Saint Clare of Assisi

Clare was born into a noble family in the year 1194, they were able to maintain their comfortable living style due to the good business acumen of her father, Favorino Scifi, and the large estates he owned. But this comfortable existence meant little to the young Clare, who learnt her Faith from her very devout mother, Ortolana, who taught Clare at a very young age to pray and place God at the centre of her life.

It was also through observing her mother's actions when practicing the corporal works of mercy which in later life would distinguish Clare from her contemporaries. For unlike many wealthy people, Ortolana treated those who were less well off with due respect and consideration, her daughter Clare would later emulate this care for the poor without demeaning their dignity.

And even though war at times disrupted the family's daily routine it did not lead them to doubt God's Wisdom as the Scifi household accepted all as if it were from the hand of God.

But from early childhood Clare gravitated towards a prayerful encounter with her beloved Jesus and also practiced many penances and mortifications which was considered normal for the age that she lived in. This is not to say that Clare was dour and gloomy, for within Clare lay a glowing light of love for God and for people which shone within her so that many who would come into contact with her felt blessed by this remarkable young lady.

Because Clare was born into the nobility this also meant that she was highly intelligent, eloquent and could correspond with clarity her idea's and thoughts to others in a way that articulated her longing to become closer to her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. But though Clare was learned she loved God from her heart with a simplicity that was granted to few.

Clare was also a strong woman who knew her own mind and where her heart was guiding her, and though she had this inner strength it was matched with an equal amount of humility and meekness. And through her correspondence she shared her thoughts on the depths of her spirituality and what it means to love God with all of ones entire being.

And though strong of heart and mind, she was also highly intuitive and embraced her femininity without vanity. For upon Clare's face was always a smile no matter what difficulties she was facing or how many interior trials she was undergoing, Clare kept her sense of self, by acknowledging that all she had came from a loving God, therefore nothing belonged to her, not even her thoughts.

To love God is to mirror His Divinity; Clare did this beautifully as she displayed a love and generosity towards all with a spirit of joy and tranquility. For Clare needed no artifice to impress others, but instead lived to please God.

So through deep prayer Clare sought out what was God's Will when it came to living her life so it was that Francis came into her life at a crucial moment. For like Francis, Clare had a burning desire and a zealous spirit to love God till it costs; she was not a woman for halfway measures. Upon hearing Francis speak at the Cathedral of San Rufino, Clare was deeply impressed and moved to contact this fiery but sensitive man of peace who embraced and lived the fire of God's Majestic love.

It was through seeing Francis and his zealous love for God that was to be the start of Clare's spiritual quest to serve and love God through prayer and service to those in need. And so Clare in great secrecy met Francis in the company of her Aunt and upon hearing her ardent desire to serve God, Francis then accepted this erstwhile young lady into his way of life and spirituality. So in complete humility Clare lay aside all her fine garments and replaced them with worn out rags stitched together to form a habit. And further it was Francis who clipped her beautiful hair as a sign of her obedience and lack of vanity.

Upon taking these actions Clare then went to live with the Benedictines nuns at San Paolo, her she continued to live a life of deep austerity and a continued her prayer life as one beloved of God. But even though Clare's happiness was complete not everyone felt this same joy, for her father objected vigorously to the steps his beautiful daughter had taken and tried to forcibly remove her from the Convent.

But Clare was formidable when it came to matters of Faith and though she loved her father, she loved God more and so she with a gentle but firm heart refused to leave the Mission on which she and Francis had embarked on. And so Clare with great fortitude and determination lived her religious life with gentleness and humility, she would later be joined by her sister, Agnes, and later still by her own very devout mother.

Through all these ordeals Clare never lost her peace of heart nor ever felt discouraged and with real burning passion she tried to emulate the life of our Lord in her own small way. Francis was also busy as he searched for a place for Clare and her small band of companions to set up their own community.

So it was that Francis rebuilt for his religious sisters their own communal Convent at San Damiano, through the generosity of the Benedictines. This was the first steps in Clare's and Francis shared vision of loving God through a life of prayer and poverty, the little Convent they lived in became the Order of Poor Ladies, which in time would be recognised as the 'poor Clares'.

But not all things would work smoothly as both Clare and Francis came up against obstacles in the way their Order would be lived and the spirituality of total poverty met objections in some quarters. At first Clare was obliged to live much as the Benedictines did, but this did not suit Francis nor Clare's vision of their Order.

