Pope Francis has recently taken significant steps toward recognizing the saints of the Catholic Church, as he approved the decree of heroic virtues for Kunegunda Siwiec, marking her as one step closer to beatification. This approval was signed on February 24, 2025, during Pope Francis's meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra at the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome.
O. Szczepan Praśkiewicz, the postulator of Kunegunda's beatification process, expressed great satisfaction with the Holy Father's confirmation, stating, "We can say today the Holy Father confirmed the extraordinary life of Kunegunda Siwiec, a simple woman from Podbeskidzie who wanted wholeheartedly to serve God." This statement captures the core of Kunegunda's existence dedicated to her faith and the adventures of her life.
Born on May 28, 1876, in Stryszawa, Poland, Kunegunda was the tenth of eleven children raised in a devout family. Her life was marked by simplicity and service, which she dedicated to teaching children and adults the principles of the Christian faith. A turning point came during retreats when she decided to pursue a life entirely devoted to God, renouncing her engagement at the age of twenty.
After completing her catechetical training around 1902, she took on the mission of helping prepare others for the sacraments and deepening their faith. She became known for her humility and dedication, engaging actively with her local community, where she was well-regarded for her knowledge of the faith, even though she was never formally educated.
Her involvement with the Carmelite order began when she made private vows of chastity and joined the Third Order of the Discalced Carmelites, adopting the religious name 'Teresa of the Child Jesus.' Despite struggling with her health due to tuberculosis of the bones starting from 1948, which forced her to remain bedridden, she remained steadfast and used her suffering as prayer for the salvation of others.
"To beatify Kunegunda Siwiec, we only need the confirmation of the miracle. That's why I encourage everyone to pray for this miracle, through the intercession of the Venerable Servant of God," stated Praśkiewicz, emphasising the community's role and the public’s prayers toward her sainthood.
His reflections on Kunegunda’s life reveal the depth of her spirituality. She frequently experienced mystical revelations which she shared only with her confessor, who later documented her experiences upon the approval of her biography after his passing. O. Praśkiewicz pointed out, "Kunegunda never boasted about her supernatural experiences, and this is one criterion for authenticity of the revelations." She lived not just to serve but to embrace the teachings of the faith, mirroring the humble paths laid out by saints like Teresa of Lisieux and Faustina Kowalska, crafting what could be noted as strong links between their teachings.
Throughout her life, regardless of her physical limitations, Kunegunda set forth her commitment to prayer, sacrifice, and the calling to unite her sufferings for the benefit of others. Her story continues to inspire many, and her community, which includes the Secular Carmelite Order and the Society of Friends of Kunegunda Siwiec, serves to preserve her memory and legacy.
Now, with the approval of her heroic virtues, Kunegunda Siwiec stands closer to being recognized as a saint, pending the validation of miracles attributed to her intercession. This moment not only shines light on her life's work but also encourages many believers to seek her intercession, aiming to fulfill her dream of serving God wholly.
Her beatification process has been underway since 2007, led by the Carmelite order's petitions for recognition. With the Pope’s recent decree, Kunegunda's legacy is revitalized, offering hope and inspiration through her life story to those who seek to deepen their faith and make sacrifices reflective of her dedication.