The Apostle of Munich

“The Apostle of Munich,” or “The Limping Priest”

Introduction

Blessed Father Rupert Mayer, SJ was known by many names during and after his lifetime.  He was known as the “Apostle of Munich” because he spent some thirty years of his life as a priest ministering to the people of Munich.   He was known as the “Limping Priest” because he was gravely wounded as a chaplain on the Front Lines during World War One and as a result had to have his left leg amputated.  Today, he is known as Blessed Rupert Mayer since his Beatification in 1987 by Pope John Paul II.  Whatever name he goes by, his story is one that can inspire the rest of us to greatness.   Honestly, that is the point of the life of every saint, isn’t it?  The lives of the saints should inspire us to a closer union with God.  The lives of the saints should inspire us to aspire to the things of God and not the things of the world.     At a time when so many people fall prey to the snares and temptations of the world, the lives of the saints remind us of our priorities and what they should be.  Certainly, this is what Blessed Father Rupert Mayer showed us by his life.  For it was Father Rupert that stated:  “Man must obey God more than men.”  These words are important enough . . .  they are true, indeed . . .  and yet we must put remember that when Father Rupert spoke these words, we must put the quote in context of when he spoke the words .  . . .  . and why he spoke the words.   This was a man who was placed in prison because he spoke out against the Nazi’s at a time when Adolph Hitler was at the height of his power.    The Nazi's feared Father Rupert because he was so loved by the people.  They feared that the people would listen more to him than they would to them.  

Early Life

Ordained to the Diocesan Priesthood

World War I

The First World War came to be known as the "Great War."  It was known as the "Great War" because, quite frankly, the world had never seen such a conflict in the history of mankind.  The entire world seemed to be engulfed in an endless struggle of death and killing.  

Chaplain on the Front Lines

[ABOVE:  Picture of the Iron Cross awarded to Father Rupert Mayer for his bravery as a chaplain]

Living under Nazi Rule

Landsberg Prison