Błogosławiona Elżbieta Róża Czacka (1876-1961) – niewidoma Matka niewidomych

Abstrakt

BLESSED ELŻBIETA RÓŻA CZACKA (1876-1961) – A BLIND MOTHER OF THE BLINDS

Elżbieta Róża Czacka (1876-1961) was a member of a family with rich patriotic, social and charity traditions. After she lost her eyesight in her early youth, she devoted her life to work for the blind combined with a religious vocation. Officially, in 1911, thanks to her initiative, the Society for the Care of the Blind (TOnO) was established as the first organization that became the beginning of the so-called Opus of Laski. In 1915, she headed the congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of the Cross (Sorores Franciscanes Ancillae Crucis – FSK), which was the first female religious congregation created after Poland regained independence.
This article aims to introduce the person of Mother Czacka, who, despite suffering and diseases, devoted her life to the implementation and development of typhlology in Poland. Recognition of her activities combining the religious and charity spheres was achieved by proclaiming her blessed to the Catholic Church in 2021. To show the topicality of the activities it promotes, the activities of TOnO, as one of the institutions established by it, were also presented.
The works initiated by Róża Czacka can not be considered in isolation. Despite the secular nature of the TOnO board and the religious nature of the religious community, they were based on Christian care and Catholic principles of helping weaker people.