Born: December 20, 1891 (Riga, Russian Empire, now Latvia)
Died: March 31, 1945 (Ravensbrück concentration camp)
Biography:
Maria Skobtsova, known as Mother Maria of Paris, was a remarkable Russian noblewoman, poet, nun, and member of the French Resistance during World War II. Born as Elizaveta Yurievna Pilenko on December 20, 1891 (December 8 Old Calendar) in Riga, Russian Empire (now Latvia), Maria Skobtsova’s life was marked by a deep sense of spirituality, social activism, and a relentless pursuit of justice.
Maria’s early life was defined by tragedy and a search for meaning. Her father passed away when she was a teenager, leading her to embrace atheism. However, in 1906, Maria’s mother moved the family to St. Petersburg, where she became involved in radical intellectual circles. In 1910, Maria married a Bolshevik named Dmitriy Kuz’min-Karavaev. During this time, she immersed herself in literary circles and wrote poetry. Her first collection, Scythian Shards, demonstrated her talent and passion for writing.
By 1913, Maria’s marriage to Dmitriy had ended, and he went on to convert to Catholicism and become a Catholic priest. It was during this period that Maria began to be drawn back to Christianity through her reflections on the humanity of Christ and the suffering He endured. Moving to the south of Russia with her daughter Gaiana, Maria’s religious devotion deepened.
Furious at Leon Trotsky for closing the Socialist-Revolutionary Party Congress, Maria even contemplated assassinating him but was dissuaded by her colleagues, who sent her to Anapa. After the Bolshevik Revolution in 1918, Maria was elected deputy mayor of Anapa. However, when the anti-communist White Army took control of the town, she became the mayor. The White Army accused her of being a Bolshevik, and she stood trial. Fortunately, the judge was her former teacher, Daniil Skobtsov, with whom she had fallen in love. Maria was acquitted, and the two got married.
In order to escape the growing danger in Russia, Maria, Daniil, Gaiana, and Maria’s mother Sophia fled the country while Maria was pregnant with her second child. They traveled to Georgia, where Maria’s son Yuri was born, and then to Yugoslavia, where her daughter Anastasia came into the world. Finally, in 1923, they arrived in Paris, France.
Paris became the backdrop for Maria’s transformative years. She dedicated herself to theological studies and social work, actively engaging with those in need. Tragically, in 1926, her daughter Anastasia passed away from influenza, and Gaiana was sent to be educated in Belgium. Maria’s marriage with Daniil also began to crumble during this time. As a result, she moved into central Paris to work directly with the most vulnerable and marginalized individuals.
Maria Skobtsova’s commitment to social justice led her to found a house of hospitality in Paris, where she provided shelter, food, and support to those in need. This house, centered around prayer and a sense of community, became a refuge for many people during the challenging years leading up to World War II.
When France was occupied by the Nazis in World War II, Mother Maria and her companions actively resisted the occupation. They forged documents, provided shelter to the persecuted, and smuggled people to safety. Their courageous actions saved countless lives and earned Maria a place in history as a member of the French Resistance.
Tragically, Maria’s efforts did not go unnoticed by the Nazis, and on March 31, 1945, she was arrested and sent to the Ravensbrück concentration camp. There, she continued to offer solace and support to her fellow prisoners until her cruel execution on March 31, 1945.
Maria Skobtsova has been canonized as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church, recognized for her unwavering faith, her selflessness, and her dedication to serving others. Her life serves as a powerful example of the transformative power of love, compassion, and resistance against injustice.
Awards:
– Canonization as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church.