IGNATIUS KLOPOTWOSKI, PRIEST AND FOUNDER - 7 SEPTEMBER

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN SEPTEMBER

Saints celebrated on the 7th of September

IGNATIUS KLOPOTWOSKI, PRIEST AND FOUNDER 

Ignatius Klopotowski. was born on July 20, 1866 in Korzeniowka, Poland, and entered the Major Seminary of Lublin. On July 5, 1891, he was ordained a priest in the Cathedral of Lublin.

CHAPLAIN OF ST VINCENT'S HOSPITAL

He became chaplain of St Vincent's Hospital and began teaching at the Major Seminary. From 1892 to 1894 he served as vicar of the Cathedral of Lublin and then was appointed rector of the Church of St Stanislaus.

NUMEROUS CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS

Fr Klopotowski was well aware of people's extreme material as well as moral misery at the time, without education and employment. Fr Klopotowski found he could not remain indifferent and began founding numerous charitable institutions: an employment home in Lublin; a professional school; a home for the rehabilitation of troubled girls and women forced into prostitution; even homes for orphans and for the elderly.

SPIRITUAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE POOREST

Fr Klopotowski was also very concerned with providing spiritual assistance to the poorest and neediest. Already in the early years of his priesthood, he published books on the topics of prayer and spiritual brochures on many issues. In 1905, he began publishing the magazine "Polak-Katolik", and other weekly and monthly newspapers.

THE CONGREGATION OF THE SISTERS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN OF LORETO

In July 1920, Fr Klopotowski founded the "Congregation of the Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Loreto", with the approval of the Apostolic Nuncio at the time, Archbishop Achille Ratti (the future Pope Pius XI). Fr Ignatius Klopotowski died on September 7, 1931.

The Congregation received recognition as a Congregation of Pontifical Right in 1971. Today, there are 24 houses and 220 Religious who make up the Order. 

(Information from vatican.va)