Jean Hus
vers 1372-1415 14th century
Holding to what one has understood, even alone, even without support.
Who was Jean Hus?
The son of Bohemian peasants, he became a priest, rector of the university of Prague and preacher at the Bethlehem chapel, where he spoke Czech to artisans. He translated, wrote hymns, and asked that lay people receive the cup. Summoned to the council of Constance with a safe conduct that was not honoured, he was condemned and burned in 1415. In 1999 John Paul II expressed the Church's regret for his death.
In their own words
Seek the truth, listen to the truth, learn the truth, love the truth, speak the truth, hold to the truth, defend the truth to the death.
I beg you, love one another, and do not let the good be oppressed by violence.
O most holy Christ, draw me to yourself, weak as I am, for if you do not draw me I cannot follow you.