Blessed Anna Ellmerer

Biography

Blessed Anna Ellmerer, also known as Sister Maria Felicitas, was born on 12 May 1889 in Grafing bei München, Ebersberg, Germany. She led a remarkable life as a member of the Sisters of Saint Elizabeth, dedicating herself to serving God and her community.

Anna Ellmerer joined the Sisters of Saint Elizabeth in 1911, embracing a life of faith, humility, and compassion. Her devotion and commitment were evident from the start, and she made her perpetual profession on 5 July 1923, fully committing herself to the religious life.

As a member of the Sisters of Saint Elizabeth, Blessed Anna served as a teacher in different cities, including Düsseldorf, Germany, and various Polish cities like Wroclaw, Kup, and Nysa. Through her teaching, she sought to uplift and educate her students, imparting not only knowledge but also the values of love and kindness.

However, Blessed Anna's life took a tragic turn near the end of World War II. As Soviet Red Army soldiers attacked the sisters' house in Nysa, she found herself facing immense danger. Amidst the chaos, she displayed immense courage and selflessness. When one of the soldiers tried to drag her outside, she valiantly fought back, defying him and attempting to reach the injured sister superior. In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the soldier responded by fatally shooting her.

Blessed Anna Ellmerer's martyrdom on 24 March 1945 in Nysa, Poland, attests to her unwavering faith and extraordinary bravery. The soldier's act of violence did not quell her spirit or her dedication to her fellow sisters. Even in the face of certain death, she exhibited an unyielding determination to protect and help others.

Following her tragic death, Blessed Anna was buried in the sisters' collective grave in the monastery garden in Nysa. Her final resting place stands as a testament to her sacrifice and serves as a platform for further veneration and remembrance of her remarkable life.

In recognition of her martyrdom and exemplary life, Pope Francis declared Blessed Anna Ellmerer's veneration on 19 June 2021, bestowing upon her the title of Blessed. Then, on 11 June 2022, Pope Francis officially beatified her, highlighting her elevated status within the Catholic Church and inviting the faithful to look to her life as an inspiring example of faith and courage.

Blessed Anna Ellmerer's life serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless individuals. Her unwavering dedication to her faith, her selfless service to others, and her bravery in the face of adversity make her a revered figure within the Catholic tradition. May her memory live on, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps and embrace a life of love, compassion, and fearless devotion to God and humanity.