Rome, June 2011 Nr 14 - i.b5z.neti.b5z.net/i/u/6148531/f/Via_Nazareth_14ENG.pdf · 1 Via Nazareth Rome, June 2011 Nr 14 Visit to Name of Mary Province Sr. Angela Marie Mazzeo In March,

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Via Nazareth

Rome, June 2011 Nr 14

Visit to Name of Mary Province

Sr. Angela Marie Mazzeo

In March, the entire General Administration traveled to Krakow. Our days in Name of

Mary Province were very full and marked by a quite a variety of experiences. It is hard to know

where to even start in sharing about them. Maybe the primary purpose for the trip is a good

place to begin. The idea was for us to meet with potential candidates for the new Provincial

Administration since the Sisters had decided for appointment of the new Provincial and Council.

Upon our arrival we were greeted very warmly by the Sisters in the Provincialate. Very

quickly, we got down to business…sort of. Our first evening was spent visiting one of the

smaller, newly renovated homes in Krakow, being treated to a delicious dinner prepared by the

Sisters. The next morning we traveled to the nearby school staffed by our Sisters and were

welcomed to the school by the students who performed for us. In the afternoon we were taken to

the Divine Mercy Shrine for a time of prayer. This, for us, was very important in the light of

what was to follow.

Meeting with the Superiors in Krakow Sister Benedetta’s Feastday Celebration

After our time at the Shrine, we returned to meet with the current Provincial

Administration, to glean from them what they see as the most important issues for the near

future and the new administration. The following day was the Superiors‟ Meeting. This seemed

like a wonderful opportunity to share with the Sisters. So each member of the General

Administration gave a short presentation, including talks on the Congregation‟s first year of

renewal, our internationality, the work being done on the Ratio, the history of the U.S. province

in light of the 125th

anniversary celebration including the process of reconfiguration, and the role

and workings of the general administration. The day then proceeded with a celebration of the

feast day of Sr. Benedetta, the Provincial Superior. In the evening, some of the Sisters put on a

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play that was both comical and yet very profound. The heart of this play was Jesus trying to

share through His appearance to a Sister how much He wants our Nazareth to be His home, a

place of Love.

The next two-and-a-half days were spent meeting with the candidates for the new

Council. This was a critical opportunity to learn more about these Sisters, learning how they see

the province and the issues facing it. Above all it was a chance to listen, to the Sisters, but also

to the Holy Spirit on whom we were relying completely to lead us. During a short break on one

of the days, we were escorted to the preschool that is on the grounds of the Provincialate. There,

the young students performed some traditional dances and sang some songs for us. I was most

touched when one little girl stood up and proclaimed (in English) that the next song was for me.

The children then sang a whole song in English, to my great joy!

A visit to the Holy Family Pre-school in the Provincialate complex

Once we completed our consultations with the Sisters, we had the chance to visit a

number of homes and institutions, the first of which was our home in Wadowice. This was my

first time to this place. Currently, the building is undergoing renovations to comply with the

newer standards as required by the European Union. It is an impressive facility, for the purpose

of fulfilling our mission in a beautiful way. The Sisters here care for women of all ages who

suffer with mental and physical disabilities, many severe. As I walked through the building

meeting each of the different groups of women, I could only think of Jesus‟ words, “Whatever

you do to the least of my brothers, you do to Me.”

A gathering with the Sisters in Wadowice Visiting with the residents in our Home

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We also had the opportunity to visit the temporary exhibit of the museum of John Paul

II‟s childhood home which is being renovated by the Diocese, and to share a meal with the

Sisters in the local community there. We returned to Krakow that evening to prepare to for

another journey the following day.

The next day we were off to Kielce to visit our school there. We were welcomed by the

students who shared with us about their school and were taken on a tour which ended in a

science lab where the students conducted a few interesting science experiments for us. With my

background in chemistry, I was quite intrigued. The student who was translating for us made it

both entertaining and informative. We also shared lunch with the Sisters who came together

from the two different homes in the area. Sister Benedetta and I were offered greetings for our

upcoming feast day as well.

Meeting with the school community in Kielce Wow!!! The experiment worked!!!!

From there we traveled to Olsztyn and met with three of the local communities. We had

the chance to tour the retreat home with its soon-to-be-completed renovations. After dinner and

a very nice time with the Sisters, we went a little further to Czestochowa. There, we were again

greeted with songs and flowers before we finally headed off to bed. The next morning we started

the day off as usual, participating in prayers and liturgy with the novices and the local

community. Since this was the Feast of the Annunciation, Sr. Benedetta and I were lovingly

greeted by the Sisters for our feast day. We then had a chance to tour the preschool that is

housed in the same building. During our visit, many of the children sang and danced for us, and

even invited us to dance with them. Who could refuse such an offer! Afterwards, these very

young gentlemen even kissed our hands.

