Blessed Angela Salawa
Blessed
Feast Day: March 12
Birth: September 9, 1881
Death: March 12, 1922
Biography
Blessed Angela Salawa, also known as Aniela Salawa, was born on 9 September 1881 in Siepraw, Malopolskie, Poland. She was the daughter of Salaw Bartlomiej and Ewa Bochenek and was the youngest of ten children in a pious tradesman's family. Angela received only two years of formal education and started working as a domestic at the young age of 12 in nearby homes.
On 27 April 1900, Angela joined the Saint Zita Association, a religious group for maids. Within this church-centered community, she felt a deep sense of belonging and dedicated her free time to serving in her household, local church, and answering her call to religious life. Angela's devotion led her to attend Mass daily and maintain regular contact with the Franciscans.
Unfortunately, due to her poor health, Angela was unable to enter religious life. However, she continued to work as a maid and passionately mentored other young women, guiding them in their faith journeys. Realizing her deep spiritual connection with the Franciscans, Angela became a Franciscan tertiary on 15 March 1912.
During World War I, Angela worked as a nurse in a hospital in Krakow. She generously used her own money and whatever she could beg to provide better food for injured soldiers, reflecting her selfless nature and dedication to alleviating the suffering of others.
In 1917, Angela's health deteriorated completely, and she spent the last five years of her life confined to a small room. Despite her limitations, she relied on the charity of the Saint Zita Association and devoted her time to prayer.
Angela Salawa died on 12 March 1922 in Kraków, Malopolskie, Poland, from natural causes. Her relics were transferred to the Franciscan Chapel of the Lord's Passion on 13 May 1949, where they continue to be venerated.
Recognizing her exemplary virtues, Pope John Paul II declared her venerable on 23 October 1987. Subsequently, on 13 August 1991, Angela Salawa was beatified by Pope John Paul II, acknowledging her sanctity and her inspiring example of holiness.