Collection

Edmund Bojanowski was born on November 14, 1814, as the son of Walenty and Teresa née Umińska, middle-income landowners from the Greater Poland village of Grabonóg, near Gostyń. His parents wanted to provide Edmund with a thorough education. Initially, he was educated at home. In 1832, he began studies at the University of Wrocław. In the years 1836 - 1838 he continued his studies in Berlin. Literature became his passion. Unfortunately, lung disease forced him to interrupt his studies. In 1838 he formally left the University. After treatment in Duszniki-Zdrój, he returned to Grabonog. Soon, Edmund Bojanowski joined the mainstream of social work. He was interested in the problem of improving the living conditions of the poorest people. He was a co-founder of municipal orphanages for children in Poznań, Gostyń, Śrem and Psary. He ran a publishing business. Edmund Bojanowski gained universal respect when, during the cholera epidemic that hit Gostyń in 1849, he risked his life to nurse the sick. He did not remain indifferent to the fate of orphans, for whom, in cooperation with other landowners, he founded the so-called Institute - House of Mercy, run by the Sisters of Charity. He took care of furnishing the house, collecting material resources and bringing in the sisters. He wanted to provide children with the best possible development conditions so that their orphanhood would not overshadow their future lives. The children sensed his genuine love and called him dad. In 1869, he entered the Archbishop's Seminary in Gniezno. Due to his deteriorating health, he had to leave the seminary in May 1870. He died on August 7, 1871, in the reputation of sanctity, at the age of 57. The beatification of Edmund Bojanowski took place on June 13, 1999, during the Holy Mass. celebrated by John Paul II in Warsaw. The most important work of Blessed Edmund Bojanowski was the Founder of the Congregation of Sisters Servants, which dates back to May 3, 1850, when an orphanage for rural children was established in Podrzecze near Gostyń. Congregation founded by Blessed Edmund Bojanowski's culture developed in Greater Poland, Galicia, Silesia and the Kingdom of Poland even during his lifetime. Currently, about 3.5 thousand Servants of Sisters work in Poland, Europe, as well as in Africa, Asia and America, realizing the charism of the Founder.