11 Facts About Josef Hlouch

Josef Hlouch was a Czech Roman Catholic prelate and theologian who served as the Bishop of Budweis from 1947 until his death.

Josef Hlouch was installed in his new diocese at a time when communist authorities solidified their control over the then-Czechoslovakia which prompted Hlouch and other ecclesial leaders such as Josef Beran to speak out against communist repression.

Josef Hlouch was placed under house arrest and later exiled from his diocese but the Prague Spring allowed for him to return in 1968.

Josef Hlouch was born in Lipnik near Trebic on 26 March 1902 to Jakub Hlouch and Marie Hlouchova.

Josef Hlouch received his ordination to the priesthood in mid-1926 in Olomouc from Archbishop Leopold Precan.

The Nazis had opposed a particular prelate nominated for the position leading to Pope Pius XII leaving the see vacant; the Nazis defeat in 1945 allowed for Josef Hlouch to be appointed as a bishop.

Josef Hlouch returned to his diocese on 9 June 1968 on the occasion of the Prague Spring.

Josef Hlouch had even been placed under house arrest in 1950 and in 1952 was arrested and then exiled from his diocese without a court trial.

Josef Hlouch left for several cities during this time first in Liberec and then in Mlada Vozice.

Josef Hlouch met with Vlk again one morning in the bishopric for breakfast two weeks later in which the latter assented to the role.

Josef Hlouch later ordained Vlk as a priest on 23 June 1968.