The Lion of Münster

The Bishop Who Roared Against the Nazis

By: Fr. Daniel Utrecht

Narrated by: Kevin F. Spalding

"The dear God placed me in a position in which I had a duty to call black 'black' and white 'white'." These words were spoken by Cardinal Clemens August von Galen, the bishop of the diocese of Münster in Germany from 1933 to 1946. In so doing, he risked death at the hands of the Nazis, one Gestapo leader even urging that he be publicly hanged. Joseph Goebbels and others in the Nazi leadership, knowing the bishop's popularity, advised waiting, subscribing to the adage that revenge is a dish best served cold.

In this, the definitive English-language biography of the great Lion of Münster, listeners will encounter the young von Galen as he learns the Catholic faith and love of the fatherland from his family, members of the German aristocracy. A nobleman, a prince of his people and of his Church, the boy grew into a man, a six-and-a-half-foot tall giant of a man, who, though he loved his homeland, loved God, his Church, and his law even more; for he knew that calling his homeland back to the ways of God is the one way in which a bishop can best demonstrate that love for the people under his spiritual care. And so, in three magnificent sermons and countless other speeches, communiques and gestures, the Lion roared.

This story of his life and his stirring words provides listeners with an indispensable glimpse into the confrontation between church and state in Hitler's Germany and will serve as a reminder to all men and women of good will of the duty to call black "black" and white "white".

©2016 Daniel Utrecht (P)2017 TAN Books

Surprisingly Good Listen

If you could sum up The Lion of Münster in three words, what would they be?

I would describe this selection as a "Surprisingly Good Listen"

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Lion of Münster?

The selection opens with a triumphant and memorable flashback. Similarly, we know how WWII ends, but we are drawn into the story wanting to know the "how did we get here?"

Have you listened to any of Kevin F. Spalding’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but Kevin Spalding does a fantastic job storytelling down to the german inflections.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The amazement of being tapped as cardinal and the exhaustion and ailment that ultimately led to his final days.

A fascinating figure in 20th century history

A very good read, offering a perspective of WWII uncommon in most history books.
There is no doubt that Bishop von Galen passionately loved and protected his Münster flock with courageous writing and preaching from the pulpit. He was a staunch defender of the innate dignity and right to life of every human being. He also loved his Fatherland and despised Nazism.
With the benefit of hindsight, however, he seemed to me to be somewhat of an enigma, more reticent than he should have been in some circumstances, and perhaps overly defensive of civil authority. I do believe he was a sincere and heroic pastor who did much for the Catholics and all good people of Germany.

A great biography telling the story of a great man

What made the experience of listening to The Lion of Münster the most enjoyable?

I found that this book was very informative on one of the greatest bishops in Germany during WWII. I found it was easy to listen to and the narration was very well done and helped convey the book to me.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked hearing the early life and background of this courageous bishop who is currently on the path to sainthood.

What about Kevin F. Spalding’s performance did you like?

I found that Mr. Spalding's performance captured the feel and tone of the book and helped express a narrative which was not only informative, but also very interesting. I also feel the way that he read the book was also able to keep my attention and draw me into the narrative.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, I found the book to be good and very well written, but I did not think it is meant to produces any extreme reactions from the reader.

We need such heroes now

Terrific biography about someone who should be immensely better known to all. This is faith filled leadership.

Narration problems

What did you like best about The Lion of Münster? What did you like least?

The story is one of heroic bravery.

What didn’t you like about Kevin F. Spalding’s performance?

The presentation was marred by the narrator who insisted on attempting to pronounced German, Italian and Latin words in an affected voice and attempted accent that was amusing at first, but which quickly became not just annoying but down-right distracting. Whereas I would recommend purchasing the book, I would not recommend purchasing this presentation.

Very Informative

This was a very informative biography about a great man. It was educational more than enjoyable. But not too boring. It helped to hear it read aloud.