80 years after Auschwitz’s release: remembering Catholic martyrs

On January 27, on the 80th Anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation, the Nazi concentration camp in Poland, Catholics around the world remembered the holy men and women who witnessed faith, hope and love in one of one of The darkest chapters in the history of humanity.

The legacy of holiness of Auschwitz’s martyrs remains a source of inspiration for Catholics worldwide. Next, some of these martyrs and their stories are presented, organized by religious orders:

Order of the Barefoot Carmelites (OCD)

St. Teresa Benedict of the Cross (1891–1942)also known as Edith Stein, was a conversation to Catholicism of Jewish origin. He died in a Auschwitz gas chamber the same day of his arrival in the field. This German philosopher was canonized on October 11, 1998 and proclaimed Copatrona from Europe in 1999 by San Juan Pablo II.

Sister Rosa Stein (1883–1942)following the example of his younger sister, Santa Teresa Benedicta de la Cruz, he became Catholicism and joined the barefoot Carmelites. Both sisters were arrested in a Carmelite monastery in the Netherlands on August 2, 1942. They arrived in Auschwitz a week later, on August 9, where they died together.

Order of Conventuals Friars (OFM)

San Maximiliano Kolbe (1894–1941) It is one of the best -known Franciscan martyrs of the twentieth century. He was canonized on October 10, 1982 by San Juan Pablo II, after offering his life so that a prisoner, husband and father could live. He was executed by lethal injection after suffering starvation and was cremated on the day of the assumption of Mary, on August 15.

Other Conventual Franciscan martyrs who physically and spiritually minister in Auschwitz include:

Padre Jan Antonin Bajewski (1915–1941)known for his piety and goodness as confessor.

Padre Ludwik Pius Bartosik (1909–1941)Assistant to San Maximiliano Kolbe, highlighted for his strength in suffering.

Hermano Stanisław Tymoteusz Trojanowski (1908–1942)who lived according to his motto: “At any time and place, to freely accept God’s will.”

Hermano Piotr Bonifacy Żukowski (1913–1942)known for his faith and goodness, died of pneumonia after months of forced labor in Auschwitz.

Franciscan friars (OFM CAP)

Hermano Symforian Ducki (1888–1942)known for his spiritual simplicity, was brutally killed in Auschwitz on April 11, 1942. He got up with effort to bless those who beat and comfort others before he died.

Padre Anicet Koplini (1875–1941)German priest recognized for his holiness in Warsaw, died in a gas chamber on October 16, 1941. He transformed his suffering into prayer, saying: “We must drink this cup of bitterness until the end.”

Congregation of San Miguel Arcángel (CSMA)

Padre Wojciech Nierychlewski (1903–1942)known for his zeal and talent as an educator, worked in several publications before being sent to Auschwitz. His deep faith helped him prepare for his martyrdom in 1942.

Catholic Apostolate Society (SAC)

Beato Józef Jankowski (1910–1941)Palotino priest, helped war refugees providing food and refuge. He was tortured in Auschwitz and died on October 16, 1941.

Don Bosco Salesians (SDB)

Five Salesians Killed in Auschwitz they have been recognized as servants of God: Father Włodzimierz Szembek (1883–1942), Father Franciszek Harazim (1885–1941), Father Jan świerc (1877–1941), Father Ignacy Dobiasz (1880–1941) and Father Kazimierz Wojciechowski (1904–1941).

Padre Józef Kowalski (1911–1942) He was killed on July 4, 1942 for refusing to trample his rosary. He wrote in his diary: “Oh, my dear Jesus, give me the will to persevere, firm, strong, so that I can fulfill my holy purposes … I must be a saint!”

Sisters Servant of the Lord

Sister Katarzyna Cestyna Faron (1913–1944) He died on Easter Sunday, on April 9, 1944, offering his life for the conversion of a priest, who later returned to the Church.

Ursulins of the Roman Union (OSU)

Herman Maria Klemensa Staszewska (1890–1943)superior of a monastery, died of typhus on July 27, 1943 in Auschwitz as the Magnificat prayed.

Diocesan priests of Poland

Padre Piotr Edward Dankowski (1908–1942)Vicar in Zakopane, helped refugees during the Nazi occupation. He died on Good Friday, April 3, 1942, saying: “See you in heaven!”

Beato Bolesław Strzelecki (1896–1941) He was known as the “San Francisco de Radom” for his generosity and faith. He died on May 2, 1941.

Padre Kazimierz Sykulski (1882–1942) He died shot on December 1, 1941, saying: “If God asks me for this sacrifice, I offer it for the good of the Church and the homeland.”

Father Roman SITKO (1880–1942)Rector of a seminar, he was arrested for continuing to form theology students. He died on October 17, 1942 in Auschwitz.

Translated and adapted by ACI Press. Originally published in CNA.