The Marian Martyrs of Rosica

INTRODUCTION During the Second World War, more than six million Polish citizens died, among them approximately 3,000 members of the clergy: bishops, priests, seminarians, brothers, Sisters, and members of religious orders. Many among the clergy as well as the laity gave their lives for the cause of God. In 1971, Pope Paul VI elevated Father Maximilian Kolbe to the altar; and in 1987 Pope John Paul II did the same for Bishop Michael Kozal; but these are only two among very many deserving this glory. Then, on June 13, 1999, Pope John Paul II elevated two Marians, Fr. George Kaszyra and Fr. Anthony Leszczewicz, to the honors of the altar. They are now known as the Marian Martyrs of Rosica and are part of a group of 108 World War II martyrs who were beatified by the pope. HISTORY OF CAUSE Here is a brief account of how the cause of the Marian Martyrs was advanced as part of a larger group of martyrs. During the canonization process of Bishop Michael Kozal, one of the consultants to the Sacred Congregation suggested that from among a very large number of people martyred for their faith by the Nazis in Poland, a smaller group should be selected, their martyrdom for the Faith should be proven during the ongo- ing process, and they should be linked to Bishop Kozal at his canonization as his associates in martyrdom. In response to a question from Wloclawek regarding this cause, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints gave its consent for this action in May 1988. The Conference of Polish Bishops acted upon this initiative in its session on February 8, 1991, and authorized the bishop of Wloclawek to promote the cause of the martyrs on its behalf. At the appeal of the bishop, 92 candidates for beatification were nominated, from among both the clergy and laity. The process was solemnly initiated in the Cathedral of Wloclawek on Sunday, January 26, 1992. However, it was impossible for a