through various meetings and lectures, the life of Blessed Profittlich was introduced to American Catholics, emphasizing his spiritual legacy and message for today’s world.
In Washington D.C., an exhibition dedicated to Blessed Eduard Profittlich was opened, which will soon move on to other major cities in the United States. The exhibition has garnered significant attention and helps to bring the historical experience of the Estonian Church and people on the path of faith and suffering to a wider public.
A significant moment during the visit was the meeting at the Mother Teresa Institute with Father Brian Kolodiejchuk, MC, postulator of the canonization of Saint Mother Teresa. Father Brian shared a heartfelt message with the Catholics of Estonia, inviting everyone to love Jesus with all their heart. This meeting carried a deep spiritual communion and encouragement for Estonian Catholics on their journey of faith.
In addition, lectures about Blessed Eduard Profittlich were held at several Catholic universities. Interest in the history of the Estonian Church and in those who suffered for their faith during communism was lively and sincere. The delegation also visited the Victims of Communism Memorial Museum in Washington D.C., where victims of totalitarian regimes were remembered and the importance of freedom, faith, and human dignity was emphasized.
The Archdiocese of New York is the sister diocese of the Diocese of Tallinn in the field of communications (still unofficially…). During the meetings, the desire to continue joint cooperation was affirmed, to speak of holiness in a secular world and to bring testimonies of faith, hope, and love to people. The Diocese of Tallinn is grateful for the heartfelt meetings and the open reception in the Archdiocese of New York.
The Diocese of Tallinn expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, which has been an important supporter over the years of the beatification process of Archbishop Eduard Profittlich SJ and related events.
Special thanks also go to Mrs. Jennifer Healy for the warm, heartfelt, and hospitable reception that accompanied the entire visit and left the participants with grateful and joyful memories.