The Marian Martyrs of Rosica

125 Memoir books that they had kept hidden, and they prayed from them. On the second day of Christmas, we went to visit Fr. Laszewski in Zaszczyryn. His holiday had been lonely, so we would bring him some joy. The trip was long, through the forests. We had to hurry as dusk would fall early. Bundled up as usual because of the bitter cold, we set out with Fr. Czeczott right after lunch. Still, half the way we traveled in splendidly shining moonlight. If we could have forgotten about the war, the sleigh ride would have been wonderful. In the calm of the night we sang. We sang all the carols old and new — it was Christmas. The Father received us with great joy. We sat down to a humble dinner, which was prepared by a Sister. Then we talked about our common work, our troubles, and our joys. The chapel was large and well furnished, but it was terribly cold. It was so cold that the wine froze when used, even at the consecration. It had to be heated with our hands and breath in order to bring it back to a liquid state. Father Laszewski said goodbye to us with regret when we left to go back to Rosica. We still managed to go to Druja with Fr. Czeczott before the end of the year. Most of the way we went along the Dvina, which had been frozen solid for a long time. A few kilometers before Druja, a blizzard began. We could not see more than a few paces ahead. We drove up to the river bank. We lost our way, even though Fr. Czeczott knew this neighborhood well. After half an hour of going back and forth, we found out that we had remained in one place. Finally, we saw a weak light. Then it disappeared. Then we could see it again. We approached it. At last, there was a hut. Our salvation! Father found out where we were. It was only three kilometers away. We reached home quickly, looking like white forest spirits. After the New Year, the superior and the pastor summoned me. “We have to entrust a very delicate mission to you. The Gestapo has issued an order for the arrest of Fr. Miecislaus Bohatkiewicz, the pastor of Dryssa in the Soviet territory. He must be warned. The Belarussian police will hold off for anoth- er two days before they carry out the order. A stranger must go