What Clare objected to most strongly was the idea that her Sisters could acquire and keep some property, this went against the spirit of Francis and also her own ideals of total and absolute poverty. So Clare could not agree to the terms suggested by Cardinal Ugolino and held out with true perseverance whilst not becoming belligerent towards those in authority.

So Clare kept to her austere way of living by going without shoes, eating no meat and surviving on meagre rations in order to maintain the integrity of her and Francis love of lady poverty. There has also been much written about her dearly loved Francis and his mystical experiences, Clare also shared in her own mystical gifts which led her even more to a greater depth of love and the knowledge of how little she was and how great was God. For God also worked miracles through the loving heart of Clare, such as when a heavy door fell on her and her sisters were filled with horror that their loved Mother Abbess had been badly injured, instead Clare rose as if nothing had touched her. And also when the community ran out of oil, Clare blessed an empty oil jar which miraculously was filled with olive oil. Many times Clare would be called to bless the sick that made their way to her, and upon receiving her blessing and prayers they were immediately healed.

Clare and Francis had a mutual love and respect for one another and were devoted companions in their love of God and to share this love and zealousness to all they met. Theirs was a special friendship of soul kinship, touched by the Divine to embrace one another as true brother and true sister in Christ. They embodied purity in its most perfect form that of a woman’s sensitivity and a man's strength to conform to the Divine Will, which they both did with perfect humility and supplication. So it must have brought Clare true grief and also paradoxically true joy when her beloved brother in Christ, Francis took his last breath. So Clare continued to live out the spirituality embraced and fostered by Francis.

So it was that during the canonization of her beloved Francis that Clare was provided the opportunity to converse eloquently to Pope Gregory IX when he arrived at San Damiano. Clare pleaded with the Pope to allow her to remain true to her mission of total and absolute poverty. It was through the dynamic quality of Clare's own character that swayed Pope Gregory IX to acquiesce to her request to embrace fully lady poverty.

But Clare's ordeal was not over as upon the death of Pope Gregory IX, a new Pope was proclaimed who then decided to mitigate some of the more austere Rules of the Poor Ladies. Clare once again pleaded with Pope Innocent IV to allow her to keep her Order as it was, strictly based on the utmost ideal of poverty and relying totally on God's Providence to provide for them.

But all these battles took its toll and though Clare was a woman of great strength and courage, the primitive conditions of her time placed a heavy burden on her health. But it was in the last days of Clare's life that Pope Innocent IV agreed with Clare and approved the conditions of extreme poverty.

Clare Scifi died in 1253.

Saint Clare was canonized in 1255 by Pope Alexander IV.

Some Quotes

"Place your mind before the mirror of eternity! Place your soul in the brilliance of glory and transform your entire being into the image of the Godhead Itself through contemplation."

Go forth in peace, for you have followed the good road. Go forth without fear, for he who created you has made you holy, has always protected you, and loves you as a mother. Blessed be you, my God, for having created me."

"Behold, I say, the birth of this mirror. Behold Christ's poverty even as he was laid in the manger and wrapped in swaddling clothes. What wondrous humility, what marvelous poverty! The King of angels, the Lord of heaven and earth resting in a manger! Look more deeply into the mirror and meditate on his humility, or simply on his poverty. Behold the many labors and sufferings he endured to redeem the human race. Then, in the depths of this very mirror, ponder his unspeakable love which caused him to suffer on the wood of the cross and to endure the most shameful kind of death. The mirror himself, from his position on the cross, warned passers-by to weigh carefully this act, as he said: "All of you who pass by this way, behold and see if there is any sorrow like mine." Let us answer his cries and lamentations with one voice and one spirit: "I will be mindful and remember, and my soul will be consumed within me."

Peace of Christ to you ALL

Copyright © 2005 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.

Blessed Margaret of Castello

During the thirteenth century, the Catholic Church was not only seen as a religious State but also a political one as it involved itself in the political affairs of different Provinces. At times even taking political office themselves, and also choosing Senators from the various Provinces.

The Catholic Church was also a powerful political power, in those centuries, which gained much of its power and income from pilgrims. The great States in those days were, Venice, Florence, Genoa, Milan, Pisa and Siena, from which most of the trade in Italy took place.

Italy developed its own communal bases by appointing various Mayors some of whom had the endorsement of the reigning Pontiff. This would often lead to complications as families vied with each other for political power, usually at the expense of the poor people in each Province or Commune.

