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The Sisters’ temporary home was the original home of Adam Mickiewicz, considered Poland’s greatest poet. Once in their own facilities, the Sisters began to establish a residence for young women from the rural areas who sought higher education and a primary school (initially grades one to three, then gradually the upper levels). They also conducted craft classes for young women, allowing [people from] every subculture to intermingle. By the outbreak of World War II, all the original Sisters had been replaced by other Sisters who continued to unite the people through their services. Bishop Lozinski, who had invited the Congregation, entrusted the ancient church (fondly referred to as “Fara” by the people) to the care of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Historical events, including the marriage of the nobility and the baptism of Adam Mickiewicz, were significant for the parishioners. Because this church, known as the Church of the Transfiguration, was in need of extensive repairs, the Sisters spearheaded that task. To this day, the Sisters maintain the church. Even after the [execution] of the Sisters and the flight of the priest, the one surviving religious, Sr. Malgorzata [Banas], continued to pray with the parishioners. Over time, bit-by-bit information has allowed us to piece together an overview of the events. Before the Nazi penetration of eastern Poland, the Russian forces had occupied the land. When the German troops arrived, their overwhelming power was felt immediately. Priests and partisan fighters were dealt with ruthlessly by the Gestapo. When Traub, the German commander of the local forces, was away, the Gestapo arrested 120 townsfolk, mainly fathers of families, with the intent of executing them. Like Moses, who always resorted to prayer when faced with momentous decisions, Sr. Stella and the Sisters sought guidance in prayer on learning of this situation. Meeting with Fr. Zienkiewicz, Sr. Stella informed him that the Sisters resolved that if a sacrifice of life was necessary, they were willing to offer themselves to God in place of those condemned to death. 6
Several of the Sisters walking in the Corpus Christi procession in Nowogródek. Stained glass from Nazareth Academy Grade School in Philadelphia depicting the Nowogródek Martyrs at work. Upon the return of Commander Traub, who had no prior knowledge of the Gestapo’s orders, he contacted his superior officers. He commuted the sentence of the previously arrested townsfolk, where some were sent to work in forced labor camps and a few returned to their families. Shortly after that time, the Sisters learned Fr. Alexander Zienkiewicz’s name was on the Gestapo’s new list. Believing the ministry of the priest was vital to the community, Sr. Stella informed the priest, “You, Father, are more important than we, so we are now asking God that if further sacrifice is needed, to take us rather than you.” Fr. Alexander and the [original] 120 [condemned] all survived the war. It is they, together with their families, who want the world to know the Sisters’ story. On July 31, 1943, a German dressed as a civilian approached Sr. Stella and ordered her to report to German headquarters with her Sisters at 7:30 p.m. As usual, the Sisters prayed with the people that evening and then proceeded to their assigned destination. On the way, they met Sr. Malgorzata, who wanted to go with them. Since Sr. Malgorzata was dressed in lay clothes for her work as a nurse in the local hospital, Sr. Stella instructed her to go home and look after the priest and the church until at least some of the Sisters returned. She believed the Nazis did not have an exact count of the Sisters. That encounter was the last time Sr. Malgorzata met the Sisters alive. Based on sources Sr. Malgorzata and Fr. Alexander happened upon over time, they pieced the facts together. Srs. Stella Mardosewicz, Imelda Zak, Kanizja Mackiewicz, Rajmunda Kukolowicz, Daniela Jozwik, Kanuta Chrobot, Sergia Rapiej, Gwidona Cierpka, Felicyta Borowik, Heliodora Matuszewska, and Boromea Narmontowicz were interrogated by the Gestapo. Growing up in a former Prussian sector of the divided Poland, Srs. Gwidona and Heliodora were educated in schools conducted in the German language. Consequently, they were the spokespersons for the Sisters. Those who overheard the interrogation commented on the contrast between the bellowing harshness of the Gestapo and the gentle, subdued responses of the Sisters. After 9 p.m., they were escorted to a waiting vehicle and driven beyond Nowogródek’s limits into the rural area. However, there was so much activity on the farms because it was still light out that they were obliged to return to the administration building. NAZARETH CONNECTIONS //SPRING <strong>2023</strong> 7
Page 1 and 2: SISTERS OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF NAZAR
Page 3 and 4: Contents VOCATION JUBILARIANS VOLUM
Page 5: MISSION 80 Years Later, THE BLESSED
Page 9 and 10: Prayer through the intercession of
Page 11 and 12: One day, I was told by the Sister i
Page 13 and 14: Sr. Barbara Frances Samp | Diamond
Page 15 and 16: Sr. Mary Annette Gailey, CSFN | Sil
Page 17 and 18: Sister Jeanette Lawlor Sr. Jeannett
Page 19 and 20: We Invite You to Participate in Our

NC - 2023 - Spring

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