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| Saint Adam Hilary, Pray for us! |
Saint Adam Hilary Bernard Chmielowski, also known as Saint Albert Chmielowski, was a Polish religious figure and painter who became known for his deep compassion for the poor and marginalized. He founded the Albertine Brothers and Sisters, religious congregations dedicated to serving the needy. Here's a detailed account of his life:
Early Life:
Adam Chmielowski was born on August 20, 1845, in Igolomia, near KrakΓ³w, Poland. He was born into a noble family with patriotic traditions. His early life was marked by personal and national turmoil, including the death of his parents when he was a child.
Education and Art Career:
Chmielowski was a talented artist and studied painting in Warsaw, Munich, and Paris. He was recognized for his artistic talent, and his works were well received in artistic circles. His most famous painting, "Ecce Homo," depicts the suffering Christ crowned with thorns.
Military Involvement:
In 1863, during the January Uprising against Russian rule, Adam joined the insurgents fighting for Polish independence. He was wounded and captured, and subsequently had his leg amputated. This experience had a profound impact on his faith and perspective on life.
Religious Calling:
Despite his success as an artist, Chmielowski felt a strong call to dedicate his life to God and to serving the poor. He became increasingly involved in charitable work and eventually decided to leave his art career to fully commit to religious life.
Founding the Albertine Brothers and Sisters:
In 1887, Chmielowski founded the Congregation of Albertine Brothers (Brothers of the Third Order of Saint Francis, Servants of the Poor) and later the Albertine Sisters. These congregations were dedicated to providing shelter, food, and care for the homeless and destitute. He took the name Brother Albert upon founding the congregation, emphasizing his commitment to humility and service.
Later Life and Death:
Brother Albert's work had a significant impact on Polish society, particularly in KrakΓ³w, where he established shelters and soup kitchens for the poor. He lived a life of personal austerity, sharing in the hardships of those he served.
Brother Albert Chmielowski died on December 25, 1916, in KrakΓ³w. His selfless dedication to the poor and his deep spiritual life left a lasting legacy.
Beatification and Canonization:
Pope John Paul II, who had a deep personal admiration for Brother Albert, beatified him on June 22, 1983. He was canonized as a saint on November 12, 1989. Saint Albert Chmielowski is celebrated for his compassion, humility, and unwavering commitment to serving the most vulnerable in society.
Feast Day and Legacy:
Saint Albert Chmielowski's feast day is celebrated on June 17th. He is remembered as a patron saint of artists and the poor. His life and work continue to inspire acts of charity and social justice, embodying the Christian call to serve "the least of these" with love and dignity.
Saint Albert's legacy is a testament to the transformative power of faith and charity, demonstrating how one person's dedication to the service of others can profoundly impact society.
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