A visit to the Pre School in Czestochowa Shall we Dance???

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That same morning, we had the pleasure of meeting with the novices who creatively

shared with us what is the essential character of their days. In the afternoon, we had the privilege

of going to the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa and participating in liturgy there. Mass was

said in the intentions of Mother Jana, Sr. Benedetta and myself. What a beautiful way and a

beautiful place to celebrate this feast with Mary. As I prayed there, I was so drawn to the image

of Our Lady. I prayed very much for the Sisters in this province, the ones who entrusted us with

the appointment of their new leadership. I prayed also for our whole Congregation. I was struck

not only by the look in Mary‟s eyes which always speaks to me of seeing more than what is

visible to the eye, but also by the new “dress” that decorates the image. Part of this is a crown

that is tipped with seven swords…which I saw as the seven sorrows that pierced Mary‟s heart.

So I prayed deeply with Mary knowing that the road ahead for all of us will be marked with

sorrows as well as joys. This is the path our Lord and His Mother show us and have walked

before us. We ended the day in our home at 7 Kamienic. There we had supper with the local

community and Sisters from other nearby local communities. These Sisters had shared in mass

at the shrine with us.

The next day was the last official day of our visit. We departed from Czestochowa

carrying many blessings with us, especially the blessing of meeting so many of our Sisters and

coming to understand a little better their hopes and dreams for the future.

The Congregation’s Patron for 2011 - Bl. Charles de Foucauld

- A visit to Tre Fontana

Sr. Halina Dołęga

When we chose our patrons for this year, we were delighted that the Congregation‟s

patron for the year is Bl. Charles de Foucauld – who so loved Nazareth and lived its spirit. The

Little Sisters of Jesus live at Tre Fontane, where many keepsakes left by Charles de Foucauld

are to be found.

On 11 April, the General Administration went there on

pilgrimage to honour our patron for the year. Mother General

initiated the pilgrimage. The Little Sisters of Jesus live on the

property belonging to the Trappist monks. Their small, simple

homes are located on a hill among trees. The homes were built

by those who live in them. One of them is the chapel where the

Blessed Sacrament is exposed, where sisters can always be found

in silent prayer; there is also a second, smaller chapel, the chapel

of Charles de Foucauld. It is in this chapel that one can best

experience the spirit of Blessed Charles. The furnishings of this

chapel; remind one of the hermitage of Brother Charles – a plain

metal tabernacle holding the Blessed Sacrament, a small

monstrance resembling a simple reliquary, various illustrations

done by Brother Charles: a picture of the Sacred Heart with His

arms outstretched on the backdrop of a cross, the Holy Family, the Visitation, the Stations of the

Cross, and other memorabilia are found in a display case.

Sister Kathy, a Canadian living in Rome for seven years, who also lived in Poland for ten

years, acquainted us with the character of Charles de Foucauld, calling our attention to some of

the details of his life and spirituality that were unknown to us. Brother Charles wanted to follow

Jesus in the literal sense. Jesus, both in coming to earth at Bethlehem as well as in leaving this

world, chose the last place. The entire life of Jesus of Nazareth was filled with experiencing the

last place. This is how Brother Charles wanted to live, choosing the last place, living in great

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poverty. At the same time, seeing God in the poor, in sinners and in the abandoned took him

from the hermitage and led him to live a life of hospitality and availability, especially among his

Moslem brothers. For that reason he did not build a hermitage but a “fraternie”, a home whose

doors were always open to all regardless of race, religion or nationality.

Sister Kathy with the sacred vessels

used by B. Charles de Faoucauld

One of the sisters who travelled in this van

with her foundress.

