Doesn't she warm your hearts? This is the photo of an extraordinary woman who was buried yesterday in her native Warsaw, Poland. But what made here different from other senior citizens in the late 90s? Well, quite a significant difference! Irena was a Catholic Social worker who saved 2500 children from the Nazi death march. Putting the little ones in suitcases and other boxes, Irena put them in their transportation boxes to freedom. Irena herself was serious injured by Nazi soldiers who had orders to exterminate this lady who did not like being called a hero. Fortunately another person convinced the soldier not to kill her but simply to physically assault her which he did, leaving her with both legs and arms broken. Check the Whispers In the Loggia link to read much more about this woman who was nominated last year for the Nobel Peace Prize. A tribute to this Catholic social worker was that at her burial prayers were offered by a Rabbi. This lady surely made real the message of James' words in today's liturgy's first reading. She did not live by faith alone. Her life of faith rested on the underpinnings of good works and service. She surely might be someone we can offer prayers to for her inspiration in our own efforts to help others.Friday, May 16, 2008
What A Lady! Irena Sendler
Doesn't she warm your hearts? This is the photo of an extraordinary woman who was buried yesterday in her native Warsaw, Poland. But what made here different from other senior citizens in the late 90s? Well, quite a significant difference! Irena was a Catholic Social worker who saved 2500 children from the Nazi death march. Putting the little ones in suitcases and other boxes, Irena put them in their transportation boxes to freedom. Irena herself was serious injured by Nazi soldiers who had orders to exterminate this lady who did not like being called a hero. Fortunately another person convinced the soldier not to kill her but simply to physically assault her which he did, leaving her with both legs and arms broken. Check the Whispers In the Loggia link to read much more about this woman who was nominated last year for the Nobel Peace Prize. A tribute to this Catholic social worker was that at her burial prayers were offered by a Rabbi. This lady surely made real the message of James' words in today's liturgy's first reading. She did not live by faith alone. Her life of faith rested on the underpinnings of good works and service. She surely might be someone we can offer prayers to for her inspiration in our own efforts to help others.
