Letter to Father Kraus

Father Kraus,

11 Schneckenburgstraße

Konstanz 78467

Germany

Dear Father Kraus,

        “Domine Iesu, dimitte nobis debita nostra, salva nos ab igne inferiori, perduc in caelum omnes animas, praesertim eas, quae misericordiae tuae maxime indigent” these were the exact words you spoke the night where I pressed the barrel of my gun against your forehead, that same night when you saved me.

Almost 45 years have passed since that fateful day and yet I still remember it like it was yesterday. My trembling hand as I lowered the gun, the vestibule leading to the bell tower, the narrow stairs, and my blood staining each step as we climbed. I remember every detail, and so does my son. You became his hero the moment you picked me up from the ground. Now, he has grown into a fine young man, he’s to be ordained next week.

        I think, what truly marked him, was when you baptized me. Indeed, at the young age of seventeen a boy has yet to find himself and even more the beliefs he wants to follow. But, in a time of great danger you put your religion, your beliefs and your morals above your own safety and chose to “purify” my soul. I was someone whom you just met, whom you had once prayed for his death and someone the Nazi’s were looking for. Not everyone has the chance of finding their true hero, and for your actions on that night I thank you. I thank you for your aid, for your prayers, for saving my life but most importantly, I thank you for being my son’s hero. You managed to inspire him and guide him on a path that makes him happy. That is all a father wishes for his son, so once again I thank you. Before, I finish this letter, I have one last thing to let you know. On that night, you said “A priest should only pray for life. It is a great sin. I ask that you forgive me”. I was too weak to answer you then. I want you to know from the bottom of my heart that I forgive you.

Yours truly,

Bryan