The tomb of the foundress of the Little Sisters of Jesus –Sister Magdalene of Jesus

(Magdalene Humin, born 26 April, 1898 and died 6 November 1989) is found in the grotto of

Tre Fontane. She was fascinated by the life of Charles de Foucauld; in his writings and in his

spirituality, she discovered the desire which she also carried in her heart – tremendous love for

Jesus, a thirst for adoration, love of the least of his brothers and sisters as well as a love for

Africa and for Muslims. Sister Sophia, a Polish sister, brought the foundress to life for us. She

is one of the first 10 members of the community who remembers the foundress well, her

tremendous simplicity, confidence, faith, courage and love. How wonderful it is to live together

with the foundress. We had the opportunity to see a van called the “falling star” which Sister

Magdalene rode throughout Europe, especially the countries of Eastern Europe that were behind

the Iron Curtain. It is a unique van. Its interior is equipped with three sleeping places, it

contains basic furniture, provides basic living accommodations, stores folded tents on its roof

and in the driver‟s area there is even a concealed tabernacle. The sisters had permission to

reserve the Blessed Sacrament there, so it was also a chapel.

During our stay at Tre Fontane, we

experienced the extraordinary hospitality of the

sisters as well as their openness and simplicity. We

were also able to observe their ordinary life. Our

time in the chapel passed more quickly than usual.

At the end of our time in the chapel of Charles de

Foucauld we participated in a Mass celebrated by

Rev. Adalbert Morawski, OP. During the Mass,

Father Morawski used a paten and chalice which

were also used by Blesse Charles in his hermitage.

We entrusted our Congregation and each sister to

Blessed Charles de Foucauld.

We know that Tre Fontane is a place to which it is worthwhile to return to renew one‟s

spirit.

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Meeting of the Union of Major Superiors in Italy (USMI)

M. Jana Zawieja

The 58th

Meeting of the Union of Major Superiors in Italy was held from 27 – 29 April,

2011 at the “Urbanianum University” in Rome. Almost four hundred Sisters made up of general

and provincial superiors attended the meeting. Sister Teresita Bronska, Provincial of Good

Shepherd Province accompanied me to the meetings due to the fact that Italy belongs to the

Western European Region.

The theme of the meeting was “New People in Christ – Paths of Community Living”.

During these extraordinarily rich days we listened to a many interesting conferences (e.g. Father

Mark Ivan Rupnik sj, ) and participated in daily Lectio Divina prepared by Sr. Grace Papola, osc

as well as in daily Eucharist. There were also many opportunities for sharing with another on

the old and new forms of community life.

Sister Pieremilia Bertolin, stef, the secretary of USMI presented several statistics related

to consecrated life in Italy. It is worth noting that currently there are 66,116 religious sisters

from 3, 028 institutes of consecrated life. Among these are religious congregations with a long

history and tradition as well as new congregations which have emerged over the past ten years.

Some congregations are local while others are international and missionary. Sister encouraged

us to look at the history of religious life a as an endless journey, a dynamic process. When we

look at some areas we notice a decrease in vocations and the death of some religious orders. In

other areas we see religious life thriving, a growing number of vocations resulting in a new

dynamism within those institutes and an even greater vitality towards the spreading of the

Gospel. New challenges, new questions requiring new courageous responses and initiatives,

will be the outcome of our deep trust and guidance of the Holy Spirit .

The issues of internationality and enculturation of religious communities were discussed

at length. Internationality and enculturation are not the same. On the contrary, Sisters from

international congregations spoke openly about the amount of work that needs to be done in

order to move from the level of internationality (the fact that the sisters come from various

countries) to the level of enculturation.

This necessitates the acceptance of all cultures with all their diversity and richness and

forming one reality for the sake of the common mission of the congregation.

I could share many more thoughts with you, but I will leave it at the few important issues

that related more specifically to our congregation, in our history and along our journey.

A similar type of meeting of USMI has been planned for next year.

“This Beatification is our Mutual Feast!”

Sr. Beata Rudzińska

Describe the beatification of Pope John Paul II? Is that possible? Thousands of articles,

commentaries and „memoirs‟ have already been recorded. Speaking of “memoirs” there are

probably as many of these as the number of participants at the recent celebrations in Rome! OK,

a million people who were at St Peter‟s. Considering all those who participated in the

Beatification Ceremony via various forms of the media there would have been close to two

billion people. However, more importantly, the true experience of this event has been written,

in our hearts. It is for this reason that I decided to add a Nazareth stone from our Generalate to

this beatification mosaic.

Preparations for this long awaited event began on the day that the beatification of Pope

John Paul II was announced. From that very day, phones began to ring, emails arrived

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requesting overnight accommodation at the generalate. We soon became aware of the fact that

on the 1st May, the Duquesne University students would still be occupying their wing of the

building. Needless to say, to participate in the Beatification of John Paul II was for the students

an unexpected surprise, especially since it occurred two days prior to their departure to the

United States. Nevertheless, as it often occurs in Nazareth, where hospitality is a given, we

were still able to offer accommodation to numerous pilgrims since there was no shortage of

mattresses and floor space. Due to the generosity of the Sisters some of our pilgrims who had

travelled from far were even able to rest on a real bed in rooms vacated by them and so felt quite

at home.

