Sister Maria Antonina Kratochwil was beatified in the group of 108 martyrs of World War II by Pope John Paul II, in Warsaw, on June 13, 1999. The feast of the 108 martyrs including Bl. Antonina is celebrated on June 12 each year.
Blessed Maria Antonina Kratochwil and the other School Sisters of Notre Dame who were martyred during World War II are patrons of Shalom, which is our International Network for Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation. These women religious lived and died because of their faith. Some “disappeared,” some were raped, others were beaten and shot. Today we School Sisters of Notre Dame recognize the significant relationship between their lives and deaths, and all that living Shalom calls us to: to risk all in faith for a more just and truly human world.
They inspire in us a renewed commitment to live Shalom, promote a culture of life, and address the injustices in the world today. With Blessed Antonina we listen to the cries of all creation and we respond in solidarity.
The novena to Blessed M. Antonina, patron of Shalom, begins June 3 and concludes June 11.
Click here to pray the novena each day or find a printable pdf booklet.
Learn about Blessed M. Antonina’s life in the About section, in History, or click here.
