At Braniewo in Prussia, Blessed Regina Protmann, virgin, who, seized with love for the poor, devoted herself greatly to the service of the needy and founded the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Catherine.
Lifespan: 1552–1613
Beatified: 13 June 1999 by Pope John Paul II
Memoria liturgica: 18 January
As God wills
Regina Protmann was born in 1552 in Braniewo, Poland, and throughout her life devoted herself wholeheartedly to the work of renewing the Church at the turn of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
Her activity, which sprang from love of Christ above all things, unfolded in the wake of the Council of Trent. She took an active part in the post-conciliar reform of the Church, carrying out with great generosity a humble work of mercy.
She founded a Congregation that united contemplation of the mysteries of God with the care of the sick in their homes and the instruction of children and young women. She devoted particular attention to the pastoral care of women. Forgetful of herself, Blessed Regina embraced with far-sighted vision the needs of the people and of the Church.
The words “As God wills” became the motto of her life. Ardent love urged her to fulfil the will of the heavenly Father, in imitation of the Son of God. She did not fear to take up the cross of daily service, bearing witness to the risen Christ.