Among the many guests were our six joyful Sisters from the USA among whom was

Sister Janice Fulmer who was one of the lucky ones whose name was drawn out of a province

ballot. There were Sisters from both Polish Provinces, Sisters from the Good Shepherd

Province, our two postulants from the USA – Elizabeth and Nicole and even some aspirants who

came as part of a youth group from Warsaw.

The experience of the universality and unity of the Church which we witnessed in St

Peter‟s Square and on the streets of Rome also reverberated at the Generalate where we too

experienced the richness of our internationality and our unifying charism. We were able to

spend time together praying, enjoying meals, catching up with friends and ambling along the

streets of Rome in true „pilgrim‟ style. Our joy was increased when a Coach arrived on the 2nd

May with around fifty exuberant sisters from the Krakow Province. With almost one hundred

Sisters from many parts of the world in one place, I‟m sure you can imagine what this gathering

was like.

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One important aspect connected with the Beatification was the preparation of a

photographic display entitled John Paul II – With the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth

along Life’s Path. The Exhibit was prepared by Sister Agnieszka Wojt and Sister Aleksandra

Krol with the assistance of many sisters and lay people. Mother Jana together with Sister

Teresita officially opened the display, located at the rear of the chapel, on 30th

April.

The exhibition entitled “This Beatification – Our Mutual Feast” consists of a whole

series of photos of Karol Wojtyla, priest, bishop and pope and our Sisters who met him along his

life‟s journey. Among these were Sister Filotea with „Lolek‟ at a Day Care Centre in Wadowice;

Sisters and Students at a school on Warszawska Street in Krakow; as well as at the Final Vows

Ceremony of our Sisters in Krakow where John Paul II was the principal celebrant. Very often

Pope John Paul II praised the work of Sister Bernard Krzeczkowska and Sister Cherubina

Bokota at the “Window of Life” ministry dedicated to the saving of human life, namely that of

newly born babies, a ministry which together with our Sisters he initiated during his term as the

Archbishop of Krakow.

The display then focuses on John Paul‟s service to the entire Church. Included in these

photos are his visit to the Generalate; our home in Loreto; meetings with the various Superior

Generals beginning with Mother Medarda; audiences with General Chapter Delegates; and many

other meetings in Rome with the Sisters from all the provinces as well as photos taken during his

Papal Pilgrimages around the world.

Perhaps the most important and most beautiful part of this exhibit are the sentiments

expressed by Blessed John Paul about our Sisters, our Congregation. The words on the display

boards are quotes from Pope John Paul‟s talk to the Sisters during his visit to the Generalate in

July 1989. (The text is printed in its entirety in “In the Light of Glory” published after the

beatification of our Mother Foundress and our Martyred Sisters in 2001.)

At the opening of the display Sister Aleksandra stated in her address to the sisters and

guests in the chapel, that when a person is hailed as great and becomes popular then everyone

acknowledges him. We, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth have had the privilege of

being acknowledged by John Paul II not only once, but many times. This acknowledgement

was not only by the many times he addressed the Sisters but also through the large number of

Sisters who have written of their own memories and experience of meeting John Paul II. These

have been recorded on the Congregation‟s website and also published in some of the Province

Newsletter. Do make the time to read these personally meaningful „memoirs‟ of the Sisters.

The exhibition will remain in the chapel until the end of August. Perhaps you will have

the chance to view the display in person. You are most welcome to do so!

Celebrations in Haifa

Sr. Helen Tereba

An opportunity to be with our Sisters in Israel is always enjoyable. On Wednesday 18

May, Sister Angela Marie and I boarded the plane for Tel Aviv. Our first stop was Nazareth to

spend time with Sisters Felicyta, Bernadette and Renata, attend a meeting with the Sisters of

Nazareth and visit some of the Holy places in Nazareth and Galilee. After one or two visits to

Nazareth one quickly becomes attached to the prayerful atmosphere in the basilica of the

Annunciation, only a stone‟s throw from our Sisters. This remains a focal point of our stay.

Mary‟s wholehearted “Fiat” seems to echo in the quiet, inviting all who come to pray to listen to

God‟s personal call and challenges to respond generously.

