Born in 1896 in the impoverished district of Lodz, Poland, Stanislawa Leszczynska’s life was destined for greatness. Named after Poland’s patron saint and deeply rooted in her faith, she emigrated to Brazil with her family in search of work, only to return just before World War I. As the war broke out, she put her studies on hold to work in the Poor Relief Committee and later married Bronislaw Leszczynski, with whom she had four children.
Driven by her desire to reduce infant mortality in Lodz, Stanislawa pursued a career in obstetrics. After graduating from the Institute for Midwives in Warsaw, she became a renowned midwife, known for her dedication to bringing new life into the world. Her faith in God and love for children guided her work, as she assisted countless women during childbirth and entered the Third Order of St. Francis, living a simple life in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi.
The outbreak of World War II brought turmoil to Stanislawa’s family, with her husband and children joining the Polish resistance against the German occupation. Despite their efforts, the family was eventually discovered, leading to Stanislawa’s arrest along with some of her children. Sent to Auschwitz and later Birkenau, Stanislawa faced unimaginable challenges but managed to use her midwifery skills to save lives, even in the dire conditions of the concentration camp.
Despite the horrors of the camp, Stanislawa’s compassion and bravery shone through as she helped mothers give birth and cared for newborns under the most challenging circumstances. Her actions saved many lives, including that of a baby girl named Ewa, whom she baptized in the camp. After the war, Stanislawa returned to her work as a midwife, eventually sharing her experiences in a memoir titled “No, Never! You Cannot Kill Children.”
Stanislawa’s legacy lives on through her dedication to life and her unwavering faith in the face of adversity. Despite the losses she endured, she continued to serve as a beacon of hope and compassion, inspiring many to cherish the gift of life.
Her selfless actions and unwavering faith have led to the start of her beatification process, with many honoring her memory and seeking her intercession. As we reflect on her life, let us remember Stanislawa Leszczynska as a true hero, a defender of life, and a symbol of hope in the darkest of times.
