Matka Kolumba Białecka (1838-1887)

Abstract

The Dominican order was established by St Dominic in 1216 for the defence of the faith through preaching. It played an enormous role not only directly in the life of the Universal Church, but also in the general spiritual and intellectual development. The principal aim of its apostolate is to preach the glory of God and the salvation of people. It is interesting to look at the history of the Dominican charisma in Poland, especially in the life of St Dominic’s spiritual daughter, the Venerable Mother Kolumba Białecka. This paper discusses the history of the Dominican sisters in Poland and presents Kolumba Białecka and her mission to establish her order. Then, it goes on to discuss the meaning of her religious name “Kolumba” and Białecka's family home. Mother Kolumba Białecka’s religiousness was that of serving her neighbours through her own striving for perfection. It was a family characteristic which stemmed from Polish spirituality and realities. At the same time, it refers to the purest patterns of Dominican spirituality. Today, the religious order established by the Venerable Mother Kolumba Białecka functions not only in Poland, but has developed in various countries on four continents.