Mother Blandyna Michniewicz, OSBap, Abbess of Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Monastery in Warsaw, Poland, presented a first-hand account of the tragedy of the war in Ukraine to sisters and guests at the monastery. She shared stories of 20 Polish Benedictine communities’ outreach to refugees of the war in Ukraine. She told those stories through a series of photos taken over the course of the 18-month ongoing crisis during which time they have welcomed families fleeing the war and violence. They also send shipments of humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

Mother Blandyna began her presentation noting that this year marked the 75th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising, an insurrection that took place in Warsaw during World War II when Poles unsuccessfully tried to force the German army out of the city and seize control before it was occupied by the advancing Soviet army. At that time, three Benedictine sisters hid in the basement of a Warsaw church which they made into a safe-haven and a clinic for the wounded. They made a promise that they would give their lives caring for those who were fighting for freedom for Poland. The Nazis bombed the Church and the sisters died serving others.

During the air raids in Ukraine, sisters and those who come to them for safe haven are again hiding in basements of churches and monasteries. Some of the pictures Mother Blandyna shared are of those gathered in these basements as they support each other and try to maintain hope.

The presentation was sponsored by the Alliance for International Monasticism. AIM USA promotes cooperation and solidarity among monasteries throughout the world.

Regina Jaworski, an SBA alumna, served as translator for Mother Blandyna and is seated with her on the stage. View the presentation on the AIM website.