Raphael (Joseph) Kalinowski (1835–1907)

Biography

Sentenced to hard labor in a Siberian mine, he comforted his fellow prisoners. The years he spent in exile were years of extraordinary graces for him. All the witnesses and companions in exile agree in highlighting the great patience of this servant of God, his availability at the service of all and the charity that led him to deprive himself of what was necessary to alleviate the sufferings of others, and his continuous prayer and exceptional devotion to the Blessed Virgin. When he was finally released, he became a barefoot Carmelite. He was appointed prior of the Czerna convent, a position he held almost continuously afterwards. Thanks to his solicitous care, he ensured that the religious men and women of the order were authentic praying sentinels of the Church for the good of all the people of God. He died in Wadowice. He was canonized on November 17, 1991.