In the village of Pratulin in the region of Siedlce in Poland, Blessed Vincent Lewoniuk and twelve companions, martyrs, who, moved neither by threats nor by enticements, refused to abandon the Catholic Church, and at last, refusing to hand over the keys of their parish, were slain unarmed or wounded unto death.
Lifespan: †1874
Beatified: 6 October 1996 by Pope John Paul II
Memoria liturgica: 24 January
The God of peace will be with you.
The thirteen blessed Polish martyrs were lay Catholic faithful of the so-called Uniate Church, which arose in 1596 from the Union of Brest. This union brought about the unity of the Orthodox Church in Poland with the Catholic Church and the Roman Pontiff.
Vincent Lewoniuk and his companions were simple peasants like so many others, who became unexpectedly renowned on account of the courageous faith they demonstrated during Russia’s persecution of the Catholic Church — a persecution that was particularly bloody and well-organized, carried out at the time of the partition of Poland.
What follows are brief notes on each of the thirteen martyrs of Pratulin, for whom a fine iconographic tradition exists both for the individual figures and for the group as a whole.
Vincent (Wincenty) Lewoniuk, born at Krzyczew, Poland, in 1849, married, aged 25. A pious man of good repute, he was the first to give his life in defence of the church, and this earned him the place of honour at the head of the present group.
Daniel Karmasz, born at Przedmieście Pratulin, Poland, on 22 December 1826, married, aged 48. From his son’s testimony we know that he was a man of deep religious feeling and the fear of God. President of the parish confraternity, during the defence of the church he placed himself at the head of the people, carrying a cross that is still preserved at Pratulin today.
Luke (Łukasz) Bojko, born at Zaczopki, Poland, on 29 October 1852, unmarried, aged 22. His brother testified that he was an honest, devout man of good repute. During the defence of the church he was ringing the bells.
Constantine (Konstanty) Bojko, born at Derło, Poland, on 25 August 1825, married, aged 45. A good and pious man. Gravely wounded during the defence of the church, he died at home the following day, leaving behind his wife Irene and seven children.
Constantine (Konstanty) Łukaszuk, born at Zaczopki, Poland, in 1829, married, aged 45. He was wounded in the defence of the church, and this wound proved fatal.
Anicet Hryciuk, born at Zaczopki, Poland, in 1855, unmarried, aged 19. A good, devout young man, raised to love the church. As he was leaving home carrying food for the defenders of the church at Pratulin, he said to his mother: “Perhaps I too will be found worthy to give my life for the faith.” He was indeed killed near the church on 24 January in the afternoon hours.
Philip (Filip) Geryluk, born at Zaczopki, Poland, on 26 November 1830, married, aged 44. From his nephew’s testimony he emerged as a good father, pious and honest. At the church he encouraged the others to persevere, and himself gave his life for the faith.
Onuphrius (Onufry) Wasyluk, born at Zaczopki, Poland, in 1853, aged 21. A good Catholic and upright man, esteemed by all.
Bartholomew (Bartłomiej) Osypiuk, born at Bohukały, Poland, on 3 September 1843, aged 30. Married to Natalia, he had two children. Respected by all in the village for his honesty, prudence, and piety. Gravely wounded, he was carried home, where he died praying for his persecutors.
Ignatius (Ignacy) Franczuk, born at Derło, Poland, in 1824, aged 50. Married to Helen, by whom he had seven children. From his son we know that he raised his children in the fear of God, and that fidelity to God was for him the highest value. As he prepared to go to Pratulin to defend the church, he put on a clean garment, declaring that anything might happen — even that he might not return. After the death of Daniel Karmasz he took up the latter’s cross and took his place in the front rank among the defenders.
John (Jan) Andrzejuk, born at Drelów, Poland, on 9 April 1848, aged 26. Married to Marina, by whom he had two children. Esteemed by all as a good and prudent man. As he set out for Pratulin to defend the church, he took leave of everyone, sensing that it might be for the last time. Gravely wounded, he was carried home, where he died during the night.
Maximus (Maksym) Hawryluk, born at Bohukały, Poland, on 2 May 1840, aged 34. Married to Dominica, esteemed by the people as a good and honest man. Gravely wounded at the church, he died the following day.
Michael (Michał) Wawryszuk, born at Derło, Poland, in 1853, unmarried, aged 21. He worked on the estate of Paweł Pikula at Derło. He enjoyed a good reputation. Gravely wounded at the church, he died the following day at Derło.