But it was in 1287 that a daughter would be born to a noble family who was named Margaret. This did not bring her parents the expected joy that they had hoped for, and both parents were horrified when their baby was found to be deformed.

Poor Margaret was born in an Era when any deformity was seen as a punishment from God, as superstitions were given priority over fact. Margaret’s parents were horrified to behold their deformed baby and even more so in that they lived within the Papal States.

Due to the parent’s ignorance, they decided to imprison Margaret in the hope that her condition would improve over time. But Margaret was born, with many disabilities, she was blind, hunchbacked and lame, there would be no cure for her. And so her parents when Margaret was about 10 years old took her to a Cathedral in hopes of a cure but none would be forthcoming for poor Margaret. This led to the parents disowning their own daughter as they abandoned her to whatever fate had in store for their neglected daughter.

So began Margaret’s own journey as many villagers took pity on this poor child and she found shelter in various homes at different times. And though Margaret would suffer much she never allowed her abandonment by her parents to embitter her. And the families that sheltered her often spoke of her joy of spirit and loving personality.

And though some families found her to be a joy, still others who were driven by the superstitions of the time, and were wary if not outright hostile to this poor defenceless young girl. So trouble came to Margaret when she was given shelter by a religious Order who were not always in line with God in the way they conducted themselves. This led the Sisters of that particular Order to have a particular dislike of Margaret’s obvious holiness and her loving nature. So in due course they objected strongly to her presence and once again Margaret became homeless.

And though Margaret suffered all these indignities still her nature remained tranquil and serene as she trusted and loved God, who she knew would never leave her. Soon Margaret would be noticed by a group of women who were lady members of the Dominican Order, soon she was invited to join this group of women in their efforts to help and serve the poor, but not all were happy about this new member.

But Margaret’s holiness was apparent to nearly all who met her and could look beyond her obvious deformities to the beautiful soul within and her loving and generous nature. She would soon be adopted by a wealthy family who allowed her to stay with them in Castello, Margaret no longer had to go from pillar to post as she was soon ensconced with this devout family and taken to their hearts.

Through all this Margaret followed the Rule of her Order and visited the poor, the sick and also prisoners which shocked and horrified many who knew and loved Margaret. But through her own suffering Margaret understood perfectly the feeling that these prisoners were going through in that she too had been abandoned even by her own parents. Her heart was full of compassion for these prisoners who had known much hardship in their lives and been given little love.

This woman would be a beacon of love for many and also an inspiration to those who knew her and also for those who would come to hear of her good and noble deeds. But Margaret served all in a spirit of deep humility and charity, which touched the hearts of most she met during her service to the poor and sick.

But though Margaret served the poor this would take its toll on her own health as she lived to serve others despite her own discomfort.

Margaret died in 1320 at only 33 years of age.

Blessed Margaret of Castello was beatified in 1609 by Pope Paul V.

Peace of Christ to ALL

Copyright © 2005 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.

Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini

The nineteenth century were ones of turmoil for Italy, as different factions and leaders fought for supremacy towards a more united Italy.

Italy like many countries would become a land rife with revolutionaries such as Giuseppe Garibaldi and Camillo di Cavour who ran a newspaper to further his own political ambitions. And though these two men would join forces for a short time, it would prove to be unsuccessful.

But during these difficult years in Italy's history the Church would produce some of its greatest Saints.

One of these Saints was born into a prosperous family of farmers in the Lombardy region of Italy. Her parents, Agostino and Stella Cabrini named their newly born daughter, Maria Francesca. Life was difficult for the Cabrini family with a total of thirteen children, who were also expected to help out in all areas of farming no matter the weather conditions.

And though the girls in the family did not have to plough the fields nor pitch the hay stacks, they were expected to help with the family chores. And with thirteen children and two adults this was quite a heavy responsibility, as the girls helped their mother in preparing their meals, doing the laundry and other necessary home duties.

But though the work was hard their spirits were kept alive by a jolly home atmosphere, where they all pitched in and helped the other in a spirit of camaraderie. As their Father read them stories at night and both the Cabrini parents were deeply devout and passed on their love of the Faith to their children.

Maria Francesca was lucky in that she was the youngest, so as her siblings married and had their own families this lightened her own work load, as at times Maria Francesca was fragile in health. This worried her parents, but Maria was also very stout of heart and like her parents came from hardy stock, which would stand her in good stead.

