Poland commemorates 150th anniversary of Mother Elżbieta Róża Czacka

Poland is marking the 150th anniversary of the birth of Blessed Mother Elżbieta Róża Czacka, a pioneer in the education and rehabilitation of the blind. Born on October 22, 1876, Czacka lost her sight at age 22 and dedicated her life to the empowerment of visually impaired individuals through education and vocational training.

She founded the Society for the Care of the Blind and the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of the Cross, as well as the renowned center in Laski near Warsaw. Her work established early foundations for typhlology, the science of educating and rehabilitating people with visual impairments.

In recognition of her social and humanitarian contributions, the Senate of the Republic of Poland has officially declared 2026 as the Year of Blessed Mother Elżbieta Róża Czacka. To commemorate the anniversary, an image of Czacka, created by participants of occupational therapy workshops in Przasnysz, has been traveling through the Mazovian region to raise awareness of her legacy.