The first of two celebrations for the Sisters of Nazareth who will be leaving Haifa in

August, was held on Saturday 21 May at St Joseph‟s Parish Church, Haifa. The Solemn Mass

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of Thanksgiving was con-celebrated by His Beatitude Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem;

Bishop G.B. Marcuzzo Auxiliary Bishop; Bishop P.N. Sayyah, Maronite Archbishop; the Pastor

of the Parish Father Abdu Abdu together with thirteen priests from both the Latin and Greek

Rites. Sisters Magdalena, Joanna and Christella from our local community in Haifa and Sisters

Bernadette and Renata from Nazareth as well as Sister Angela and I represented our

congregation. The Superior General of the Sisters of Nazareth, Sister Cecile vanRobais together

with her Councillors and Sisters were the special guests at the Mass. Representatives of the

entire School family of teachers, students, alumni and friends came to express their gratitude

for the wonderful service of the Sisters for over 150 years. At the same time it was a fitting

moment to welcome Sisters Magdalena, Joanna and Christella who have been entrusted with

the continuation of the mission of education at the school.

Mass of thanksgiving in St. Joseph’s Parish, Haifa

In her address, Sister Cecile stated: “Yes, the Lord has done great things for us, blessed

be His Name. The Religious of the Congregation of Nazareth have written a few pages of the

story of this country’s Church and today we are glad to be able to pass the torch to Sisters who

share our spirituality, the Sisters of the Holy Family of

Nazareth………… We give you a treasure: men, women and children

who are seeking to grow in a family atmosphere, that of the Holy Family

of Nazareth. With confidence we are sure that you will continue this

mission.”

As a symbolic gesture of the transferring of the mission to us,

Sister Cecile presented Sister Joanna with the cross of the Congregation

of Nazareth.

In reply Sister Joanna Filip responded: “What you are giving us

today is much more than a symbolic picture and written words. You are

entrusting into our hands a community of people with a profound history

of excellent education. We are receiving a family of pupils, teachers,

parents and many generations of graduates. Today, from this place, I

would like to say that we will put all our efforts and abilities to continue

the mission and to keep this family safe and growing the same way that you have done for over

150 years.

The celebration of appreciation, gratitude and farewell continued on the following Friday

27 May in the large Congress Hall in Haifa in the form of a Civic Reception. Among the several

hundred participants which included many special guests were

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Bishop Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo, the mayor of Haifa, Yona Yahav, judges, inspectors, some

priests, religious and many families, graduates and students. The diverse programme

consisting of speeches, presentations, choral items and dances lasted for almost three hours.

Speaking on behalf of Mother Jana, I assured all present that “the Convent of Nazareth

School will always be a School of the Sisters of Nazareth. Our task is to help you write and

guarantee the next chapter of its history. At the Thanksgiving Mass last Saturday, Sister Cecile,

you presented us with the cross of your congregation….a symbol of transferring the

responsibility of your mission in the school to us. Today I present to you an icon of the Holy

Family….a symbol of our common spiritual heritage and mission”.

Needless to say all the speeches of the evening spoke highly of the fine education

provided by the Sisters of Nazareth. Special praise was given to Sister Margaret Byrne who has

been the director of the school for forty years. Sisters Theresa, Helen, and Eid who are

currently working at the school also received many accolades.

As the final speaker of the evening Bishop Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo expressed the

beauty of change as being a form of renewal and continuity which must include communion

and apostolic cooperation. He congratulated both Congregations for the successful transition

accomplished with prudence, patience, gentleness and courage.

Both celebrations reflected the diversity of language, culture, religion and society all of

which contribute to the richness of the community of Haifa. The extensive history of the Sisters

of Nazareth and of the School in Haifa was very evident as we met with and spoke to

grandparents and parents who were students of the school in the past and whose children

continued the family tradition of being currently educated at the school. Many expressed their

sadness at losing the Sisters whom they have come to know and love over so many years.

However, there was a real sense of joy and hope in knowing that the high standards of the school

will be maintained and the spirit of the school will live on under the leadership of Sister Joanna,

with the cooperation and support of the Sisters, teachers and staff.

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A Very Special Appendix

Dear Sisters,

April 26 will mark the 45th

anniversary of the death of the Servant of God, Sr. Małgorzata

Banaś. On this occasion we wish to share with you an article by Sr. Barbara Gromada. Thank

you Sister Barbara for sharing your work with us!

