The Congregation of the Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Assisi Serving the Poor, the so-called Albertine Sisters, were founded by St. Brother Albert (Adam Chmielowski) in Krakow in 1891.
The charism of this congregation is to help those most in need – the poor, the homeless, the sick, the elderly, the lonely – in the spirit of merciful love, according to the motto of St. Brother Albert: To be as good as bread.
The Albertine Sisters work in nursing homes, soup kitchens, shelters, hospitals, community centers and parishes. They provide not only material assistance, but also presence, prayer and spiritual support.
In their facility in Argentina in Martin Coronadow Buenos Aires, the sisters take special care of the elderly and sick, providing them with daily care and creating an atmosphere of home warmth. This center was created with elderly Polish emigrants in mind, who do not have a family. In the facility run by the sisters, they can feel at home. To this day, Poles always have priority in admission to this home.
This meeting with Mary in Martín Coronadow left a particularly deep impression on the hearts of the residents. It was a day full of emotion - the elderly, some moving with difficulty, others in silence and weakness, gazed at the Icon of Our Lady of Częstochowa with inexpressible tenderness.
One of the seniors, holding a rosary in her hands, said in a whisper: - She came for me. I am no longer alone!
In this look of the Mother, so well known from Jasna Góra, many discovered hope – that even at the end of their lives Mary does not forget Her children. This meeting was a true visitation and a great gift of grace.
Sr. Monika Chodowiec albertynka