Little Maria Francesca lapped up the wonderful stories of past Saints which her Father read to the family each night. Stories of Christian heroism and mighty deeds filled the young Maria Francesca with dreams of one day becoming a Missionary herself. The young Maria Francesca would then play act the stories she heard at her father’s feet, naming many of her dolls after the Saints.

Being the youngest of all the children also allowed both Agostino and Stella to be a little more lenient with their beloved child Maria Francesca, as she was fortunate enough to have gained a decent education, and went on to gain her teaching certificate.

But in the year 1870 Maria Francesca would lose both her beloved parents and would also become critically ill herself with small pox. Her sister Rosa was able to nurse Maria Francesca back to health with very little side affects.

Upon recovering Maria worked for a short time as a teacher in a village school but her heart was set on becoming a Religious a love which was gained from listening to her beloved Fathers nightly stories. But Maria would be frustrated in her desires as her wish to join the Daughters of The Sacred Heart was refused. This led to a feeling of disappointment but Maria Francesca was also not one to give up easily.

But during this time Maria Francesca would befriend a Priest who would become a life long friend and advisor to the young Maria. Father Serrati upon seeing her resilient nature gave Maria Francesca the task of taking over a run down orphanage and making it work for those who lived there.

Coming from a very large family allowed Maria Francesca to cope with some very taciturn workers who also worked at the orphanage. Her ability to soothe those who felt overlooked and her skills of diplomacy were also a great advantage, in dealing with different temperaments.

She also for the next six years gained the cooperation, respect and love of the orphaned girls in whom she taught, by her cheerful disposition. During this time while rebuilding the orphanage of the House of Providence, Maria Francesca began to wear the Habit of the Order and in due course she finally took her Vows.

Whereupon she was made Mother Superior due to her hard work, common sense and engaging personality. But though Mother Cabrini worked hard to keep things going, it was not meant to be and in a few years the Order would be dissolved.

And though Mother Cabrini was saddened to see the closure of the Convent still her hope lay in God, for where a door closes a window will open. And it was the Bishop of Lodi who suggested she begin a missionary order for women; Mother Cabrini in all humility accepted this onerous task.

The name Mother Cabrini chose for her Order was, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. Over the next few years Mother Cabrini and her sisters worked hard to rebuild their Convent and practice their Rule, of which prayer played a significant part. Being that the Order was not particularly well off, the Nun's themselves undertook the task of renovating their Convent.

So it was in 1887 that Mother Cabrini set off for Rome to seek the Holy Fathers seal of approval for her Order. While she was there Mother Cabrini made some very good influential friends one of whom was Cardinal Parocchi, and upon meeting Pope Leo XIII she received his blessing and also contributions towards her missionary work.

It was also in Rome that the idea of Mother Cabrini being sent to America was first broached, which indeed fired up the heart of this great Nun as she remembered the stories her Father shared with her.

So it was in 1889 that Mother Cabrini with six of her Sisters arrived in America, though not to a warm welcome as Archbishop Corrigan was not particularly thrilled with starting yet another orphanage. But Mother Cabrini was stout of heart and determined by nature, and with her skills at diplomacy she won over the rather grumpy Archbishop.

And upon gaining Archbishop Corrigan’s blessing Mother Cabrini then began to raise the money needed to help the foundling children of New York. Upon raising the necessary funds, this great Religious founded what would be known as Columbus Hospital, to aid the poor and suffering.

Mother Cabrini's energy seemed to be never ending as Convents, orphanages and schools opened in different parts of America and surrounding countries. Her uncommon spirit of charity and compassion mixed with humour and diplomacy made her loved by all who met her.

Mother Cabrini who dearly loved the American people and longed to help them became an American citizen in 1909. This great woman of Faith worked tirelessly for the poor and shared with them her great love for God and the Catholic Church.

And even as her health started to falter, still she serenely did what she could for the Glory of God.

Mother Cabrini died from malaria in Chicago, Illinois on December 22, 1917.

Like many of the people she worked with, Mother became a United States citizen during her life, and after her death she was the first US citizen to be canonized.

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini was canonized in 1946 by Pope Pius XII.

Peace of Christ to ALL

Copyright © 2005 Faith of the Fathers Blogs. All rights reserved.

