“He hugs a child who has been abandoned.” This is a quote that describes a painting of Saint Albert Chmielowski. The \u015awi\u0119ty Brat Albert Plaque commemorates this great man. It reminds us of his service to the poor.
Let’s delve into the story of \u015awi\u0119ty Brat Albert. He was born in 1845 in Poland, when the country was divided. Austrians, Prussians and Russians had erased Poland from the map.
Albert’s early life was marked by loss. His father died before Albert turned eight. His mother passed away before his fourteenth birthday. His maternal aunt raised him. At ten, he became a cadet in St. Petersburg. Later, he studied at a polytechnic school near Lublin.
In 1863, Poles rebelled against Russian rule. Chmielowski joined the January Uprising. He fought bravely but was wounded. His left leg was amputated without anesthesia.
After the uprising failed, he went to Paris. He received a prosthesis there. In 1865, he returned to Poland after an amnesty.
Before the uprising, Albert connected with Polish artists. He began art studies in Warsaw. He later enrolled in the Munich Fine Arts Academy. He became a prolific painter. He created almost one hundred works. His most famous painting is “Ecce Homo.” It depicts Pilate’s description of Jesus.
Despite his artistic success, Chmielowski felt a different calling. He gave up painting. He joined the Third Order of St. Francis in 1887. He felt called to help the poor. He lived in a Krak\u00f3w homeless shelter.
In 1888, he founded the Albertine Brothers. This was a congregation to serve the poor. Maria Jab\u0142o\u0144ska founded the Albertine Sisters. He established shelters and orphanages.
\u015awi\u0119ty Brat Albert’s work coincided with a religious renewal. This renewal involved helping the poor. Foreign occupation impoverished Poland. Neglect led to economic issues and disease. Rebellions left widows and orphans.
\u015awi\u0119ty Brat Albert died on Christmas 1916. He died in one of his shelters. He suffered from stomach cancer. Even then, he was seen as a saint.
St. John Paul II admired Chmielowski. He wrote a play about him called “Our God’s Brother.” He beatified him in 1983. He canonized him in 1989.
Pope Francis also values helping the poor. \u015awi\u0119ty Brat Albert embodied this work. He also valued freedom and art.
Looking at this \u015awi\u0119ty Brat Albert Plaque, remember his words “Art is man’s friend.” He showed tenderness to those who suffered. He revealed his humanity and sanctity. This plaque reminds us of his legacy. It stands as a tribute to his life.