Poland’s Church Seeks Beatification of Young Lay Missionary Killed in Bolivia
Poland’s Church Seeks Beatification of Young Lay Missionary Killed in Bolivia
The church in Poland is seeking the beatification of a young lay missionary, Helena Kmiec, who tragically lost her life in a bungled robbery in Bolivia in 2017. The 25-year-old was stabbed to death shortly after beginning her work with Catholic nuns at a children’s home in Cochabamba.
Father Pawel Wróbel, the postulator in Kmiec’s sainthood cause, described her five years as a volunteer as a time when she discovered her calling to spread the Gospel. He emphasized that her life and example can inspire young people to find their place in the church and share their talents and convictions with the world.
Preparations are underway for the beatification proceedings scheduled to begin on May 10 in Kraków. Father Wróbel explained that the process will focus on Kmiec’s heroic virtues and the impact she had during her life, rather than her tragic death. He noted that a miracle will be needed to confirm her sanctity.
Kmiec’s foundation director, Marta Omieczynska, highlighted the impact of prayers for her beatification in preserving her memory. She described Kmiec as an exceptional person who can inspire others to lead beautiful lives, emphasizing that she was a normal contemporary girl with her own struggles and anxieties.
Born in Krakow, Kmiec attended Catholic schools in her hometown before pursuing an engineering degree. She joined the Salvatorians’ Missionary Volunteer Service during her studies and embarked on missions to Hungary, Zambia, and Romania before arriving in Bolivia.
Despite her short time in Cochabamba, Kmiec made a significant impact through her work with the Servant Sisters of Debica. Archbishop Marek Jedraszewski of Krakow praised her deep faith and commitment to helping others, noting the spontaneous veneration that followed her death.
The beatification cause was passed from Cochabamba to Krakow in 2022, following requests from clergy and lay Catholics. Kmiec’s parents, Jan and Barbara, expressed their pride in their daughter’s goodness and devotion, highlighting her positive impact on others.
Kmiec’s foundation continues her work through various projects in Poland and abroad, honoring her legacy of faith and service. As the church prepares to recognize her as a blessed, her story serves as a reminder of the power of one individual to make a lasting impact on the world.