Martyrs of Drina

Biography

The Martyrs of Drina, also known as the Daughters of Divine Charity of Drina or the Drina Martyrs, were a group of five courageous women who were martyred while defending themselves against Chetnik rapists. These valiant women, namely Blessed Jožefa Bojanc, Blessed Jožefa Fabjan, Blessed Karoline Anna Leidenix, Blessed Kata Ivaniševic, and Blessed Terezija Banja, dedicated their lives to their faith and their mission as Daughters of Divine Charity. The Daughters of Divine Charity is a religious congregation founded in 1868 in Vienna, Austria by Blessed Aloysius Schmid, with the primary focus of serving young girls and women in need. The congregation aimed to provide education, spiritual guidance, and assistance to those who were vulnerable and marginalized in society. These five brave women were all members of the Daughters of Divine Charity, serving at the Home of the Daughters of Divine Charity in Goražde, a town located in Bosansko-Podrinjski, Bosnia-Herzegovina. In December 1941, during the tumultuous period of World War II, Goražde was occupied by the Chetnik forces. During this time, a group of Chetnik soldiers attacked the Home of the Daughters of Divine Charity with the intention to rape the sisters. In a remarkable display of courage and unwavering faith, the Martyrs of Drina fought back, refusing to allow their sacred vows to be violated. As a result, they were brutally martyred by their assailants. The names of these heroic women are forever etched in the annals of Catholic history. Blessed Jožefa Bojanc, a Slovenian nun, fearlessly defended her fellow sisters alongside her friends and colleagues. Blessed Jožefa Fabjan, also of Slovenian origin, showed immense bravery in the face of danger, refusing to yield to the merciless attackers. Blessed Karoline Anna Leidenix, a German sister of the congregation, exemplified the courage and selflessness that these women possessed, fighting side by side with her companions. Blessed Kata Ivaniševic, a Croatian sister, valiantly defended her sacred calling, even though she knew the consequences she may face. Finally, Blessed Terezija Banja, a Bosnian sister, fearlessly stood her ground in defense of her faith and her fellow sisters. These five women, originating from different nationalities, united in their mission to protect their faith and the dignity of their congregation. In recognition of their martyrdom and heroic sacrifice, Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed their veneration on January 14, 2011, by issuing a decree of martyrdom. Their beatification ceremony took place on September 24, 2011, in the Olimpijska Dvorana Zetra in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina. The beatification recognition was presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato, representing the Holy See. The Martyrs of Drina serve as powerful examples of faith, courage, and dedication. They inspire countless individuals around the world to stand up fearlessly for what they believe in and to protect the dignity and sanctity of human life. As testament to their unwavering commitment to their faith and the preservation of their sacred vows, the Martyrs of Drina continue to be honored and venerated as true heroes of the Catholic Church.