December 15
Maria Julia Ivanišević and four fellow martyrs of the Drina (+1941)
Martyrs
Five Daughters of Divine Charity, known as the Drina Martyrs, gave their lives for their faith and consecration in Bosnia.
Biography
Maria Julia Ivanišević, Maria Bernadeta Banja, Maria Krizina Bojanc, Maria Antonija Fabjan and Maria Berchmana Leidenix came from Croatia, Slovenia, Austria and Hungary. They served the poor, the sick and students when they were captured in December 1941. After days of marching, cold and mistreatment, four jumped out of a window to defend their chastity and were murdered; the fifth died later. They remained united in prayer and fidelity.
Practical advice
Today, clearly defend the dignity of a woman who is the object of pressure, ridicule or unworthy treatment.
Example of
FortitudeFaithfulnessSacrifice