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4.-6. September 2025

Beatification of Archbishop Eduard Profittlich and commemoration of the victims of communism

On September 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., the Roman Catholic Church solemnly beatified Archbishop Eduard Profittlich (www.profittlich.eu) during a Holy Mass celebrated on the Town Hall Square in Tallinn . Beatification is the first stage in the canonization of someone as a saint, according to Roman Catholic tradition. On this historic occasion, the brothers of the Dominican Order of Tallinn and the lay members of the Dominican Order of Fra Angelico will organize a public reading of the names of 22,600 men, women and children who died as victims of the communist regime in Estonia during the Soviet occupation.

With this event, the Dominicans, who have been associated with Estonian history since 1239, wanted to commemorate and honor all the victims who died in Estonia and elsewhere in the territory of the USSR, who, like Archbishop Eduard Profittlich, suffered and died due to the repressions of the Soviet occupation. The suffering of these victims, regardless of their religious beliefs, has not been forgotten. Their death reminds us and calls each of us to be peaceful in today's world, where justice, freedom and human dignity are far from guaranteed for everyone.

The reading of the names of Estonians who died as a result of the repressions was also a way for the Roman Catholic Church to express its deep sympathy for the Estonian people. As Christians, Dominicans believe that every person is created in the image of God and therefore worthy of respect and love.
On September 4, 2025, from approximately 3:50 p.m. to approximately 1:00 p.m. on September 5, 2025 - for about 21 hours - 180 readers from different walks of life read out the names of 22,600 victims of communism, which have been identified thanks to the tireless work of Memento and the Estonian Institute of Memory.

This memorial ceremony took place in the chapter hall of the medieval Dominican monastery in Tallinn, and the reading was broadcast live on the Dominican Order's YouTube channel, so that everyone who wished, wherever they were, could take part in the event. Anyone who wished could come to the courtyard of the medieval Dominican monastery in Tallinn during the event to light a memorial candle and/or bring flowers in memory of the victims.
At the end of the ceremony, the list of victims was solemnly taken to the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, where the eve of the beatification of Archbishop Eduard Profittlich will be held.

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Dominican mission in Estonia

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Today, the Dominicans serve the Estonian people in a secularized society by offering various initiatives to bring hope and joy through the Catholic faith.

Liturgies are held daily in the Dominican chapel. Efforts are made to translate and publish works by Dominican authors. Visiting lecturers and retreat leaders are invited to give talks. Personal spiritual guidance and preparation for the sacraments, including baptism, are offered. There is a group for young Catholics, open to new members, and more.

In 2025, the Dominicans, or the brothers and laity of the Order of Preachers, organized a continuous reading of the names of 22,600 Estonians who died as a result of communist repression on September 4-5, 2025, which was directly related to the beatification of Archbishop Eduard Profittlich on September 6. This reading of names was another example of how we are trying to connect with the entire Estonian society. To fulfill these goals, we need your prayers and also material support.

We are sincerely grateful for every donation!

Brother Alain Arnould OP

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