Blessed Bolesława Maria Lament

Biography

Blessed Boles≈Çawa Maria Lament, also known as Lamenta, was born on July 3, 1862, in Lowicz, Lódzkie, in Poland. She was the eldest of eight children born to Martin Lament and Lucia Cyganowska. Tragically, three of her siblings died in childhood, which deeply scarred young Boles≈Çawa and influenced her future path.

Bolesława initially trained as a seamstress in Warsaw, Poland, and eventually returned to her hometown to open a tailor's shop with her sister Stanislava. However, her life took a significant turn when she joined the Congregation of the Family of Mary in 1884. At that time, the congregation was in hiding due to czarist persecution.

Within the congregation, Bolesława served as both a tailor and a teacher in several of their houses. However, in 1893, just before making her solemn vows, she began questioning her vocation and decided to leave the congregation. Bolesława then returned to her family home and devoted herself to caring for the poor and homeless in Lowicz.

Later, she moved to Warsaw, where she and her sister Maria opened another tailor shop to support themselves. Bolesława became the director of a homeless shelter and dedicated herself to visiting the poor and sick in shelters and their homes. She not only cared for their physical needs but also ensured that they had access to the sacraments and spiritual guidance. Tragically, in 1894, Bolesława's father died during a cholera epidemic, and she became the head of her family.

In 1900, following the death of her seminarian younger brother, Bolesława felt a renewed call to religious life. She moved to Gorczynska Leocadia, where she learned the art of weaving to teach young girls and provide them with opportunities for a better future. This endeavor led her to found the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Family in October 1905.

The goal of this new congregation, which Bolesława served as the first superior, was to promote Christian unity, support the poor, and educate girls about Christian life. In the fall of 1907, the congregation relocated its operation to Saint Petersburg, Russia, and expanded its education work into Finland in 1913.

However, the outbreak of World War I and the subsequent Communist Revolution in 1917 led to the persecution of Christians in Russia. In 1921, Mother Bolesława was forced to return to Poland, leaving behind much of the work the congregation had accomplished in officially atheistic Russia.

Yet, Bolesława continued her dedicated work within the congregation. By the time of her retirement in Bialystok in 1935, the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Family had established 33 houses, including one in Rome, Italy. Even during her retirement, despite her failing health, she opened schools and homes for single women, demonstrating her endless commitment to serving others.

In 1941, Bolesława's health deteriorated significantly, leaving her paralyzed and bedridden. However, she used this time to advise her fellow sisters and devoted herself to prayer for the continuation of their work. Bolesława Maria Lament passed away on January 29, 1946, in Bialystok, Podlaskie, Poland, due to natural causes.

After her death, Bolesława was venerated for her exemplary virtues, and on January 22, 1991, Pope John Paul II declared the decree on her heroic virtues. On June 5, 1991, she was beatified by the same pope. Today, she is remembered as Blessed Bolesława Maria Lament, a selfless servant of God. Her life serves as an inspiration for all believers, emphasizing the importance of caring for the poor and marginalized and dedicating one's life to Christian unity. She is buried in the crypt under the church of Saint Anthony at the convent of Ratowo, Poland.