Saint Albert Chmielowski (1845-1916)
Image: Via Karolus
(Franciscan Media) Born in Poland. Igolomia (near Krakow) Albert (christened ‘Adam’) was the eldest of four children from a wealthy family. — During the 1864 revolt against Czar Alexander III, Adam;s wounds forced the amputation of his left leg at the age of 18 according to Catholic News Agency subsequently, Adam became a popular artist and his talent in art led him to study in Warsaw, Germany Munich and France Paris.
A kind and compassionate person, Adam was always deeply aware of human suffering and felt called by God to help those in need.
Adam subsequently returned to Krakow in 1874 determined to dedicate his talents to the glory of God, he began to paint subjects of a Christian theme. One of his most famous artistic works was ‘Ecce Homo’ the result of his recognition of God’s love for mankind which led Adam to a spiritual metamorphose.
While in Krakow, Adam visited public dormitories and seen the material and moral misery of the homeless and derelicts first hand — for the love of Christ, Adam decided to abandon his career, to live among the poor and the needy, accepting a beggars life and fate.
In August 1887 Adam clothed himself in a grey habit and assumed a new name ‘Brother Albert’ — The following year, he professed religious vows and founded the ‘Congregation of the Brother’s of the Third Order of Saint Francis Servants of the Poor’ (today The Albertine Brothers) In 1891 Albert founded a similar congregation of ‘Albertine Sisters’ whose aim was to provide assistance to poor, needy Women and Children.
Brother Albert subsequently organized Shelters and Homes for the lame and those with incurable diseases; Soup kitchen for the poor; Nurseries and Institutions for homeless children and youth; Brother Albert sent Sisters to work in Military Hospitals and Quarantine Stations–A helping hand was extended to anyone without regard to ones religious beliefs or nationality.The homeless found a place to live, the children were clothed and work was made available to the unemployed.
While trying to meet the basic needs of the poor, Brother Albert with a Fatherly love, concerned himself with the spiritual welfare of those he ministered, instilling within them a proper respect for ones dignity and brought them to reconciliation with God. Brother Albert drew his strength to fulfill these acts of charity and kindness from his love of the Eucharist and for Jesus Christ on the Cross.
Brother Albert died on Christmas Day 1916 in Krakow in the shelter founded by him. Recognizing the sanctity of Brother Albert, his contemporaries referred to him as ‘the greatest person of his time.’
In 1983 Brother Albert was Beatified and in 1989 he was Canonized by Pope Saint John Paul II
More here from the Congregation of Albertine Brothers
Related: St. Albert Chmielowski – The Painter Who Became an Advocate for the Poor -N.C. Register