Bishop Esterka
Bishop Peter Esterka (November 14, 1935 – August 10, 2021) was a distinguished Czech-American Roman Catholic prelate with a remarkable life marked by service, academic excellence, and dedication to his faith and community. Born in Dolní Bojanovice, Czechoslovakia, he witnessed the horrors of World War II and the oppressive communist regime, which closed his Jesuit school and arrested his teachers in February 1948. In pursuit of freedom and education, Esterka fled to Austria in 1957 and later moved to Rome, where he studied theology and philosophy at the Pontifical Lateran University.
Ordained a Catholic priest in 1963, he initially served in San Antonio, Texas, before returning to Rome to complete his doctorate in theology. In 1967, he began teaching theology at the College of St. Catherine (now St. Catherine University) in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and became a full professor in 1980. Esterka embraced his new homeland, becoming an American citizen in 1968 and joining the United States Air Force Reserves as a military chaplain in 1974, eventually retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1995.
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In this book, Bishop Peter Esterka delves into critical issues at the crossroads of marriage, the Church, and society, addressing discrimination against women, the treatment of the divorced, and the possibility of ordaining married men. He also explores the sinfulness of homosexual acts. With his background in Southern Moravia and theological training in Rome, combined with his U.S. experience, Bishop Esterka offers candid insights into often avoided topics, challenging traditional views and confronting contemporary dilemmas with openness and courage. It was written as a service to the church in the Czech Republic and is available only in the Czech language.
His commitment to serving Czech immigrants in Canada and the United States began in 1978, culminating in the foundation of the North American Pastoral Center for Czech Catholics in 1984. Esterka was appointed the auxiliary bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brno in 1999 by Pope John Paul II. Even though he was based in California, he remained deeply connected to his roots, serving Czech Catholics in the United States, Canada, and Australia, and maintaining his role in the Diocese of Brno.
Bishop Esterka’s dedication to his heritage and community was recognized in 2013 when he received the Gratias Agit Award from Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg. His life journey concluded in California, where he passed away at the age of 85. His legacy was honored in funeral masses both in the United States and in his native Czech Republic, reflecting the profound impact of his life’s work and devotion across continents.
Book: Never Say Comrade
On our website dedicated to the profound legacy of Bishop Esterka, we are honored to feature a book that encapsulates his remarkable journey, as a young man, from the realities of Communism. “Never Say Comrade” is not merely a book; it’s a testament to resilience, faith, and the indomitable human spirit.
This book has resonated deeply with readers, evident from its unanimous 5-star ratings from global reviews. Readers are captivated by Bishop Esterka’s compelling narrative, detailing his life from the gripping times in Communist Czechoslovakia to his arrival in Texas to minister to fellow refugees and immigrants.
Here’s what some readers have said:
- “Important and interesting story” – A Teacher (Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2019)
- “Compelling read even for me as a child” – Cecelia (Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2014)
- “Amazing book. Amazing life” – A. M. Germani (Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2018)
- “Overall, this book made me understand that Peter was a kind and caring man who was unafraid to stand up for his beliefs. This was a great book and I am glad I had the chance to read it.” – Young man, age 15, Sussex WI
From vivid memories of a childhood marked by the stark imagery of guard towers and barbed wires to heartfelt accounts of the profound impact Bishop Esterka had on individuals and communities, “Never Say Comrade” is more than a book. It’s an invitation to understand, reflect, and be inspired by a life lived in unwavering commitment to freedom, service, courage, and faith.
Book: Rozhodni se pro risk (Decide to Take a Risk)
Bishop Peter Esterka, a man of profound intellect and spiritual depth, added to his contributions with the publication of the book “Rozhodni se pro risk” (Decide to Take a Risk) in 2007. This book is a testament to his life’s journey and the wisdom gained from it. Co-authored with Aleš Palán, it’s not just a narrative but a dialogue that delves deep into the complexities of pastoral themes and the challenges of ministry.
The book reflects Bishop Esterka’s upbringing in the traditional setting of Southern Moravia and his theological formation in pre-conciliar Rome, blending these influences with his extensive experiences in the United States. Esterka, known for his open-minded approach to numerous pastoral issues, does not shy away from addressing sensitive and pressing matters in this book. Instead, he tackles them head-on, offering fresh perspectives and a wealth of stories from his pastoral work, emphasizing the courage it takes to risk for what one believes in.
“Rozhodni se pro risk” is not only a collection of thoughts and anecdotes but also an invitation to the reader to embark on a journey of faith, courage, and discovery alongside Bishop Esterka. This book offers unique insights into the life of a man who was not just a Moravian by birth, a refugee who braved the Iron Curtain, a priest, a U.S. Air Force soldier, and a Catholic bishop, but also a visionary who dared to confront the status quo and venture beyond the comfortable boundaries of traditional ministry.
Book: Rozhodni se pro risk (Decide to Take a Risk)
Bishop Peter Esterka, a man of profound intellect and spiritual depth, added to his contributions with the publication of the book “Rozhodni se pro risk” (Decide to Take a Risk) in 2007. This book is a testament to his life’s journey and the wisdom gained from it. Co-authored with Aleš Palán, it’s not just a narrative but a dialogue that delves deep into the complexities of pastoral themes and the challenges of ministry.
The book reflects Bishop Esterka’s upbringing in the traditional setting of Southern Moravia and his theological formation in pre-conciliar Rome, blending these influences with his extensive experiences in the United States. Esterka, known for his open-minded approach to numerous pastoral issues, does not shy away from addressing sensitive and pressing matters in this book. Instead, he tackles them head-on, offering fresh perspectives and a wealth of stories from his pastoral work, emphasizing the courage it takes to risk for what one believes in.
“Rozhodni se pro risk” is not only a collection of thoughts and anecdotes but also an invitation to the reader to embark on a journey of faith, courage, and discovery alongside Bishop Esterka. This book offers unique insights into the life of a man who was not just a Moravian by birth, a refugee who braved the Iron Curtain, a priest, a U.S. Air Force soldier, and a Catholic bishop, but also a visionary who dared to confront the status quo and venture beyond the comfortable boundaries of traditional ministry.
