Sister of St. Catherine, Virgin and Martyr

Sister of St. Catherine, Virgin and Martyr –  Sister Abigail Helene of the Trinity, C.S.C. Congregatio Sororum Sanctae Catharinae Virginis et Martyris

Motto:  “As God Wants”  

☩ one of the first apostolic female Orders that did not restrict her to being cloistered, allowing her to leave the convent to serve the community ☩

Foundress:  Blessed Regina Protmann

Place:  Braunsberg, East Prussia; now Braniewo, Poland

Year:  1571 A.D.

Her Charism:  This Sister’s possesses a great pioneer spirit. Her guiding principle is clear: do not flee from the world, but engage it constantly, placing service to the sick and needy above rigid formalities. In this way, she brings God’s love to the seeking and the suffering through both active service to the poor, sick, and uneducated and through intense contemplative prayer and unconditional love for God.  By praying in the truth without ceasing, and serving others through apostolic action and charity, she does God’s Will with joy and readiness.  She balances a “living relationship” with Jesus (her Spouse) with practical service to the poor under the banner of radical poverty and a commitment to following Christ through trust in Divine Providence- most especially in troubled times.  The pillars of her charism are:  a life and mission rooted in radical openness to the Divine Will of God, seeking to serve Christ, Lord and Spouse, “with diligence according to His Divine Counsel.”  As a pioneer in social welfare, she serves the sick in their homes and provides relief for the afflicted, seeing it a a “sacred duty.”  She is extremely dedicated to the education of women, viewing this as acritical form of service to society and the Church.  Her spirituality and fearless commitment to serving the “Christ” in others “prepares the ground for compassionate action” making one capable of shaping history according to God’s Plan.  This Sister is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria (Egypt), a 4th Century martyr, a great intellect, and the patron of teachers and students,  From her example, this Sister too adores Christ in daily life and her own martyrdom (witness) is marked by the immensity of her intense love. She brings the Gospel to daily life and calls us to forgiveness and conversion. ☩ 15 Nuns from this Congregation, were beatified in 2025. They were recognized as martyrs killed by Soviet troops (Red Army) in 1945 during World War II. With profound humility and patience, these Sisters, led by Sister Cristofora (Krzysztofa) Klomfass, chose to stay and care for the sick and the orphans rather than flee the Army and died defending their faith, purity, and dignity. They were subjected to torture, rape, abuse, and beatings for defending their vows. Despite the unimaginable violence they faced, their lives were the ultimate fulfillment of living “as God wants.” ☩