The Marian Martyrs of Rosica

60 The Marian Martyrs of Rosica pencils. They made tassels from yellow or orange thread. The girls even donated their own little silk shawls, hats, and blous- es. They unravelled them, and then they dyed the thread an appropriate color and embroidered delicate items with it, such as tabernacle covers or humeral veils. Moreover, the Sisters organized groups of little girls to strew flowers during processions, and adolescent girls were encour- aged to participate in adoration and processions and to carry flags and banners. They also organized choirs to sing during services, especially for annual holidays and celebrations. The Sisters who taught religion in makeshift catechism classes benefited from Holy Mass and Holy Communion once or twice a week — on Sunday and sometimes also on Saturday. They went to confession in central locations, made one-day retreats, participated at Holy Mass and received Holy Communion, as well as took part in communal prayers once a month. Only the Sisters who worked in the main facilities where the priests said Holy Mass had the benefit of daily Mass. Sisters who worked in the outposts did not have such an oppor- tunity. Therefore, during the week, they conducted their exercises in the following manner: They arose early each morning and performed their spiritual exercises and prayers together. Instead of Holy Mass, they celebrated the Way of the Cross, thus par- ticipating spiritually in the Most Holy Sacrifice and joining the Eucharistic Christ through spiritual communion. They recited the rosary, prayed to the Holy Spirit, and performed other devo- tions. Then the people who were so poor due to the wartime conditions would prepare the Sisters a modest breakfast. In the meantime, the school-age children gathered in someone’s house. The Sisters took care of the children for the entire day with short breaks and one longer lunch break. They only fin- ished their work late in the evening, and they kept doing this every day for several weeks. Adults came for classes in the early evening and would attend two or three sessions. At the same time, another Sister taught the young people in another house or another room.