Christ in Dachau

by John M. Lenz

"What we priests were forced to endure under the Nazi regime, especially in Dachau concentration camp, is no more than a cup filled from the vast sea of human suffering in the world today," wrote Fr. John Lenz. "It is not this suffering as such that is important. The important thing is to show those who have crosses of their own to bear in life just what the grace of God can do for those who follow faithfully in the footsteps of Christ the Crucified. It is no less important to reveal the wickedness of Hell." The Nazi hellhole Dachau concentration camp held the largest number of Catholic priests -- more than 2,400 -- in the Nazi camp system. They came from two dozen countries, from every background -- parish priests and prelates, monks and friars, teachers and missionaries. More than one-third were killed. Among the survivors was Fr. Lenz, who was asked by his superiors to write an account of what he saw -- and experienced -- so that it would not be forgotten. This book, filled with gripping real-life stories and eighty photos, was the stunning result and became an immediate sensation. This work is unique among those written on the Holocaust; it reveals how, by tireless sacrifice amid barbaric suffering, the Church was victorious in one of the darkest times in human history. When the Nazis entered several European countries, many people were afraid to speak up. Numerous priests, however, continued to preach the gospel and the truth about the dignity of life and freedom. Through their courageous witness you will learn
"Only when we are forced to endure the most profound suffering and hardship do we learn how to catch hold of God's hand in our misery," Fr. Lenz reflected. "We learn to pray."

Genres: History, Catholic, Religion, Nonfiction, Holocaust, World War II

328 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1960

About the author

Reverend John M. Lenz

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is very difficult to read the truth of what all happened in Dachau. But also in these pages are spiritual lessons learned through the intense suffering of the priests interned there . We need to read this that we might stand firm and never allow this to happen again.

[Andy Yonker · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5. Fr. Lenz describes many of the terrible events that happened in Dachau, while also bringing Christ’s victory to the forefront with some good reflections on Christian suffering. It would receive a higher rating if not for the quite poor organization—stories are told out of chronological order and sometimes repeated. I couldn’t identify a common theme to justify telling the stories out of order, either.

[Becca McNally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind blowing! One of the most vile, horrible, hopeful, beautiful books I’ve ever read!

[Dominic Victor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exceptional perspective within the horrific concentration camps of Nazi Germany. We see all the nastiness of hell and evil of man, yet how it fails to dominate the indomitable spirit of the Church! The author has an amazing and staggering view of pain and suffering--his sights were ever on pleasing God and extending charity to his neighbors in whatever way he could.
Most interesting me was demonstrating just how divided Germany was even under the boot of the Nazi Regime. Many Germans were appalled by the regime. Fr. Lenz explains that even the very town adjacent to the concentration camp in Dachau supplied aid to the prisoners covertly.
The only criticisms I can lob is that the book is often repetitive and the chronology is often scrambled and confusing. Fr. Lenz seems to give some accounts by the years in the camp, but will constantly jump ahead or backward so it's not always clear when something is taking place.

[Paul LaGreca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a faith-filled, yet harrowing account of the block for Catholic priests at the Dachau concentration camp. Written well after WW2, Father John Lenz provides details of the tortures and sufferings that priests, bishops, and seminarians had to endure. They were hated and despised by the Nazis as enemies of the Reich, even if one homily contained a negative connotation about Hitler and the Reich. In some cases, parishioners reported them and for years they were forced into hard labor.

This book is about keeping one's eye on the Cross through all adversity. It is about sharing in the passion of Christ and being of service even in the midst of pure hate and evil. It's a book that will stay with you forever.

Vivo Cristo Rey!

[George J. · Rating 1 out of 5]

It turns out he was actively opposing the NS government politically,violating the concordat and aiding the enemy by distributing atrocity propaganda.