The Theological Foundations of Matylda Getter’s (1870–1968) Humanitarian Activities in the Face of Life-Threatening Situations

Abstract

The article aims to present the theological foundations of the life and activities of Mother Matylda Getter, a Franciscan sister of the Family of Mary, superior of the Warsaw province, engaged throughout her life in the care, upbringing, and education of abandoned children and orphans, and then cooperating particularly sacrificially during the German occupation in saving endangered Jewish children. The authors of the article posed the question of the reasons for the unusual attitude of Mother Getter, who, as a distinguished long-term superior of a religious province, was not required to take such risky actions during the war. The following analysis shows that this was possible because of a deep commitment to a personal relationship with the Master of Nazareth and openness to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, as well as the long-standing cooperation of many people adhering to a shared spirituality and monastic rule.