Stiftung Kaplan Gerhard Hirschfelder

The Kaplan Gerhard Hirschfelder Foundation is a legal foundation under civil law with headquarters in Münster and Peine. It was recognized on June 7, 2005, by the Münster District Government and is dedicated to preserving and conveying the life’s work and martyrdom of Kaplan Gerhard Hirschfelder (1907–1942). The foundation promotes events, lectures, and publications about Hirschfelder’s life and work and supports the preservation of the cultural and religious heritage of the County of Glatz (Silesia) in the fields of music, poetry, and literature. It builds bridges between German, Polish, and Czech associations and advocates for historical reconciliation and cross-border reconciliation.

The Kaplan Gerhard Hirschfelder Foundation is dedicated to preserving the memory of the blessed Kaplan Gerhard Hirschfelder and promoting his example of unwavering loyalty to Christ. Through financial support of projects, exhibitions, and scholarly works, it aims to keep the cultural and religious heritage of the County of Glatz alive and to foster dialogue among Germans, Poles, and Czechs. The foundation believes in the power of exchange and reconciliation as well as in the importance of regional identity for a united Europe.

Individuals, associations, and institutions engaged with the life, beatification, and cultural-religious heritage of Chaplain Gerhard Hirschfelder, as well as the history of the County of Glatz, are supported. The target group also includes non-profit organizations in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic interested in intercultural encounters, historical research projects, and cross-border cooperation.