Pope Leo XIV recently recognized the heroic virtues of Sr. Barbara Stanisława Samulowska, a Polish woman who was one of the two visionaries of Our Lady in Gietrzwald, Poland.
This marks a major step in her cause for beatification and canonization, though a miracle through her intercession still needs to be verified before she can be called “blessed.”
The Marian apparitions at Gietrzwald are the only canonically approved apparitions in Poland and have become a major pilgrimage site.
In 1977, Cardinal Karol Wojtyla (future St. John Paul II), presided at the Mass where the apparitions were approved.
Who was Sr. Barbara?
Barbara Stanisława Samulowska was born on January 21, 1865, in the farming village of Woryty, which is near Gietrzwald. She grew up in a typical Polish farming family and had a deep devotion to Our Lady as a child.
Barbara lived at a difficult time in Poland’s history, when Poland was occupied by the Prussian Empire and Polish culture was being rooted out by a “kulturkampf.”
Our Lady appeared at this time, when Barbara was 12 years old, and gave a reassuring message to the Polish people. The children asked Our Lady, “Will the Church in the Kingdom of Poland be set free?”
Our Lady responded, “Yes, if people pray ardently, then the Church will not be oppressed, and the deserted parishes will receive the priests!”
One of Our Lady’s primary requests was to “Pray the Rosary,” a request that Barbara took to heart and was faithful to for the remainder of her life.
After the apparitions, she joined the Company of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul. Because of the Prussian government, she had to be transferred to Paris and then she went as a missionary to Guatemala, where she spent most of her life.
The official website of the Vincentian Family describes her impact in Guatemala:
During the 54 years she spent there, she tirelessly dedicated herself to various ministries, including education, nursing, and religious formation. She was an inspiring teacher and a spiritual guide for young aspirants to the Company of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul. Her role as director of the novitiate allowed her to share her deep faith and dedication with future generations of Sisters.
She also assisted in rebuilding during a devastating earthquake during 1917-1918.
After a long life of service, she died on December 6, 1950, and her example of exemplary holiness has been an inspiration to all.
