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Feast Day: March 30
Birth: May 1, 1894
Death: March 1, 30
Blessed Mary Restituta Kafka, also known as Helen Kafka, Helena Kafka, Maria Restituta Kafka, or Sister Restituta, was born on May 1, 1894, in Brno, Czechoslovakia (modern Czech Republic). She was the sixth daughter of a shoemaker and grew up in Vienna, Austria.
During her early years, Mary worked as a sales clerk, but she felt called to serve others in a more profound way. In 1914, she joined the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity (Hartmannschwestern) and took the name Restituta after an early Church martyr. Her dedication and commitment to serving those in need led her to become a nurse.
From 1919 onwards, Restituta served as a surgical nurse for twenty years. Her unwavering faith and compassionate nature garnered her a reputation as a protector of the poor and oppressed. She provided excellent care to her patients and became known for her dedication to their well-being.
When Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany in 1938 after the Anschluss, Restituta became a vocal opponent of the new regime. Her strong Catholic beliefs compelled her to speak out against the oppressive policies and actions of the Nazis. Despite the risks involved, she continued to advocate for justice and stood up against the injustices committed by the Nazis.
In recognition of her unwavering faith, Restituta hung a crucifix in every room of a new hospital wing. However, the Nazis ordered the removal of these crosses, as they sought to impose their ideology on all aspects of society. Refusing to comply with this directive, Restituta firmly stood her ground and continued to display the crucifixes, a symbol of her faith and defiance against Nazi oppression.
As a result, Restituta was arrested by the Gestapo in 1942 on charges of "aiding and abetting the enemy in the betrayal of the fatherland and for plotting high treason." The Nazi leader, Martin Bormann, determined that her execution would serve as "effective intimidation" for other opponents of the Nazis.
During her imprisonment, Restituta selflessly cared for other prisoners, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to help those in need, regardless of their political affiliations. Even the Communist prisoners spoke highly of her, recognizing her genuine concern and kindness.
The Nazis offered Restituta her freedom if she abandoned her religious community, but she chose to remain loyal to her faith and her fellow Franciscan Sisters. Her steadfast refusal to renounce her religious vows ultimately led to her execution.
On March 30, 1943, Blessed Mary Restituta Kafka was beheaded in Vienna, Austria, for her faith and opposition to the Nazi regime. Her martyrdom demonstrated her unwavering commitment to the Gospel values of truth, justice, and charity.
In recognition of her heroic faith and dedication to her beliefs, Pope John Paul II declared her venerable on April 6, 1998, and beatified her on June 21, 1998. Blessed Mary Restituta Kafka serves as an inspiring example of resilience, courage, and selflessness in the face of oppression.