Saint Zygmunt Gorazdowski

Saint Zygmunt Gorazdowski, also known as Zigmund Horazdowski, was a Roman Catholic saint who lived in an area predominantly Greek Catholic. He was born on November 1, 1845, in Sanok, Podkarpackie, Poland. From a young age, Zygmunt suffered from respiratory problems, which remained with him throughout his life. After studying law for two years, Zygmunt felt a calling to dedicate his life to the service of God. He decided to abandon his legal studies and entered the seminary at Lviv, Ukraine. In 1871, he was ordained as a priest and appointed as the senior priest of the parish of Saint Nicholas in Lviv. Saint Zygmunt showed great compassion and a desire to improve the lives of the less fortunate. He dedicated himself to serving the poor, hungry, and homeless in his community. He founded The Affordable Public House and The House for Workers, which provided shelters for those in need. Recognizing the importance of education, he also built a dormitory for poor students of a teacher's college, ensuring they had a conducive environment for their studies. One of Saint Zygmunt's most significant achievements was the establishment of The House of the Child Jesus. This shelter focused on providing care for abandoned children and single mothers and their children. Recognizing the need for support and assistance, he also founded a convent for the Sisters of Mercy of Saint Joseph in 1884. These sisters worked in the various organizations Saint Zygmunt set up, including the shelters and boarding schools, as well as providing care for the aged and sick. Throughout his life, Saint Zygmunt Gorazdowski also dedicated himself to writing, particularly catechisms and other educational works. His writings aimed to educate and inspire others in their faith. Today, the Sisters of Mercy of Saint Joseph continue Saint Zygmunt's work not just in Poland but also in France, Germany, Italy, Brazil, Congo, and Cameroon. Their mission is to carry on the compassionate and selfless work started by Saint Zygmunt, providing care and support to those in need. Saint Zygmunt Gorazdowski was venerated on December 20, 1999, by Pope John Paul II, who declared his heroic virtues. He was beatified on June 26, 2001, by Pope John Paul II in Ukraine. Finally, on October 23, 2005, he was canonized as a saint by Pope Benedict XVI in Rome, Italy. Although he is not associated with a specific patronage, Saint Zygmunt Gorazdowski's life serves as a shining example of selflessness, dedication to the poor and vulnerable, and unwavering devotion to God. His legacy continues to inspire countless individuals around the world to follow in his footsteps and make a difference in the lives of those in need.