From Soviet Persecution to Rome: The Remarkable Journey of Gertrude Detzel

Catholic News Agency journalist Alexey Gotovskiy published an article about Gertrude Detzel, the first laywoman from Central Asia to reach the stage of beatification. Gertrude Detzel (1903–1971) was a lay Catholic who endured decades of persecution under Soviet rule and played a vital role in keeping the faith alive in Kazakh labor camps. Deported to Kazakhstan and imprisoned for her missionary activity, she continued to inspire others with her devotion, reportedly “changing everyone around her,” even among the guards. Later, she settled in Karaganda, helping the local Catholic community as a catechist, preparing children for sacraments and leading prayers in the absence of priests. In 2025, her cause for beatification reached Rome, marking her as the first laywoman from Central Asia to have her cause formally submitted to the Vatican.

Read the full article here:
Gertrude Detzel beatification cause reaches Rome – Catholic News Agency

See the video here:
YouTube Video