Max Josef Metzger

Max Josef Metzger
Priest and Martyr (1887–1944)

Max Metzger, who was born in a small German village, was ordained as a priest shortly before the outbreak of World War I. His experience at the front, serving as an army chaplain, inspired a deep revulsion for war and a determination to devote himself to the cause of peace and reconciliation.

After the war he founded the World Congress of Christ the King, a movement dedicated to Christian unity and international peace. He was also an early pioneer in the ecumenical movement, working to promote dialogue between Catholics and Protestants in a movement called Una Sancta.

With the rise of the Nazis, Metzger came into regular conflict with the state. Beginning in January 1934 he was repeatedly arrested, but in each case the Gestapo failed to charge him. Finally, in June 1943, after the interception of secret letters he had written to foreign bishops, he was charged with treason and sentenced to death. He responded with disdain: “I knew there was no shame, only honor, in being declared dishonorable by such a court.”

On April 17, 1944, after spending most of a year in jail, much of it in irons, he was told to prepare himself for death. Kneeling to pray, he said, “Now, Lord Jesus, I come quickly.” He then walked calmly to the guillotine.

“I have offered my life to God for the peace of the world and the unity of the church. If God takes it I will be happy; if He grants me a still longer life I will also be thankful. As God wills!”

Source: Author Unknown  -  Posted by Michael Tessman on Greg Metzger's FB page, 18 Apr 2020