Christ in Dachau

by John M. Lenz

Dachau concentration camp held the largest number of Catholic priests-more than 2400-in the Nazi camp system. They came from two dozen countries, from every background-parish priests and prelates, monks and friars, teachers and missionaries. Over one-third were killed. Among the survivors was Fr. Johannes Lenz, who was asked by his superiors to write an account of what he saw. This book was the stunning result. An immediate sensation, it was quickly translated into English, French, Spanish and Italian. Catholic reviewers and churchmen alike were awestruck.

Genres: History, Religion, Catholic, Holocaust, World War II, Nonfiction

352 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1960

About the author

Reverend John M. Lenz

Reviews

[Bobby Daugherty · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read this on the recommendation of E. Michael Jones. It seems to me like a work of exaggeration at best or most likely fiction. Many of the details he presents are not in line with physical evidence found after the war and his accounts of physical suffering without personal insights are like the dramatic kvetching of an old Yenta. He claims that four SS men placed a 200 lb stone on his back and made him carry it uphill, I can assure you that had this ever had to him he would remember how it hurt, where it hurt, and how long it took to return to a manageable level of pain. The mass graves and other Hollywood nonsense are here as well.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is very difficult to read the truth of what all happened in Dachau. But also in these pages are spiritual lessons learned through the intense suffering of the priests interned there . We need to read this that we might stand firm and never allow this to happen again.

[Andy Yonker · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5. Fr. Lenz describes many of the terrible events that happened in Dachau, while also bringing Christ’s victory to the forefront with some good reflections on Christian suffering. It would receive a higher rating if not for the quite poor organization—stories are told out of chronological order and sometimes repeated. I couldn’t identify a common theme to justify telling the stories out of order, either.

[Becca McNally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind blowing! One of the most vile, horrible, hopeful, beautiful books I’ve ever read!

[Dominic Victor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exceptional perspective within the horrific concentration camps of Nazi Germany. We see all the nastiness of hell and evil of man, yet how it fails to dominate the indomitable spirit of the Church! The author has an amazing and staggering view of pain and suffering--his sights were ever on pleasing God and extending charity to his neighbors in whatever way he could.
Most interesting me was demonstrating just how divided Germany was even under the boot of the Nazi Regime. Many Germans were appalled by the regime. Fr. Lenz explains that even the very town adjacent to the concentration camp in Dachau supplied aid to the prisoners covertly.
The only criticisms I can lob is that the book is often repetitive and the chronology is often scrambled and confusing. Fr. Lenz seems to give some accounts by the years in the camp, but will constantly jump ahead or backward so it's not always clear when something is taking place.

[Paul LaGreca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a faith-filled, yet harrowing account of the block for Catholic priests at the Dachau concentration camp. Written well after WW2, Father John Lenz provides details of the tortures and sufferings that priests, bishops, and seminarians had to endure. They were hated and despised by the Nazis as enemies of the Reich, even if one homily contained a negative connotation about Hitler and the Reich. In some cases, parishioners reported them and for years they were forced into hard labor.

This book is about keeping one's eye on the Cross through all adversity. It is about sharing in the passion of Christ and being of service even in the midst of pure hate and evil. It's a book that will stay with you forever.

Vivo Cristo Rey!

[George J. · Rating 1 out of 5]

It turns out he was actively opposing the NS government politically,violating the concordat and aiding the enemy by distributing atrocity propaganda.