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| Saint Raphael Kalinowski | |
| Saint Raphael of Saint Joseph (Kalinowski) was born at Vilna of Polish stock, September 1, 1835, and died at Wadowice November 15, 1907. Qualifying as an engineer at the Military Academy of Petersburg, he was assigned to the fortress of Brest Litowski and quickly promoted to the highest ranks of the Russian Army. | |
| Despite a wish to leave military life, he took part in the insurrection to save Poland from Czarist occupation, accepting the post of War Minister at Vilna. Arrested and condemned to forced labour in Siberia (1864), he was freed in 1874, and became tutor in Paris of Prince Augustus Czartoryski. In 1877 he entered the Carmelite Order. | |
| Ordained a priest in 1882, he was particularly dedicated to the confessional and spiritual direction. Filled with ecumenical zeal, he worked ardently for Church unity. Deeply devoted to Our Lady, he gave new life in Poland to the Order of Discalced Carmelites. On June 22, 1983, he was solemnly beatified at Cracow by Pope John Paul ll, who canonized him at Rome November 17, 1991 | |
