Blessed Sára Salkaházi

Biography

Blessed Sára Salkaházi, also known as Sára Schalkház, was born on May 11, 1899, in Kassa, Hungary (modern Ko≈°ice, Slovakia). She was the second of three children born to Leopold and Klotild Salkahaz, who were hotel owners. Sadly, her father passed away when she was just two years old.

From a young age, Sára demonstrated an independent and strong-willed nature. Her brother described her as a "tomboy" who would eagerly join boys in their games and activities such as tug of war. Despite her adventurous nature, she also developed a deep prayer life and began writing plays during her teenage years.

After completing her education, Sára received a degree and briefly worked as an elementary school teacher. However, she eventually decided to pursue a career as a bookbinder. During this time, she continued her passion for writing and became actively involved in the Hungarian literary world.

Sára's life took a significant turn when she realized a call to a different path. Despite being engaged to be married, she broke off the engagement and joined the Sisters of Social Service in 1929. She made her vows the following year and began working at the Catholic Charities Office in Kosice, Slovakia.

In her role at the Catholic Charities Office, Sára supervised various charity efforts, taught religion, and gave lectures. She also continued her writing endeavors and actively contributed to the Hungarian literary scene. Additionally, she organized groups of lay women to assist with the Church's social work and played a vital role in establishing the national Catholic Women's Association.

Sára's dedication to her work often pushed her to the point of exhaustion, which concerned her superiors. As a result, they refused to allow her to take her final vows. However, Sára chose to live the rest of her life with self-imposed restrictions, adhering to the principles and values of religious vows.

In 1941, Sára was appointed as the national director of the Hungarian Catholic Working Women's Movement, which boasted approximately 10,000 members across the country. She also took on the role of editor for its magazine. Known for her courageous spirit, Sára wrote against Nazism and actively participated in social work to aid the poor and displaced.

During this time, she founded hostels that provided safe housing for working single women, as well as hiding places for Jews and others sought by the Nazis. Sára also established vocational schools, leadership classes for working lay people, and retreat centers to support and empower individuals.

Tragically, on December 27, 1944, during the height of World War II, Sára's selfless actions led to her untimely demise. Nazis surrounded the Working Women's Hostel in Budapest, Hungary, hoping to find Jews. Upon Sára's arrival, she introduced herself as the person in charge. Consequently, she and five others were captured, stripped naked, and brutally murdered by the Nazis. It is estimated that the Sisters she had organized were able to save over 1,000 people.

On April 28, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI venerated Sára Salkaházi, recognizing her holiness and profound sacrifice. Several months later, on September 17, 2006, she was officially beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in Budapest, Hungary. Sára became the first non-aristocratic Hungarian to receive this honor.

Blessed Sára Salkaházi's life serves as a testament to her unwavering dedication to helping others, her commitment to social justice, and her courage in the face of extreme danger. Her selflessness and ultimate sacrifice continue to inspire and remind us of the power of love, compassion, and faith in times of adversity.