Saint Gianna Beretta Molla

In these days where self sacrifice is almost a forgotten word, where suffering has become an inconvenience for many, and where life itself can be extinguished on a whim, stands one woman who had the courage of a lion, a heart as deep as the ocean and a Faith as great as the highest mountain.

And through this one life, we witness what true love is all about. Life is not about gaining at any price but in giving , life is to be savoured with a true spirit of joy and not spat out as if it measured nothing... life in essence is a gift from God.

Who is this woman who showed the world that self sacrificing love and family matter more than life itself?

Gianna Beretta was born in the year 1922, into a large, loving and devout catholic family, so from a very early age Gianna would have been taught to share all she had with her brothers and sisters. And from her parents, Alberto and Marie's example she was instilled with a deep love for prayer and of the Church, but also of serving others in a spirit of true charity.

But the Beretta family was not without its tragedies, as both Alberto and Marie had to bury 5 of their children at a young age. But it was through the example of her loving parents that forged Gianna to accept all things both good and tragic with a serene heart. And it was also through her parents that she learnt to embrace every facet of life and to live it with joyous exuberance.

Alberto and Marie, would pray the Rosary each evening with their remaining children and this holy and devout couple also attended Mass each morning. Though the Beretta family were not considered wealthy, still they incorporated into their children a work ethic of serving others through their chosen careers.

But a shadow would once again touch the Beretta family with the death of their beloved daughter, Amelia, who had been a tower of strength and also a most loving sister to Gianna. This loss would deepen Gianna's prayer life and her devotion to serving the sick, which was growing in her heart. But the death of her sister also showed Gianna that life was precious and fragile and to embrace every moment as a gift from God.

And so Gianna lived her life with complete and utter confidence in God and a love of nature, for she loved to go hiking in the mountains, bike riding, and skiing. But though sporty and robust she did not neglect her Faith and practiced the corporal works of mercy by becoming a member of Catholic Action.

Through this group she would comfort the afflicted, visit the lonely and infirm and take food to the hungry. Gianna did not do these activities in order to gain praise or merit, Gianna gave because she loved. Her whole spirit imbued a love of Christ and of selfless giving, whilst keeping a joyful and exuberant spirit.

This was a stunning feature in the young Gianna in that though war was ravaging her country and many people suffered terrible persecutions under the leadership of Mussolini, Gianna did not allow these calamitous events to cloud her love of God or doubt God's goodness.

Through her parents loving example she learnt to trust in God alone and to give of herself for love of others. But grief would strike the family again when in 1942 both her parents died within months of each other.

Through the tragedies that struck at her own family, Gianna had a growing vocation to heal others of their afflictions and to give comfort to the sick. She had decided on a career in medicine and through the difficulties of studying in war ravaged country; Gianna persevered through it all and graduated from medical school in 1949.

And though Gianna was a woman of great strength, she was not without faults and failings which she prayerfully tried to overcome. For Gianna had been born with a stubborn streak and a determined nature, therefore she had to practice patience for those who were not as decisive as herself. And in her service to the poor she also could not sit in judgement of those who had chosen the wrong path in their lives.

Upon gaining her Doctorate Gianna decided to specialise in paediatrics, as her love of God instilled in her a reverence for life. But Gianna was not an aloof Doctor and she took a great interest in the lives of her patients and their wellbeing in all facets of life.

Soon her life would be full as she ministered to her patients, continued her recreational activities and also practiced the corporal works of mercy through various Catholic charities including that of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

Gianna lived a life of giving to others and helping others to reach their full potential, this was the secret of her joy and love of life. For she encapsulated the prayer of St. Francis, in every aspect of her life as she sought to give hope where there was once despair, light where there was once darkness and comfort to the inconsolable.

But love was to touch Gianna's heart in the form of her future husband Pietro, who had been impressed with Gianna's inner happiness and exuberance as well as her sensitivity towards others. Pietro was drawn to this strong woman, who also displayed a more vulnerable and delicate touch to those in need of compassion. Upon meeting Gianna he could not forget her, as his heart stirred with love for this lovely and generous young woman.

The young couple were married in 1955 by Gianna's brother Fr. Giuseppe, it was a joyous occasion, as this loving couple embarked on their life together. Both looked forward to many happy years together as they travelled around Europe and hoped to have many children.

Pietro and Gianna did not have to wait long before their first born made his entrance into the world, a robust and healthy son who they named Pierluigi. Soon their followed a sister for Pierluigi, who was born in 1957 and named Maria Zita. And in 1959 once again Pietro and Gianna welcomed another daughter into their loving arms, who they named Laura.

