Congregation of St. Michael the Archangel

Congregation of St. Michael the Archangel –  Sister Hanna Beatrycze, C.S.M.A.                                                                            Congregatio Sancti Michaëlis Archangeli                                                                                                                       “Michaelite Sister”                                                                                                   Mottoes:  “Who is like God?” and  “Work and Temperance”

Founders:  Blessed Father Bronisław Markiewicz, S.D.B.                                                                                           Servant of God, Mother Anna Kaworek

Place:  Miejsce Piastowe, Poland ( near Krosno )

Year:  1897 A.D.

Her Charism:  Love, humility, and self-sacrifice are the trademarks of this angelic Congregation.  As a member, this Sister crucifies her flesh with its passions and desires, and is a messenger (angel) of a loving God who spreads devotion to St. Michael and the Holy Angels.  The Michaelite spirituality is Inspired by the work of St. John Bosco and devotion to St. Michael the Archangel – focusing on defending the Faith and serving the Church universal.  It is a union of the contemplative attitude toward God and pastoral charity for the “little ones” (anawims) of society for whom she offers both material and spiritual sustenance for life.   Rooted also in the Salesian spirit, this Sister’s life is defined and built by two “pillars”:  “Who is like God?” (meaning St. Michael – protector against evil and warrior of justice) and “Temperance and Work” (meaning self-sacrifice and diligence in prayer, Adoration, and fighting for souls).  Following the Divine Voice, her vision is to plant godliness in human beings by bringing God’s Word to people whose courage and intent for self-denial need to be strengthened.  She tries to teach prudence, persistence, and integrity in work and the value and beauty of a life in which God is most important.  This Sister is dedicated to the holistic education, catechesis, care, protection, and evangelization of neglected and abandoned youth for the sake of God’s glory and the salvation of precious souls.  The Son of God is always walking before her lighting her path at every turn.                                                                     ☩ Each piece of her holy habit (wedding garment as a Spouse of Christ) has a special meaning.  The black tunic is her renunciation of the world  – dying to the world – and penance for one’s sins.  It is a humble garment for the poor she serves.  The veil symbolizes her “veiled” and “hidden” life in God with her chastity and beauty reserved for her Divine Spouse, Jesus.  The white collar symbolizes her purity of heart and the innocence she restores in the minds and hearts of the children in her care.  The black belt symbolizes her girding for spiritual battle and obedience to God’s Will. ☩