The Marian Martyrs of Rosica

133 Memoir ing after Holy Mass. There had been much talk about the par- tisans, and Oswieja was under their control. One could not go there, although the partisans were not interfering with the administration of priestly services. Had Fr. Anthony been get- ting together with them already at this time? Who knows? We drove through Saria, a former estate of the Lopacinski family. The beautiful gothic chapel stood out, red against the back- ground of the chestnut trees in bloom. Father Anthony took out a pipe. “It is from Harbin,” he said, adding, “Don’t be offended if I smoke. I have permission from my superiors. It’s nerves.” And then without warning, he said, “I often wonder how I would feel if I were told, ‘You will be shot and killed in a moment.’ ” “Why would you wonder since it’s improbable?” I asked. “Well, don’t forget. It’s wartime and our area is being over- run by the partisans,” he replied. I could no longer see the burning candles of the chestnut flowers, the greenery, or the sunshine. Everything disappeared. Only his question was drumming in my ears: “How would I feel if I were told, ‘You will be shot and killed in a moment?’ ” You will cease to live. Would I be afraid? What would I do? Probably nothing. Oh dear, where did my thoughts wander to? Come back to reality, I thought to myself. A few days after Corpus Christi, Father drove me to Leonpol. They were supposed to be waiting for me there with a horse to bring me back to Druja. Father was driving. He did not speak much. He didn’t like to show his feelings. “You are not needed here. Go back and study so that you can replace me. It will be safer there,” he added. We arrived at the Dvina. Father stopped the horse and called the boatman. The boat came. We shook hands. I kissed his. But I could still hear: “How would I feel if I were told ...” Father was concentrated and focused. He was staying on in the “inhuman land” to give himself in sacrifice for the people whom he loved in God. I jumped into the boat. I left the land which would soon become