Vatican Beatifies Polish Family Executed by Nazis for Sheltering Jews
AMSTERDAM – In a historic ceremony held in southeastern Poland, the Vatican has beatified the entire Ulma family, a Polish family of nine who were executed by the Nazis during World War II for their courageous acts of sheltering Jews. Led by papal envoy Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, the beatification ceremony took place in the village of Markowa and marks the first time an entire family has been beatified.
The Ulmas, described by Pope Francis as a “ray of light in the darkness” of the war, are now recognized as a model for everyone in “doing good and in the service of those in need.” The family, including farmer and Catholic activist Jozef Ulma, his wife Wiktoria, and their six children, were killed by German Nazi troops and Nazi-controlled local police in 1944, allegedly after being betrayed for hiding Jews.
One unique aspect of the beatification is the inclusion of the unborn child of Wiktoria Ulma. The child, who had not been baptized, posed a dilemma for the Catholic Church, as baptism is a requirement for beatification. However, the church declared the child a martyr, as it was born during the killings and received “baptism by blood” from its mother.
The beatification ceremony garnered significant attention, with Polish President Andrzej Duda, ruling party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, and Poland’s chief rabbi, Michael Schudrich, all in attendance. The event serves as a reminder of the bravery of thousands of Poles who risked their lives to help Jews during the war.
Poland, being the first country invaded by Nazi Germany, suffered greatly during World War II, with approximately 6 million citizens losing their lives, half of whom were Jews. The beatification of the Ulma family raises theological concepts about saints and martyrs within the Catholic Church and holds implications for the anti-abortion movement.
The Ulmas’ beatification sends a powerful message of compassion and courage. Their story serves as a symbol of the heroic efforts made by ordinary people during the dark days of the Holocaust. As their sacrifice is recognized by the Vatican, the legacy of the Ulma family will continue to inspire future generations to stand up for what is right and offer refuge to those in need.
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