On March 24, 2025, Markowa hosted ceremonies commemorating the National Day of Remembrance for Poles Who Rescued Jews under German Occupation. This date carries symbolic significance, marking the day in 1944 when the Ulma family—parents and their seven children— were murdered. Their only “crime: was that they helped Jews.
“This Polish family, a ray of light during World War II, should be a model for us all in doing good and serving those in need,” declared the late Pope Francis, who beatified the Ulma family on September 10, 2023. This historic beatification, the first of an entire family, drew approximately 37,000 faithful to Markowa, the village where the Ulmas lived and died.
The Story of the Ulmas
Markowa, a village located 25 kilometres from Rzeszów, was home to Józef and Wiktoria Ulma, devout Catholics deeply involved in their local parish. During the Second World War, while under German occupation, the Ulma family helped Jews who were being persecuted by the Nazis. Around the latter half of 1942, they sheltered eight Jewish fugitives in their home.
They also assisted another Jewish family by building a hidden shelter in the nearby forest and providing them with food and other essential supplies. Sadly, their acts of kindness were reported to the German authorities.
“On the morning of March 24, 1944, five German gendarmes and blue police officers, under the command of Lieutenant Eilert Dieken, arrived at their home. The Jews were murdered first, followed by Józef and Wiktoria, who was seven months pregnant. Dieken then made the decision to kill the children,” — recounts the Ulma Family Museum of Poles Saving Jews During World War II. The six children were aged between two and eight years old.
Despite the Ulmas’ murder, intended to sow fear among the villagers, their neighbours continued to protect Jewish fugitives until the end of World War II. At least 21 Polish Jews survived the occupation in Markowa.
The Ulma family’s beatification process, initiated in 2003, culminated in the aforementioned ceremonies in Markowa. Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, entrusted with the authority of Pope Francis, read the apostolic letter during the Mass, officially declaring the Ulma family blessed:
“On the advice of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, with our apostolic authority we grant that from this day forward the venerable Servants of God, Józef and Wiktoria Ulma, spouses, together with their seven children, faithful lay people, martyrs, who as good Samaritans, without fear, offered their lives out of love for their brothers and sisters and welcomed into their home those who suffered persecution, may be called blessed,” wrote Pope Francis.
The Eucharist was concelebrated by approximately 1,000 priests and 80 bishops. The assembly included distinguished figures such as Michael Schudrich, the Chief Rabbi of Poland, alongside international guests and diplomatic envoys, including the Ambassador of Ukraine.
In his Sunday Angelus address, Pope Francis spoke on the beatification:
“Today, in Markowa, Poland, the martyrs Józef and Wiktoria Ulma and their seven small children have been beatified. The entire family was exterminated by the Nazis on 24 March 1944, for providing shelter to persecuted Jews. To the hatred and violence of their time, they responded with evangelical love. May this Polish family, a beacon of light amidst the darkness of World War II, serve as an inspiration for us all to pursue goodness and serve those in need. Let us applaud this family! May we follow their example, opposing the force of arms with the power of mercy,and the rhetoric of violence with unwavering prayer. Let us particularlyintensify our prayers for the numerous countries afflicted by war. My thoughts are especially with war-torn Ukraine—I see Ukrainian flags here —Ukraine, which is enduring immense suffering.” (Source: Vatican News:
https://www.vaticannews.va/pl/papiez/news/2023-09/papiez-ulmowie- odpowiedzieli-ewangeliczna-miloscia-na-nienawisc.html)
Adam Kwiatkowski, the Polish Ambassador to the Holy See, remarked that the Ulma family’s beatification in Markowa was a momentous occasion for the Church and a source of immense pride for the Polish people:
“It is one of those moments when we should hold our heads high and
remember those who rescued Jews during the war,” he stated, adding,
“This family sacrificed their lives and took a risk, fully aware of the
consequences they might face for hiding Jews; they reached out to those
whom the Germans had condemned, giving them no chance to live.”
Following the beatification declaration, the image of the newly beatified
family was revealed, and their relics were brought into the presbytery.
The Unfading Horror of the Crime
The ceremonies held on March 24, 2025, in Markowa, also marked the National Day of Remembrance for Poles Who Rescued Jews under German Occupation. Established in 2018 by President Andrzej Duda, this day commemorates the day the Ulma family was murdered by the Germans. March 24 is a symbolic date, as it was on this day in 1944 thatthe execution of the blessed Ulma family took place.