M. Jana Zawieja

IN THE SHADOW OF OUR MARTYRED SISTERS

Sr. Barbara Gromada

The silhouettes of the eleven Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, martyred at

Nowogrodek, who gave their lives for their imprisoned compatriots during World War II, are

well known. According to the artistic impression of A. Styka, they stood before an open grave,

an image soon to become recognized by many for years to come. The entire Church saw this

picture depicting their glorious march to heaven, in St Peter‟s Square on the occasion of their

beatification in 2000.

Significantly less known is the story of the twelfth Sister who,

before the events of that memorable year of 1943, was a member of that

same community. The abrupt separation from her Sisters on that

memorable Saturday afternoon, July 31 surprisingly was never meant to

end. Their reunion took place twenty three years later….but only in

another life….another reality which to us is inaccessible.

Sister Małgorzata remained and remains in the shadows of her

Sisters, who received the great grace of martyrdom. This is not only

verified by her having lived another twenty years, but also by the fact

that all the accounts that describe of the sacrifice made by the eleven

martyrs seldom mention the name of Sister Małgorzata. And yet, for all

those who witnessed the events at Nowogrodek, Sister Małgorzata‟s

name was inextricably linked to the sacrifice of the martyred sisters. Furthermore, she herself

spoke of a continuation of the sacrifice made by the Sisters, but a sacrifice in a different form.

She was the twelfth Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth whose life was completely changed,

but which was connected to the fulfillment of God‟s mission for the local community at the

convent of Christ the King.

The beginnings of the Sisters‟ foundation in Nowogrodek

were difficult. The doubts as whether or not to remain were reflected

in the words of Bishop Z. Łoziński spoken to the first Sisters: Do not

abandon Nowogródek, persevere at your post. This is God’s Will

and mine. Similar words were spoken by Mother Lauretta

Lubowidzka from Rome: It has been decided that you remain. You

are not permitted to leave. This is about the home of Christ the

King. We must fearlessly survive all the difficulties, because great

things are happening there.

It turned out later that those were prophetic words, predicting

its future greatness. The first image of its greatness was the

martyrdom of the eleven Sisters. The second part, and one that

complements it, was the heroic life of Sister Małgorzata Banaś. She

became the heir to the heritage of the martyred Sisters….and of the words spoken by the Bishop

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and the Superior General which she fulfilled to the letter. She did not abandon Nowogrodek.

Her decision was based on the fact that the home of Christ the King was at stake. It was for His

reign that she battled alone for over twenty years, and fearlessly persevered through numerous

difficulties. She was the first to realize, from the very beginning, that on August 1, 1943 great

things happened in Nowogrodek. During her years of ministry, she witnessed to this greatness

by deciding to always remain in its shadow.

On that memorable day, Saturday, July 31, 1943, the Sisters walked to the Police Station

not knowing the reason why they were summoned. Sister Stella surmised that this could be

related to the issuing of passports or, in the worst case, their deportation to do forced labor

which seemed understandable in the context of recent departures from Nowogrodek. At Sister

Stella‟s request, Sister Małgorzata remained at home to take care of the most urgent work, watch

over the church, and assist the chaplain. If it were necessary she would join the community

later. In her characteristically energetic style she began her work. Due to the fast approaching

Forty Hour Devotions in the “Fara” much needed to be done.

However, the prolonged absence of the Sisters gave rise to an ever greater concern and

anxiety for them. But then nobody, not even Traube, head of the German military police, had

any idea of the extent of the tragedy. On the very next day, however, there were some rumors

about a possible shooting of the Sisters. But this seemed unlikely. Only after several days was

the reality of their execution confirmed. Sister Małgorzata heard the news from the Fr.

Zienkiewicz as she prayed on the steps of the altar in the empty church. It was one of the most

painful messages she had ever received.

Sister Małgorzata remained in Nowogrodek alone. Wanted

by the Gestapo as the twelfth nun of the local community, she had

to hide. She managed to take some valuable items from the house

and hide in the basement of the parish church. In this way she

evaded the Germans who parked their car outside the convent

several days later, to plunder the property of the community. As

they were loading the spoils onto the truck, the director of the

hospital in which Sr. Małgorzata worked came by. Seeing Sister

Małgorzata‟s name on the documents lying on top of the pile, he

quietly took them. At the hospital he asked that Sister‟s documents

be placed with those of the dead. A few days later he noticed Sister

along the road and asked her to return to work since the danger had

passed. She went to work, but soon had to leave since the Gestapo

had come to the hospital in search of her.

