INFORMATION PORTAL OF THE MARSHAL'S OFFICE OF THE KUJAWSKO-POMORSKIE Region IN TORUŃ

It was a day full of emotions, memories, and gratitude. Sister Rafaela (Stefania Pędzisz) of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Elizabeth in Grudziądz celebrated her 100th birthday. On this special occasion, regional councilor Robert Malinowski visited the jubilarian and presented her with the Marshal’s Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis medal.

“May the kindness you share with others return to you strengthened by the care, warmth, and attention of those close to you. May each day bring you joy, love, and support,” said Marshal of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship Piotr Całbecki in his birthday wishes.

From Bocień to Grabie – a path of vocation

Sister Rafaela was born on September 24, 1925, in the village of Bocień in Toruń County. She grew up in a large, loving family of Paweł and Józefa, with eight siblings. Her youth was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II, when her entire family was deported to Germany for forced labor. Young Stefania spent five years in a labor camp, performing hard agricultural work.

It was there, amid the hardships and uncertainty of war, that her religious vocation was born. At the end of the war, full of gratitude for the survival of her loved ones, she made a promise to God to devote her entire life to Him.

A life of service – with a heart for children

In 1946, she joined the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Elizabeth. From that moment, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to her calling, developing her knowledge and pedagogical skills. She completed numerous courses, including in library science, catechetics, education, and public accounting.

She dedicated most of her professional life to working at the Special Educational Centre in Grabie (Aleksandrów County), where she served for many years as director. Working with children with disabilities was for her not just a duty, but a true mission. She cared for their development, education, and spiritual well-being with the compassion and warmth still remembered by many of her former pupils and colleagues.

Today, Sister Rafaela continues to radiate peace, serenity, and deep faith. Although a hundred years have passed since her birth, she remains spiritually active, full of kindness and a gentle smile.

Since 2018, the regional government has honored centenarians from the Kujawsko-Pomorskie region. Families of residents who will soon celebrate their hundredth birthdays, as well as those already over 100, are encouraged to contact the Marshal’s Office at 56 62 18 344 or by email at stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.

Beata Krzemińska
Spokesperson for the Marshal’s Office

7 October 2025