‘They call him a martyr with good reason’

25.02.2025

The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the death of Salvatorian Father Titus Helde. Numerous events will commemorate him as a Salvatorian martyr. The author Martin Kolozs has written a commemorative folder to mark the occasion. (#PaterTitusHELDe)

P. Titus (Josef) Helde was born on 5 May 1905 in Radolfzell on Lake Constance and initially worked as a bank employee before joining the Salvatorian community in Steinfeld in 1926. His training to become a priest took twelve years - Father Titus was ordained on 29 June 1938 - and led him via Lochau, Heinzendorf, Passau, Hamberg, Graz and Vienna to Mistelbach.

Download the folder as PDF (in German)

During this time, the political climate had changed completely: The National Socialists had come to power in Germany (1933) and annexed Austria (1938); throughout the territory of the Nazi dictatorship, there was consistent and structural suppression of the Catholic clergy as a result. But even at the end of the war and afterwards, violence was not uncommon. On the contrary, the advancing Russian soldiers were extremely brutal and ruthless.

So it was that on 21 April 1945, Father Titus stood in front of a group of women to protect them from assault and was shot by a Red Army soldier. Fr Titus died of his injuries the following day. Soon after his funeral, the words were heard:

‘With good reason, the faithful call him a martyr.

There was much mourning for him, much prayer for him,

perhaps even more prayed to him.’

2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Fr Titus Heldes' death. By commemorating him, we also want to remember his birthday 120 years ago and his priestly Salvatorian work, which was devoted to all fellow human beings with love. (#PaterTitusHELDe)

Programme of events

11 May 2025
Memorial service, 9:30 am
St Martin's parish church, Mistelbach
Celebrants: Fr Leo Thenner SDS, Fr Johannes Cornaro
Musical arrangement: Kantorei St. Martin
under the direction of Karl-Michael Heger
Afterwards: Common prayer at the tomb of the Salvatorian priests
and reception in front of the Altes Kolleg (Marienplatz 1)

Consecration of the memorial plaque for Fr Titus Helde SDS

by Provincial Fr Márton Gál SDS

Opening of the memorial exhibition

and agape in the parish centre Mistelbach

Musical organisation:
Musikverein Ebendorf under the direction of Karl Schreiber

11.–25. Mai 2025
Memorial exhibition PATER TITUS HELDE SDS
Altes Kolleg, Marienplatz 1, Mistelbach
Opening hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

16. Mai 2025
Panel discussion, 7 pm
parish centre Mistelbach
Participants: Christa Jakob, P. Peter van Meijl SDS,
Dr. Markus Holzweber
Moderation: Martin Kolozs (Provincial Archive of the Salvatorians, Vienna)

23. Mai 2025
Peace concert HOPE – HOFFNUNG des CHOR CON COR
under the direction of Karl Seimann, 7.30 pm
St Martin's parish church, Mistelbach
Ticket sales: Mistelbach parish office,
about choir members and under www.chorconcor.at

Book recommendation (in German)

Pater Peter van Meijl SDS: Erzähl mir die Geschichte von Pater Titus Helde SDS, Wien 2011, 224 Seiten, € 10,00 If you would like to find out more about the life and work of Fr Titus Helde SDS, we recommend this book (in German):

Pater Peter van Meijl SDS: Erzähl mir die Geschichte von Pater Titus Helde SDS, Wien 2011, 224 Seiten, € 10,00

In this book, the life of Fr Titus Helde SDS is examined in detail according to the sources and retold according to contemporary reports.

More information (in German):

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