In a letter to the participants, President Duda wrote: “Commemorating the heroism of our compatriots who helped their Jewish fellow citizens, trying to save them from the horrors of the Holocaust inflicted by Hitler’s Third Reich, carries particular significance and profound resonance in this location. It was here, 81 years ago, that Józef and Wiktoria Ulma, along with their seven children were murdered for sheltering Jews. The youngest of these children, still unborn, perished in their mother’s womb. The tragedy of the Blessed Ulma family stands as one of the most harrowing events to occur on occupied Polish soil during the Second World War . Therefore, Markowa and the Podkarpacie region are the heart of these annual commemorations. It is from here that we call to unearth and remember similar stories of fellow Poles from other townsand regions”.
He further stated:
”I extend my words of recognition and gratitude to everyone involved in documenting these dramatic chapters of Polish history and spreading knowledge about the heroism of Poles who saved Jews. I thank the researchers whose diligence has brought to light many events from those years. I express my appreciation to local communities, museums, libraries, cultural centres, schools, and scout groups for
safeguarding the memory of this painful yet noble chapter of our history. May your work ensure that the truth about the many heroic compatriots who tragically died saving others remains alive in future generations as a vital part of our heritage and identity. Honor to their memory!”
The Legacy of Markowa
The ceremonies were held at the Ulma Family Museum of Poles Saving Jews During World War II, established in Markowa in 2016. The museum’s primary mission is to commemorate the Poles who risked their lives to save Jews during the German occupation.
Rooted in the story of the Ulma family, the museum brings attention to Markowa’s historical heritage and aspires to be a leading voice in discussions about Polish attitudes toward the Holocaust. It is committed to thorough, honest research and accurate reporting of stances taken during that period of immense moral challenge.
“Acknowledging the exceptional heroism of the Righteous, which deserves greater recognition, and highlighting the compassion and sacrifice of Poles towards Jews during World War II, we also remember the regrettable aspects of Polish-Jewish relations under German occupation.” – states the museum on its website (muzeumulmow.pl).
Written by: mh
“Ladies and gentlemen,
I extend a warm welcome to everyone who has come to Markowa for the ceremonies commemorating the National Day of Remembrance for Poles who Rescued Jews under German Occupation. My thanks go to the authorities of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, and the many organisations, communities, and people who have helped make this important national
holiday a dignified event.
Commemorating the heroism of our compatriots who helped their Jewish fellow citizens, trying to save them from the horrors of the Holocaust inflicted by Hitler’s Third Reich, carries particular significance and profound resonance in this location. It was here, 81 years ago, that Józef and Wiktoria Ulma, along with their seven children were murdered for sheltering Jews. The youngest of these children, still unborn, perished in their mother’s womb. The tragedy of the Blessed Ulma family stands as
one of the most harrowing events to occur on occupied Polish soil during the Second World War. Therefore, Markowa and the Podkarpacie region are the heart of these annual commemorations. It is from here that we call to unearth and remember similar stories of fellow Poles from other towns and regions.
As President of the Republic of Poland, I have had the privilege of participating in numerous initiatives dedicated to preserving the memoryof Poles who saved their Jewish neighbours from German persecution. Ihave stood here in Markowa, including at the museum’s opening and the beatification ceremonies, and in many other locations across the country. It is heartening to see the truth about the extraordinary courage of those who offered refuge to victims of the Shoah becoming ingrained in our
collective consciousness. This is reflected in the numerous new monuments dedicated to local heroes, such as the one being unveiled todayin Ciepielów.
The truth about Poles who rescued Jews is increasingly resonating, even beyond Poland’s borders.
The genocidal crime committed by the German occupiers on our land continues to horrify us. Therefore, we owe immense honour and remembrance to those who resisted terror and actively opposed the Nazis. They helped Jews despite knowing that death was the penalty. Despite a justified fear of punishment, risking their own lives and those of their loved ones, including their children, they stood on the side of humanity, dignity, and human solidarity. That is why we honour them as our national
heroes.
I extend my words of recognition and gratitude to everyone involved in documenting these dramatic chapters of Polish history and spreading knowledge about the heroism of Poles who saved Jews. I thank the researchers whose diligence has brought to light many events from those years. I express my appreciation to local communities, museums, libraries, cultural centres, schools, and scout groups for safeguarding the memory of this painful yet noble chapter of our history. May your work ensure that the
truth about the many heroic compatriots who tragically died saving others remains alive in future generations as a vital part of our heritage and identity. Honor to their memory!”
With sincere sympathy and respect,
Andrzej Duda
President of the Republic of Poland
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