August 18 In the Archdiocese of Poznań BLESSED SANTIA SZYMKOWIAK, VIRGIN Obligatory memorial Sister Santia (Janina Szymkowiak) was born on 10 July 1910 in Możdżanów in a deeply religious household. Initially, she was educated on Ostrów Wielkopolski and studied French at the Poznań University, preaching fellow students zealously. Since youth she wished to devote her life to God. In 1934 she went to France and, during the pilgrimage to Lourdes, she made up her mind to join the Congregation of the Oblate Sisters of the Sacred Heart at Montluçon. However, pressed by her family, she returned home. In 1936 she joined the Congregation of the Daughters of Our Lady of Sorrow, better known as the Seraphic Sisters. Her seemingly ordinary life hid the extraordinary depth of the unity with God. He desired to become saint and strove for it tirelessly, always ready for sacrifices to compensate for sinners. Difficult war conditions and hard work exhausted her weak health and soon led to incurable disease. Close to dying, she happily made perpetual vows on 6 July 1942. She died in Poznań on 29 August of the same year. Pope John Paul II beatified her on 18 August 2002. Common of Virgins. CONCLUDING PRAYER O God, you made Blessed Santia, who lived imitating the meek and humble Heart of Jesus, unite with you in perfect love, grant that we, following her path, may reach sainthood. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. – Amen. Congregatio de Cultu Divino et Disciplina Sacramentorum. Probatum seu confirmatum, die 16 ianuarii 2003, Prot. 2500/02/L. .