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Feast Day: April 20
Birth: July 9, 1882
Death: May 20, 1942
Blessed Anastazy Jakub Pankiewicz, also known as Blessed Anastazy Pankiewicz, was born on 9 July 1882 in Nagórzany, Podkarpackie, Poland. He joined the Franciscan Order in 1900 and made his solemn profession on 24 February 1904. He was ordained as a priest in 1906, dedicating his life to the service of God and his fellow human beings.
One of Blessed Anastazy's notable achievements was the construction of a seminary in Lotz, Poland. This seminary became a center for the formation of future priests, playing a significant role in the spiritual and educational development of many individuals pursuing religious vocations.
Additionally, Blessed Anastazy founded the Antonian Sisters of Christ the King, a religious congregation of women dedicated to living a life of prayer, service, and devotion to Christ. Through this foundation, he aimed to provide spiritual guidance and support to those seeking a deeper relationship with God.
Tragically, in the midst of World War II, Blessed Anastazy fell victim to the Nazi persecutions of the Church. On 10 October 1941, he was arrested and eventually sent to the Dachau concentration camp in Oberbayern, Germany. Despite the extreme hardships and suffering endured in the camp, Blessed Anastazy maintained his unwavering faith and devotion to God.
Regrettably, on 20 May 1942, Blessed Anastazy met an untimely death while being transported on the road from Dachau. His body was burned, and his ashes were scattered, denying him a proper burial. However, his martyrdom in defense of his faith and his relentless dedication to Christ left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church.
Recognizing his exceptional holiness and the ultimate sacrifice he made, Pope John Paul II beatified Blessed Anastazy Jakub Pankiewicz on 13 June 1999, in a solemn ceremony held in Warsaw, Poland. His feast day is celebrated on 20 April, and on some calendars, it is also observed on 20 May. Additionally, he is honored on 12 June as one of the 108 Martyrs of World War II.
Blessed Anastazy Jakub Pankiewicz's life serves as a testament to the power of faith and the strength of conviction even in the face of extreme adversity. His dedication to the Franciscan Order, the establishment of the seminary, and the foundation of the Antonian Sisters of Christ the King continue to inspire countless individuals in their spiritual journey, seeking to emulate his unwavering love for God and humanity.