Edward Detkens was a Polish Roman Catholic priest who lived from 1885 to 1942. Born in Mokotów, he was ordained in November 1908 and served in various ecclesiastical roles, including as a vicar at Warsaw Cathedral, a rector at St Anna's Church, and a prefect for several schools in Warsaw. His life was cut short during World War II after he was arrested in October 1939. He eventually died at the Dachau concentration camp.
Life and service
Following his ordination, Detkens held several positions within the Church in Warsaw. He served as a preacher and confessor, working as a vicar and a rector. During the early stages of the Second World War, he provided medical assistance at the Pawiak prison hospital. His service to the community was interrupted by his arrest in 1939, which led to his imprisonment in the Sachsenhausen concentration camp.
Martyrdom and veneration
Detkens is recognized as one of the 108 martyrs of the Second World War. After being transferred from Sachsenhausen, he passed away in the Dachau concentration camp in 1942. He is buried at the Powązki Cemetery. The Catholic Church beatified him on June 13, 1999, and his feast day is observed annually on June 12.