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.
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.