BLESSED CELINE

To children she lovingly says, “I never judged my mother … she bore so many hardships for me and she always wanted to do what was right, that even if she did make a mistake at times, it seems to me that I wanted to hide the fact of such from her.” On another occasion she wrote: “I experienced so many joys in my life, loving most heartily my parents, my only sister and brother.”  Although her parents were very wealthy, they lived simply and taught the children to live simply and share with others, especially the poor.  At this time of her young life, Celine lived first at the family estate in Antovil which was then in White Russia, and then they moved to another estate, Laskowicze, near Witebsk in Poland. 

As a teenager, she frequently asked herself and the Lord, “What do You wish me to do with my life?” She was introduced to society and she had many suitors. However, Celine’s parents chose a fine and well-to-do young man, Joseph Borzecka, from among those striving for her hand, when she was 19 years old.  This caused a conflict in her heart because she thought God was calling her to be a religious sister. When she asked her Bishop what she should do, he told her the will of God for her was to obey her parents and marry Joseph. Their marriage took place in the Cathedral of Wilno, Poland, on November 26, 1853; Celine had just turned 20 years old.

Even though their marriage was arranged, Joseph and Celine became a loving couple. After Joseph died prematurely, she would write: “… it is not the fear of loneliness that I dread … but the fear of finding myself alone in times of trial, without having someone with whom I can share my fears.  This awakens the unrest I experience ever since Joseph died.”

Together, they enjoyed the cultural and social benefits of European society.  Joseph dictated a spiritual will for his children just before he died, and he “set before his two daughters his wife as an example of sacrifice, total self-denial, and a person filled with love and affection.” They had four children; two died shortly after birth. Celine wrote about the death of these dearest children: “These memories are very painful to me, but I had the comfort that they are much better off with God.”  She experienced what all other mothers who lose a child experience – deep, heavy pain. 

It was said of Celine that “despite the many joys of her life, a deep loneliness penetrated her heart.”  So she asked the Lord to “Give me the happiness, Lord, to place myself completely in Your hands.” After Joseph died, she still had young daughters who had to be raised.  She not only parented them on a daily basis, but she wrote MEMOIRS FOR MY DAUGHTERS to be read by “you alone,” after her death.  She wanted to “shield you from the tribulations that I myself experience, and because your future is in the hands of God … I would like to help you with my advice.” She was a wonderful mother who worked very hard to develop the two girls’ character, personality, spirituality, physicality, and their talents and weaknesses. As a single parent, she put her affairs and their estate in order, took them to visit family, introduced them to society, took them on tours and trips to Venice, Rome and many other Italian areas, and eventually settled in a rented apartment in Rome.

Mother Celine is certainly a woman for all seasons.  For more information, please email mcelinecr@yahoo.com.

Prayer for Graces through the Intercession of Blessed Celine Borzecka

Praise be to you, Lord Jesus,

who have gifted Blessed Celine

with a special love for the paschal mystery

and the desire to fulfill your holy will.

Grant us, through her intercession, the grace

(mention your intention here)

for which we beg you,

trusting in your unlimited love for us.

Lord, may your Church rejoice

by numbering your servant, Celine,

among the saints

for your greater glory and for our good.

You are God,

who lives and reigns with God the Father,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

forever and ever.  Amen.

Please inform the Sisters of the Resurrection about graces received through the intercession of

Blessed Celine Borzecka: Via Marcantonio Colonna 52 A, 00192 Roma, Italy

Mother Dolores Stepien, C.R. (Superior General) and Sister Jeanne Marie Harla, C.R.

present a relic of Blessed Celine to Pope Benedict XVI

(October 31, 2007)