Blessed Eduard Müller

Biography

Blessed Eduard Müller, also known as Edward Mueller, was born on August 20, 1911, in Neumünster, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. He was the youngest of seven children born into a poor shoemaker's family. Despite their humble circumstances, Eduard's family instilled in him a strong faith and a sense of moral values.

Eduard's life took a significant turn when he became a carpenter's apprentice and started experiencing a profound calling to the priesthood. Responding to this call, he entered the diocese of Osnabrück in Germany and was ordained a priest in 1940. His passion for serving the Church led him to the Herz-Jesu parish in Lübeck, where he worked as an assistant pastor alongside Blessed Johannes Prassek and Blessed Hermann Lange.

Although Father Eduard had little interest in politics, the tumultuous period of World War II brought about certain circumstances that compelled him to take a stand against the oppressive Nazi regime. Despite the dangers involved, he would secretly listen to radio broadcasts in English, distribute printed sermons by Bishop Clemens August von Galen, and openly express his opposition to the Nazi policy of exterminating the physically and mentally ill.

Father Eduard's courageous actions and outspoken words caught the attention of the authorities, and in June 1943, he, along with his brother priests and several lay people, was imprisoned for treason. Despite the harsh conditions, he remained steadfast in his faith and continued to inspire and comfort his fellow prisoners.

Sadly, on November 10, 1943, Father Eduard Müller was martyred when he was guillotined in Hamburg, Germany. His unwavering commitment to his faith and his tireless efforts to resist the Nazi regime made him a symbol of hope and courage during these dark times.

In recognition of his sacrifice and martyrdom, Pope Benedict XVI, on July 1, 2010, declared Father Eduard Müller a venerable servant of God. On June 25, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI further beatified him, affirming his sanctity and celebrating his beatification at the Herz Jesu parish in Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. The beatification ceremony was presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato, an esteemed representative of the Catholic Church.

Blessed Eduard Müller's feast days are celebrated on November 10 and June 25 in the Archdiocese of Hamburg, Germany, and the Diocese of Osnabrück, Germany, as one of the Martyrs of Lübeck. His life continues to inspire and serve as a reminder of the importance of standing up for one's beliefs, even in the face of persecution and adversity.