Krzysztof Bronk – Vatican
Third anniversary of beatification
Today marks the third anniversary of the beatification of Józef and Wiktoria Ulma and their seven children. The tomb of the Polish martyrs continues to attract many pilgrims. They arrive both individually and in organized groups. The most moving sight is that of entire families—parents together with their children—kneeling in silence before the relics of the Ulmas, says Fr. Chowaniec.
Families pray at their tomb for a life in holiness
Although 82 years have passed since the martyrdom of the family from Markowa, they are still seen as saints of our times. Of course, they lived in a difficult situation, but their daily life was similar to that of any other family. Therefore, their example is appealing, encouraging spouses and families to entrust themselves to God and ask for the gift of a shared life in holiness, recounts the custodian of the relics of the martyrs from Markowa.
Intercessors in family matters
A testimony to what the pilgrims experience are the intentions they leave at the tomb of the Ulmas, which are presented to God in communal prayer every seventh day of the month. The liturgical memorial of the Markowa family falls on July 7, the anniversary of Józef and Wiktoria’s wedding. As Fr. Chowaniec adds, from these requests and thanksgivings for received graces, one can read that they are perceived primarily as intercessors in family matters.
Pro-life pilgrims from America
The cause of the protection of life is also entrusted to the intercession of the Ulmas. There are many pro-life groups, especially from North America, who make a pilgrimage to Markowa to pray for unborn children through the intercession of this blessed family.
A model of everyday holiness
Fr. Chowaniec admits that the martyrs of Markowa are gaining more and more recognition. Everyone knows their heroic act, knowing that they welcomed eight endangered Jews into their home, aware that they were risking their own lives by doing so.
However, their attitude was not accidental. It was the fruit of fidelity to God, His Word, and His commandments, cultivated over many years. The Ulmas shaped their holiness in the everyday, reminds Fr. Chowaniec.