From this point on, she successfully found lodging not far from the „fara‟ Church which

she looked after. When the immediate danger had passed Sister Małgorzata, accompanied by

some sympathetic women, went in search of the gravesite. From the first moment of finding the

grave, Sister Małgorzata became not only its first guardian but also the first person to initiate

what later became a devotional cult, honoring the Eleven Martyrs. It was from here that her

journey of martyrdom also began. She humbly admitted: I suffered much at the loss of my

family. Not only once did she come close to facing death. She writes: On one occasion I was

driven into the forest and told to get out of the car while a soldier prepared his gun to shoot. I

was fortunate that we were in a dense forest, so I was able to escape.

The village of Nowogrodek became almost totally deserted. Father Zienkiewicz who

was also wanted by the Germans, stopped working in the „Fara‟ Church after less than two

weeks following the death of the Martyred Sisters.

In the beginning, Sister Małgorzata lived in hiding on the outskirts of the town and later

moved to Lithuania. For the first time, Sister Małgorzata was left alone to guard the parish

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church. Perhaps during those incredible days, she felt like an orphan, abandoned, humiliated,

and excluded from the sacrifice of her Sisters. Maybe more than once, deep in her heart, she

asked herself the question, “Why did God spare me? Why did God dictate the events in this

way?”

Although no one could answer these questions, she herself constantly reflected on the

past events until she discovered God‟s Will in them. She recognized then and believed that God

asked a different sacrifice from her. The words spoken by Sister Stella to her on July 31 resulted

in a different mission for her. In the depths of her heart she felt that God fulfilled the desire,

which she bore in her heart from the time of perpetual profession: I desire martyrdom, the spirit

of martyrdom. It seemed to me that it was not enough to place one’s head under an ax, this

only lasts a moment. But the spirit of martyrdom, is a slow agony, and this is what I desire.

From then on, she tried to discern God‟s Plan for her and remained at the parish church.

She also visited the Sisters‟ grave in the woods, and covered it with grass. Perhaps it was here

that the need to continue the Mission of the Sisters in Nowogrodek, so brutally interrupted by

their death, matured within her.

In August of 1944, after a year had passed and life seemed a bit more peaceful, Sister

Małgorzata traveled to Vilno to inform Mother Fides, the local superior there, about the

happenings in Nowogrodek. She also wanted to ask for Sisters who would live and work with

her just as her superiors, Bishop Lozinski and Mother Lauretta, as well as Sister Stella had

formerly requested. Sister Małgorzata returned from Vilno to Nowogrodek accompanied by

Sister Speranza and Sister Veneranda. Later, they were joined by Sister Bernadine. Together,

the foursome undertook their ministry not only in the area of Nowogrodek but also in the

neighboring parish of Wsielubiu where there was no resident priest. Due to the heavy losses of

clergy during the war, resulting in the neglect of religious instruction, the amount of work to be

done was extremely great. A great help to them was Farther Zienkiewicz who returned in

September of 1944. It seemed like this time nothing could prevent them from carrying out their

work.

Meanwhile, changes to Poland‟s eastern

border and ongoing repatriation demanded by the

Polish people, forced many to make decisions

about their future. A large number of people from

Nowogrodek chose to return to Poland. In July

1946, Father Zienkiewicz and the Sisters who lived

with Sister Małgorzata decided to do the same.

Sister Małgorzata remained alone in Nowogrodek

because - as she later wrote - I feel clearly that

God has left me to guard his home and the family

graves. I will not leave until a new family arrives

or I receive instructions from Grandma. These

words were like an echo of the words spoken previously by Bishop Łoziński and Mother

General “ …do not abandon Nowogrodek because this is the Will of God.” And even though

others had left…Sister Małgorzata had no intention of following in their footsteps.

From mid 1946, there were no permanent priests residing in Nowogrodek. The parish

Church of Saint Michael was closed and became a warehouse for storing grain. A few years

later the same fate threatened the „Fara‟ Church.

The Sisters became victims of continual harassment. Deprived of shelter and decent

living conditions, life continued despite adversity. In official documents Sister Małgorzata

appeared as Ludwika Banaś Jakubowna. At first she lived with the Fiodorowicz couple opposite

the Church, and later behind a wall which hid the door to the belfry in the „fara‟ sacristy. Inside