As always Gianna proved to be a selfless Mother, who always placed her family over and above her own needs. And she was also a very understanding wife who knew of her husbands longing for moments of solitude away from their family. But as in any family both Pietro and Gianna had their own struggles as they juggled family, careers and interests and also their moments of seperation through work commitments.

Many were amazed at Gianna's energy and zest for life, as she managed her job, her home and the raising of their beloved children. For from a very young age Gianna tried her best to instill in her children what she had learnt from her own parents a love of Jesus and the Church. She also followed in her fathers footsteps and tried to pray the Rosary each evening with her little ones, as well as reading them stories from the Bible and of the Saints.

Gianna Beretta Molla was a living dynamo who gave every inch of herself to those who needed her, for she recognised that to truly love God one must then serve the poor. This was a woman inflamed with a love of God and His creation which radiated her whole persona, and which touched the hearts of all those who met her.

So it was that in 1961 Gianna shared more joyous news with her husband Pietro, as she told him that she was once again pregnant with their child. But this pregnancy was to be different from the others, for Gianna also found out that she had fibroma growth (ovarian cyst) in her uterus. This was worrying for both parents as they grappled with what to do and the decisions that needed to be made.

But through it all as Gianna coped with work, raising her children, being a good wife to Pietro, still at the core of her being was her Christ centred prayer life. Upon the doctors recommendation Gianna and Pietro decided to have as much of the growth removed as was possible without harming their baby.

When the baby was about to be delivered Gianna's informed her doctor that her baby must come first and that she must come last, for no matter the cost Gianna would pay it with her life. Pietro and Gianna welcomed in their new baby on April 21st 1962, she was baptized Gianna Emanuela.

Upon the birth of their much longed for daughter, Gianna's conditioned worsened as she became desperately ill. But throughout her pain and anguish which was great, Gianna's Faith shone through as she enjoined her suffering with that of Christ.

Throughout Gianna's entire life, she lived to give for her sole intent was not to gain but to give and give and give again. The testament to this woman’s life was not that she died so tragically but that she lived life to its full and in the end she died so love could live....

Gianna Beretta Molla died in 1962.

Saint Gianna Beretta Molla was canonized in 2004 by Pope John Paul II.

Some Quotes

"Do not be afraid to defend the honor of God, to defend the Church, the Pope and priests. This is the moment to act. We must not remain indifferent in the face of the enemy’s campaign against religion and morals. We of Catholic Action must be the first to defend the sound foundation and the sacred Christian tradition of our homeland.,,,,,Would you be willing to give your lives for Christ the King? You Who say ‘no’ to your eyes, to your gluttony, you who find the difficulty to help around the house or to pray for a few minutes…?"

Everyone works in the service of man. We doctors work directly on man himself... The great mystery of man is Jesus: 'He who visits a sick person, helps me,' Jesus said... Just as the priest can touch Jesus, so do we touch Jesus in the bodies of our patients... We have opportunities to do good that the priest doesn't have. Our mission is not finished when medicines are no longer of use. We must bring the soul to God; our word has some authority... Catholic doctors are so necessary!"

"With God’s help and blessing we will do our best to make our new family a little Cenacle where Jesus reigns over all our affections, desires, and actions… There are only a few days to go and I feel moved at the thought of approaching and receiving the "Sacrament of Love". We will become collaborators with God in His creation and so we will be able to give him children that love and serve him".

Peace of Christ to you all

Copyright © 2005 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.

The Nuns of Nowogrodek

The history of Poland is one of immense tragedy and unparalleled courage, a suffering people who had and would endure ever more horrors. As Poland found itself in the middle of two evil powers, that of National Socialist Germany and Communist Russia.

Many problems began when within the Treaty of Versailles, what had been a part of Germany, Upper Silesia, came under Polish control, this left many people feeling disaffected for the predicament they were placed in. It would also lead to further complications once Adolf Hitler came to power.

Things didn’t get any better when a coup de'etat took place within Poland under the leadership of Jozef Pilsudski, who then tried to install a dictatorship with Ignancy Moscicki as President while Jozef kept control of the armed forces. The coup would eventually fail, but it led to further destabilising of the country, none of which helped the Polish people.

