Born: 1870
Died: 1968
Biography:
Matylda Getter (1870–1968) was a Polish Catholic nun, mother provincial of CSFFM (Congregatio Sororum Franciscalium Familiae Mariae) – Franciscan Sisters of the Family of Mary in Warsaw, and a dedicated social worker. She played a crucial role during the German occupation of Warsaw in World War II, working alongside Irena Sendler and the egota resistance organization to save the lives of hundreds of Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto. For her remarkable rescue activities, Getter was recognized as one of the Polish Righteous among the Nations by Yad Vashem.
Before the outbreak of World War II, Getter had already established herself as a compassionate advocate for educational and social work. She received numerous national honors for her achievements in this field. Getter founded over twenty education and care facilities for children in various locations, including Anin, Biaoka, Chotomów, Midzylesie, Pudy, Sejny, and Wilno. Her dedication and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children resonated throughout Poland.
During the war, the Franciscan Sisters of the Family of Mary, led by Getter, continued their mission of aiding those in need. Inspired by the principles of Christian love and Franciscan joy, they provided assistance to both civilians and members of the Polish underground. The Sisters organized employment opportunities, offered shelter, and distributed false documents to protect those at risk. In the midst of the Warsaw Uprising, Getter and her Sisters transformed their provincial house at Hoa Street into a vital paramedical station and soup kitchen, eventually converting it into a makeshift hospital.
Getter’s most significant contributions, however, lie in her efforts to rescue Jewish children from the clutches of the Nazi regime. With unwavering determination, she declared that she would take in every Jewish child she could. Under her leadership, the Franciscan Sisters of the Family of Mary managed to save between 250 and 550 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto. This act of defiance against the brutality of the occupation put not only her life at risk but also the lives of her Sisters.
To shield the children from harm, Getter and her Sisters covertly housed them in their orphanages and employed adults to care for them. These facilities were scattered across Poland, allowing the children to remain hidden. As the superior of the Warsaw Province, Getter assumed the responsibility of acquiring birth certificates for the children and safeguarding them within the order’s educational institutions. Through her ingenious methods, she managed to provide a lifeline for countless innocent lives.
Getter’s bravery, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to preserving life remain a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Her actions during World War II saved the lives of countless Jewish children, offering them a chance at a future filled with hope and possibilities. Matylda Getter’s legacy continues to inspire and remind us of the power of compassion and resistance in the face of adversity. Her contributions to the field of social work and her indomitable spirit make her a significant figure in women’s history.
Awards:
– Polish Righteous among the Nations by Yad Vashem (posthumously awarded)