Sister Bogumila Jędrzycka
Sister Stanislava was entrusted with the construction of the first houses for the Pauline Fathers and the Pious Disciples in Poland, during the very challenging times of communist rule.
She joined the Pious Disciples on December 23, 1949, at the age of 24. She was the fourth in a group of early sisters who, accepting the conditions of a life of poverty and the sacrifices this entailed, began the post-war history of the Pious Disciples of the Divine Master in Poland.
Due to the difficult political situation in the country, Father Alberione obtained dispensation from the canonical novitiate for her group. Stanislava made her first profession in Czestochowa in 1952 and her perpetual profession in 1957. The name “Bogumila” means a person loved by God. Indeed, we consider her, for her humility and fidelity, a true Pious Disciple “dear” to the Divine Master.
She was particularly skilled in administration and did everything to provide the necessary means of support not only for the sisters but also for the brothers of the Society of Saint Paul. One of the forms of support was the cultivation of vegetables and fruits, which were destined for the communities and also to sell. As times changed, she started working to renovate the houses and thus improve the living conditions of the sisters. Sister Bogumila gained particular practical experience in materials and construction work; and sometimes she could be seen working among the laborers.
She lived the spirit of the Congregation to such an extent that it was said of her: “a true Disciple, so similar to Mother M. Scolastica.” This statement refers especially to her simplicity and humility. In a letter to Mother Lucia Ricci on July 11, 1971, Sister Bogumila writes: “I am very happy that the Divine Master has called me to this Congregation and very grateful to the Superiors. I humbly ask for your prayers for me, that I may become a great saint, and also for all of us, that our community may become ever more numerous and Jesus may find His holy pleasure among us.”
The following is the testimony of Father Slawomir Sznurkowski, one of the first Polish Paulines:
“I met Sister Bogumila in 1975. She was a modest person who smiled at the first contact. It was a sign that she did not create any barriers in her conversations. Above all, she was a person who worked hard. I did not see her focused on trivial things or engaging in useless conversations; she was always involved in her work. At the same time, she was a person full of humility. I did not see her raise her voice with anyone or speak to anyone without respect. Later, I could observe her talent, especially in relation to the construction of what was necessary for the community of Grabówka in Częstochowa (there are two houses side by side: one for the Pious Disciples and one for the Paulines). Every time she was close to the workers working on the construction, supporting them with wise advice, consulting with them. Sometimes, when there was a need for construction materials – and at that time it was very difficult to obtain bricks, cement, and other materials – she courageously went to the store and humbly asked for help to buy them. In the face of the humility of this sister, people who had a negative attitude towards the Church softened and agreed to provide her with what she needed. The most important characteristic of Sister Bogumila’s life was prayer. She often walked around with a rosary in her hand. But her favorite place was often the chapel. There, she spent hours in adoration. And in the evening, when she was already tired from hard work, she went to the chapel and prayed for a long time. Perhaps she spoke with the Lord Jesus about the issues of the building, but I believe they were also conversations of a soul in love with the Eucharistic Jesus. It was contemplation. It was listening to the Divine Master. Sister Bogumila was also very kind to the Paulines. The beginnings were linked to the construction of the house in Grabówka. Father Innocenzo Dante (the superior of the Paulines at that time) entrusted her with the task of practically taking care of everything. Therefore, we as brothers owe her gratitude. For being a model Disciple for us, aware of her role towards us. In this, she was not imposing but gentle, like Mary towards Jesus. Dear Sister Bogumila, thank you for your silent prayers for each of us, for being there for us at the beginning of our presence in Poland, ask Jesus Master that we may have new vocations!”
The sisters, on the other hand, remember that she took care of construction from Monday to Saturday and stayed in the chapel all day on Sunday, talking to the Lord Jesus about all material matters. Sometimes she argued with the contractors, and after a while, they agreed with her. Although she had no training as an architect, she had great intuition and insight! On March 19, 1994, the feast of Saint Joseph, she was admitted to the hospital with bronchitis and pleurisy. Her health progressively deteriorated with heart complications, which became the cause of her death. In full awareness and willingness, she accepted the decline of her health. The sisters who assisted her constantly and were present at the time of her death confirm that they never heard a complaint or a gesture of impatience from her.
She rejoiced in, and was grateful for every small gesture of attention and mercy. She prayed a lot, especially for vocations; when illness prevented her from doing so aloud, she silently followed the prayers of the sisters, but still interceded for the invocations with a clear voice: “O Jesus, eternal Shepherd of our souls…”.
She departed for the Father’s house on April 6, 1994. We believe that she watches over us and grants us light, not only in administrative matters but above all in matters of fidelity to the Divine Master!