But things would go beyond the internal vicissitudes of their own political insecurities, once Germany and Russia signed their non aggression pact. This placed Poland in an invidious position with both their neighbouring countries, as both Germany and Russia made their own plans for this great country, Poland.

The Polish people would suffer immensely under these two evil empires, but it would be their Faith and their love for the Church which would strengthen many Poles for the fight which lay ahead of them.

But it was in 1929 that a couple of Religious sisters arrived to establish their Order of the Holy Family of Nazareth, in the town of Nowogrodek. At first the towns people were not happy about this and did not welcome yet another Religious Order, in that many Religious Communities relied on the charity of the towns people to provide them food and other essentials necessary to live.

But through the Sisters patience and perseverance and through their own hard work, the towns people eventually accepted them. This brought the Sisters much joy as they endeavoured to teach the children of the area, who came from poor families, and also to teach them the Faith through kindness and compassion.

This would be put to the test though when Nowogrodek was overtaken by the Communists and the Nuns were forced to wear ordinary clothes and were also removed from the Convent. The people of Nowogrodek came to the aid of the Sisters and provided many with accommodation and sustenance as they all endured the repressive regime of the Soviet Union.

It would be the generosity of the town’s people who clung to their Faith and also helped the Sisters in their time of need that would be paid back in full by the love the Sisters had for these brave people of Nowogrodek.

But sadly things did not improve for the Sisters nor for the town’s people when the Germans took control of the town in 1941. And even though the Sisters were able to return to their Convent, the Nazi's would also show that they too had no respect nor love for religion as would be shown by their persecution not only of the Jews but also of devout Catholics!

As the Sisters watched in horror and heard stories of the persecution of their Jewish neighbours, as many of the Jews were rounded up and shot in the open square for all to see. The Nazi's made no attempt to hide their hatred and also their genocide of the Jewish peoples and any who aided them.

This troubled the Sisters immensely, as they became witnesses to the horror before them, the Sisters then under the guidance of their Superior prayed in these words, "O God, if sacrifice of life is needed, accept it from us who are free from family obligations. Spare those who have wives and children."

These holy Sisters meant every word, as they observed the tyranny and unholy behaviour of the Nazi war machine and the savagery of the SS soldiers who showed no mercy to anyone. The Sisters love for the people who had come to their aid would now be paid in full with their own lives.

For a bond had been built between the Sisters and the people of Nowogrodek, as the Sisters tried their best to meet their spiritual needs and also to do the works of Mercy for the poor and sick in their community. A mutual love and respect grew as both the people and the Sisters reached out to each other in love and compassion.

This bond of affection did not go unnoticed by the Nazi's, who saw the Sisters charity to the towns people as a threat to the terror they wished to induce into the hearts of the people.

And so when the Nazi's heard about the prayer of these courageous Sisters they decided to put it to the test and instead of murdering a group of factory workers, the Nazi's instead arrested the Nuns of Nowogrodek.

The Nazi's placed an order for the Sisters to appear before them at the commissars building that very evening. Not willing to incur the wrath of the Nazi's who may have vented it on the people of the town, the Sisters kept the appointed time and place, except for one Sister who being elderly had remained behind in the Convent.

Upon showing up at the requested time and place, the Nazi's then arrested the Nuns and placed them in the basement of an old building, where upon on the morning of August 1st the Sisters were driven by van to a wooded area. And seeing the open grave which had been dug the Sisters looked to their Superior and upon gaining her blessing each Sister then placed themselves at the edge of the mass grave. The Nazi's then opened fire on the Sisters as each one fell into the open grave.

These brave Sisters gave their lives so others could live, something the towns people never forgot, as they gathered around to protect the one remaining Sister, who had stayed behind, Sister Malgorzata. It would be this Sister who went into the woods and found the unmarked grave of her beloved Sisters, where upon Sister Malgorzata secretly tended the grave in remembrance of these holy souls who lay down their own lives for their people.

The names of these holy Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth are;

Sister Maria Stella, Superior

Sister Mary Imelda

Sister Mary Rajmunda

Sister Maria Daniela

Sister Maria Kanuta

Sister Maria Gwidona

Sister Maria Sergia

Sister Maria Kanizja

Sister Maria Felicyta

Sister Maria Heliodora

Sister Maria Boromea

The Sisters of Nowogrodek died in 1943.

The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth were beatified in 2000 by Pope John Paul II.

Peace of Christ to ALL

Copyright © 2005 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.