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Published on 20 January 2022

On Holocaust Memorial Day let us also remember Venerable Father Cortese, a friar of the Basilica of Saint Anthony

During the Second World War he saved hundreds of Jews and political refugees. Last year a stolperstein (stumbling block) was dedicated to his memory

On 27 January, Holocaust Memorial Day, the friars of the Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua will remember their fellow-friar, Fr. Placido Cortese, who was declared Venerable last August. During World War II Fr. Cortese saved hundreds of people, among them Jews, political refugees and allied soldiers from being arrested by the Nazis and the Fascists. Because of these efforts he was kidnapped by the Gestapo, tortured, and then killed in November 1944.

Last year a stolperstein (stumbling block) was dedicated to him near the entrance to the Basilica, on the exact spot where he was kidnapped in October 1944.

The date chosen for the celebration of Holocaust Memorial Day marks the day in which Soviet troops entered Auschwitz concentration camp.

For more information:

https://www.santantonio.org/en/content/stolperstein-artist-gunter-demnig-placed-front-basilica-saint-anthony-padua-remembers-father

 

https://www.padreplacidocortese.org/cortese/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Messenger_S_Anthony_November_2021_Venerable-Cortese.pdf