08 Dec Delp’s Final Vows
On December 8, 1944, came another turning point in Delp’s life. He had been scheduled to make his final vows as a Jesuit on August 15 (the original date having been postponed by his superiors through a decision-making process that remains confidential). By that date, he was already in prison. 
On this date, December 8, he received a strange note from the Mariannes. It was written as five points on an order form in lightly-worded code. Delp responded to each point. (Delp’s response is in italics.)
“Please tell Dr. Delp:
- Mr. Franz is coming in an hour to discuss a most important personal matter.
Good news!
- Max’s vow day has been moved from August 15, 1944 to today.
God is good.
- Our friend Franz has been promoted and in spite of his youth has full authority.
Hearty congratulations!
- Everyone you know here made it through the attack on December 5.
We here too, thank God.
- There’s good news of your parents and everyone in Munich.
Greetings to everyone.
Franz von Tattenbach SJ
The note indicated that Delp was being allowed to make his final vows in prison. A fellow Jesuit, Franz von Tattenbach, had been given the authority to receive Delp’s vows. (Tattenbach had not yet made final vows himself.)
This took place as a prison guard looked on. Delp broke into sobs as he pronounced his vows.