Priestblock 25487: A Memoir of Dachau »

In May 1941, Father Jean Bernard was arrested for denouncing the Nazis and deported from his native Luxembourg to Dachau's "Priest Block," a barracks that housed more than 3,000 clergymen of various denominations (the vast majority Roman Catholic priests).
Priestblock 25487 tells the gripping true story of his survival amid inhuman brutality and torture.
This inspiring book, originally published in Germany in 1963, was adapted into the award-winning film The Ninth Day in 2004.
Now translated into English for the first time, Priestblock features a Preface by Seán Cardinal O'Malley, Archbishop of Boston, and an Introduction by Robert Royal.

Tim Johnson - Fr. John I. Today's Catholic (Indiana)

I found this compelling book hard to stop reading. A perfect Good Friday reflection, it portrays some of the worst cruelty of humanity. From crucifixion to concentration camps, both make us shudder with the weakest aspects of the human character...

One wonders about the silence of the people, perhaps fearing for their own lives. But then again, in our own day, why are we not more vocal against the culture of death that pervades our own society? Why do we keep silent or say so little?

Preface Sean Cardinal O'Malley O'Malley, Sean Cardinal

Introduction Robert Royal Royal, Robert

In Prison 3

Arrival at Dachau 9

The First Two Weeks 16

In the Main Camp 26

First Mass in the Camp 39

Recollections from the First Few Months 42

The "Good Times" Come to an End 53

Winter Approaches 61

Christmas 1941 72

Ten Days' Leave and My Return to Dachau 78

"Transport Commando Praezifix" 91

Easter Week 1942 112

Hunger 118

Visitors in the Camp 132

At the End of Our Strength 135

The Infirmary 142

Dead End 155

Renewed Hope 157

Released 168

Biographical Note 173