One of the first decisions made by Minister of the Interior and Administration Maciej Kierwiński just days after taking office was to remove Bl. Karolina Kózkówna from the name of the sanatorium in Krynica-Zdrój. The decision sparked a response from, among others, the Catholic Youth Association (KSM), of which the blessed is a patron. They emphasize that Kierwiński’s decision is “a troubling step toward erasing Christian values from public life.”
On July 31, in the Official Journal of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration (MSWiA), an ordinance issued by Minister Maciej Kierwiński was published, changing the name of the Independent Public Health Care Facility – Spa Sanatorium of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration in Krynica-Zdrój named after Bl. Karolina Kózkówna. The change? It concerned… only the removal of the patron’s name.
“It undermines the memory of a young Polish woman”
The Catholic Youth Association responded to the minister’s decision. In a statement published on its website, it declared that Kierwiński’s action was received “with deep sorrow and profound disappointment.”
“This decision, though formal and administrative, carries a strong ideological and symbolic meaning – it undermines the memory of a young Polish woman who gave her life defending her dignity, life, and faith” – members of KSM emphasize.
“A troubling step”
The association stressed that “the blessed is a model of life rooted in purity, courage, love for God, fellow human beings, and the Homeland.” – Her example has inspired young people for over a century to live a life full of values and responsibility – the statement reads.
“Today, August 2, on her birthday, as a community of young people from across Poland, we speak out on her behalf and on behalf of the thousands of young people to whom Bl. Karolina is a companion in everyday life, prayer, and decisions. We pray for the swift canonization of our Patron and simultaneously call for the restoration of her rightful place in public space and national memory” – the statement continues.
KSM emphasizes that “the attempt to remove the name of Bl. Karolina from public institutions is not only a sign of disrespect toward her as a person but also a troubling step toward erasing Christian values from public life.”
“We will not be silent, because ‘In service to God and Homeland’ is not an empty slogan for us, but a commitment – including the defense of great individuals, our saints and blesseds” – they concluded.
“Pathetic and petty”
Kierwiński’s decision was also criticized by former Minister of Health Katarzyna Sójka. – He couldn’t handle the consequences of the flood. He’s also failing with the security services. So he turned to attacking the patrons of institutions under his authority – she wrote on platform X.
“Kierwiński is removing Bl. Karolina Kózkówna from the name of the sanatorium in Krynica. Instead of protecting people – he fights their faith. Pathetic and petty,” she said.
Bl. Karolina Kózkówna
Karolina Kózkówna was beatified by St. John Paul II in 1987. At the age of 16, she was murdered by a Russian soldier during World War I while resisting rape.