14

the sacristy, several kind parishioners put a stove with which she could heat the room and

prepare a meal. During the long, cold winters, when the temperature outside often dropped

below 30 degrees C, the stove was inadequate to provide sufficient heat. In addition to this, the

low chimney did not allow for the lighting of the fire, or else the direction of the breeze created

thick smoke in the sacristy. In order to get water, one had to go downstairs and then place straw

on top of the icy steps and make one‟s way back to the top. It would be difficult to survive in

such conditions even for a few days, let alone for many years. It is not easy to think about others

in these conditions, how difficult to pray, even difficult to exist, not knowing when it would all

end. So this is how the slow martyrdom, which Sister Małgorzata desired, can be described. It

resembled the Agony of Jesus in the Garden, and Sister Małgorzata placed it all into His hands

Serving daily in the church; keeping constant watch with the Eucharistic Jesus; being

totally stripped bare; complete dedication to God and His people were the hallmarks of her

long life. Sister Małgorzata drew strength from prayer and the Eucharist and from the conscious

presence in her life of the eleven martyrs, whom she constantly asked for help. The journey of a

“white martyrdom” lay along the road of this long struggle with the forces of evil, a journey, that

to others seemed humanly impossible, leading to the glory of heaven,. She wrote: “every

moment was uncertain, the devil has gone crazy, but only he can bring about such suffering.

God looks at the struggling souls and the downfall of many.”

A true guardian of the Tabernacle, she brought the Blessed Sacrament from another

Church, opened the Church as soon as the Soviets made it legally possible and informed all the

people of the arrival of a priest. Moreover, she “stole”, with the consent of her mother, a child to

be baptized during the temporary visit of a priest in the parish. We read about this in a letter of

one of the residents of Nowogrodek, addressed to a high ranking government official

responsible for the structures of the Party in the region.

And all this took place at the cost of self sacrifice. How great was her longing over ten

years for Mass and Holy Communion. The Blessed Sacrament was in its place. Every month I

brought it from neighboring churches. As I knelt, deep grief tore at my heart: God, you are

here, and there is no priest to give you to us. Once or twice a month we were able to attend

Mass, and in the winter, maybe only twice or three times during the whole winter season.

There were other possibilities but I had to remain home so that others could benefit from the

opened church.

She helped the priests, exiled to a camp, by

sending them packages which included dried grapes and

wafers. The Prison guard was suspicious of the Polish

Catholics but did not imagine that, thanks to the

presence of the priest in the prison, Mass could be

celebrated for the people. Years later Sister Małgorzata

wrote: Today, thank God we have a priest who has

returned after some time away, he is even the same

person whom I helped each month for six years.

With the arrival of Father Nowaczyk, Sister Małgorzata was able to attend and enjoy

daily Mass. She then left the sacristy and lived in the house bought for the priest which was right

next to the former convent of the Sisters. She writes: Thanks be to God I am living reasonably

well. There is a lot of work, helping Father and looking after Stella’s house, doing the

Church’s laundry, cooking and cleaning. God gives me the grace and strength I need. I am

sending you a flower from the family’s grave. They wrote back telling me that they are

receiving the graces, and we clearly feel their protection. There were some black clouds, but

slowly they have parted. She was not referring to the atmospheric conditions but recalling a

darkness which had the power to destroy everything that was of God.

15

In 1964, less than two years before her death, Sister

Małgorzata received the much longed for permission from the

Russian authorities to go to Poland. At that time she visited, among

other places, Warsaw, Ostrzeszów, Krakow, Czestochowa, and

Wroclaw. After two months she returned to her Nowogródek and to

her martyred Sisters. Hard work and the daily difficult conditions of

life adversely affected her health. She rapidly developed a lung

disease, which after a short time led to her death.

God was faithful to His bride. Even in the last moments of her

earthly life God fulfilled her desire for a “martyrdom of the spirit”.

She was ill for several months - alone, away from her beloved

[religious] family, experiencing great suffering. On the eve of her

death, she was visited by two priests. Until her last moments, she

retained consciousness and was surrounded by those close to her. She asked for Holy

Communion and that the picture of Our Lady of Czestochowa be hung above her bed. It was as

if she was returning to the beginning of her life when her mother, during her pregnancy offered

her to Our Lady of Czestochowa. In this way, she completed the circular pilgrimage of her life.

She died in the evening of April 26, 1966, the eve of the feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel.

The death of the Servant of God, Sister Małgorzata fulfilled the words spoken years

before by Bishop Z. Łoziński, that God’s will is to remain in Nowogrodek, and the words of

Mother Lauretta that great things will happen here. Indeed, the Sisters persevered in

Nowogrodek to the end and our eyes have seen and continue to see great things. In the shadows

of the aura of the eleven martyred Sisters, the greatness of Sister Małgorzata has grown and

matured.