Today, September 4, is the memorial of Blessed Maria Stella and Companion Martyrs of Nowogródek.
The Nazi terror in Nowogródek began with the 1942 extermination of the Jews. The Sisters, who come from the Congregation of the Holy Family of Nazareth, unanimously expressed their desire to offer their lives in sacrifice for the imprisoned.
Sister Maria Stella, the Superior, said, “My God, if sacrifice of life is needed, accept it from us and spare those who have families. We are even praying for this intention.”
When the life of Father Aleksander Zienkiewicz was threatened, the Sisters renewed their offer, saying, “There is a greater need for a priest on this earth than for us.”
Without warning or provocation, on July 31, 1943, 11 of the sisters were imprisoned, loaded into a van, and driven beyond the town limits.
The 11 nuns were shot to death in 1943 in the woods, and thrown in a common grave.
Sisters Stella Mardosewicz, Imelda Zak, Kanizja Mackiewicz, Rajmunda Kukolowicz, Daniela Jozwik, Kanuta Chrobot, Sergia Rapiej, Gwidona Cierpka, Felicyta Borowik, Heliodora Matuszewska, and Boromea Narmontowicz were beatified in 2000 by Pope Saint John Paul II.