Maria Franciszka Siedliska | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 12 November 1842 Roszkowa Wola, Rzeczyca, Congress Poland |
| Died | November 21, 1902 (aged 60) Rome, Kingdom of Italy |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 23 April 1989, Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City by Pope John Paul II |
| Feast | 21 November |
| Attributes | Religious habit |
| Patronage | |
Maria Franciszka Siedliska (12 November 1842 – 21 November 1902), also known by her religious name Maria of Jesus the Good Shepherd, was a Polish Roman Catholic professed religious and the founder of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth.[1] In childhood Siedliska was indifferent to her faith but after a local priest had converted her she became aware of a call to the religious life which her parents opposed. However the death of her father in 1870 enabled her to pursue her vocation. In 1873 she decided to found a religious congregation that received the blessing of Pope Pius IX before being established during Advent in 1875.[2] Siedliska expanded her congregation from Rome to her native Poland and elsewhere, including Great Britain, France and the USA where she visited during her extensive travels.[3][4]
The beatification process for the late nun opened in 1941 under Pope Pius XII. She was declared a Servant of God, then confirmed as having led a life of heroic virtue. She was named Venerable on 29 April 1980 and in 1989 Pope John Paul II beatified her.
- ^ "Blessed Maria Franciszka Siedliska". Saints SQPN. 19 November 2015. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
- ^ "Honor our Foundress on her feast day". Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. 21 November 2016. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
- ^ "Blessed Franciszka Siedliska". Santi e Beati. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
- ^ "Recognition Of A Life Well Lived". Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Retrieved 10 December 2016.