Creating Family Beyond Blood: The Mission of the Polish Sisters in Broniszewice and Mielżyn

What does it mean to truly care for others? For the Polish Dominican Sisters of Broniszewice and Mielżyn, it means dedicating their lives to creating a loving home for children and young adults with disabilities. Their journey, shaped by history, faith, and an unshakable commitment to compassion, is nothing short of inspiring.

In this heartfelt interview, the Sisters open up about their daily work, the challenges they face, and the deep joy that comes from serving those in need. From their humble beginnings under communist rule to the thriving homes they run today, their story is one of resilience, faith, and the power of love in action.

Where did the idea for establishing the House for Boys/House for Girls come from?

Sr. Eliza Myk, OP (Broniszewice):

It was clearly not our idea. The House for Boys was a “product” of the communist system in Poland. After World War II, the sisters in Broniszewice ran an orphanage for war orphans. At that time, the communist authorities began stripping the Catholic Church of any influence over children and young people. As a result, nearly all religious congregations in Poland that ran orphanages were forced to give up what were termed “healthy children,” and instead, they were given children with disabilities. The state did not view children with disabilities as a threat to the system. Interestingly, the ideal communist society was believed to have no imperfect, unproductive, or useless individuals. Since,  such individuals were, in fact, born, they were isolated and hidden away in little-known, remote places, mainly cared for by nuns.

This is how, starting from September 1, 1951, boys under the age of 18 were sent to the Sisters in Broniszewice. The sisters had no prior experience working with individuals with disabilities. They had only worked in education with healthy children. Yet, through great effort, they naturally created and maintained a home of high standards in every field. The boys participated in activities that today would be considered occupational therapy. They helped with household chores, worked during harvest time, learned school subjects, practiced personal hygiene, cleanliness, and good manners, crafted simple items to sell, and took part in performances, including dance and theater.

Sr. Nikodema Marta Włodarczyk, OP (Mielżyn):

Our House has existed since 1956, so it’s difficult to talk about an initial idea—it has already been around for almost 70 years. Like the House in Broniszewice, our foundation was a result of the political changes in Poland in the 1950s. Previously, the sisters ran an orphanage in Mielzyn, but the authorities removed the “healthy” children, and the sisters instead took in children with intellectual disabilities. That was the beginning of our House’s history.

We call it the House for Girls because out of 86 residents, 79 are girls, while only seven are boys—most of whom are the brothers of our girls, which is why they are here. So, the girls rule!

Could you describe your daily work?

In practical terms, this includes feeding, bathing, assisting with hygiene, cleaning, spending time together, and handling administrative work to ensure that nothing is lacking—for 86 people, that’s no small task! Each person has different needs.

Sr. Fidelia Klaudia Kantor, OP (Broniszewice):

The work of the Dominican Sisters in the House for Boys in Broniszewice is incredibly inspiring. As a religious sister, I can confidently say that serving individuals with disabilities—our 67 wonderful boys—is a source of immense satisfaction. Many people see our work through the lens of hardship, sacrifice, and renunciation, which is true. However, the driving force and greatest gift that enables us to carry out this mission is love!

Every day, we accompany our residents, striving to provide them with the safe and dignified life they deserve. Together with our dedicated staff, we create one big family, ensuring no one lacks anything. Many of our boys need support with even the smallest tasks, such as daily hygiene, feeding, dressing, or mobility. We are always there for them so that they feel cared for in every aspect of their lives.

During the day, we organize various activities and therapies tailored to each individual’s abilities and needs. We support their development through therapeutic, artistic, musical, and sports activities, helping them spend time in an enjoyable and active way. One of the most popular activities is canine therapy. Thanks to this, the boys not only experience joy but also learn openness, responsibility, and empathy. Some, after special training at our “Dog Kindergarten,” even become caregivers to our four-legged friends.

We also organize trips, both short and long, including summer vacations. In our free time, we try to bring joy to the boys by reading books, playing board games, or watching their favorite cartoons and films. These shared moments strengthen relationships and build trust. The kindness we offer is returned to us in the form of volunteers who come to our Home from all over Poland! Volunteer work is an invaluable help. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers, our boys feel even more loved and happy, knowing that someone is offering them their time and attention selflessly.

As religious sisters, we do not forget about the spiritual dimension of our residents’ lives. We enable them to participate in religious practices. Our residents can attend Sunday Mass and receive the sacraments in our new, spacious chapel, specially designed for people with disabilities. This was once just a dream, but thanks to Divine Providence, it has become a reality!

Trusting in God, we experience every day that with His help, everything is possible. Running our Home in any circumstances is the best proof of that.

What motivates you to act?

Sr. Paula Zadroga, OP (Broniszewice):

I am primarily motivated by love, God, and the well-being of others—especially those who are helpless, sick, suffering, lonely, or disabled. As I mentioned, I work daily with boys with intellectual disabilities. Their innocence, gratitude, and selflessness often inspire me. In this Home, we are all one Family.

I want these boys to have a dignified life, always feeling seen, loved, and needed. I love helping others. Serving God and people gives my life meaning. The happiness of those I love is my greatest motivation. Additionally, I am encouraged by the example of my fellow Sisters, family, friends, volunteers, and all those who dedicate their time and energy to helping others.

Sr. Nikodema (Mielżyn):

What motivates me the most is seeing our residents find a true home here. When I see their smiles and hear them call this House their home, it means everything. I have accompanied some of our youngest residents from the moment they arrived until now, witnessing how they have changed and how loved and safe they feel.

Their pasts, before coming to us, are often tragically difficult. Some arrive at just three years old, having already gone through foster care and emergency shelters before finally finding a home with us.

How does running the House align with the Dominican charism?

Sr. Nikodema Marta (Mielżyn):

Our charism is to help those most in need. There is no doubt that we fully realize our charism here. The residents of our Home are those who need love and presence the most.

Sr. Eliza Myk (Broniszewice):

Compassion is the key to serving, loving, and living with our Boys.“Compassion was the beginning of St. Dominic’s apostolic attitude. The attitude of bending down to human misery characterized him even before he heard the call to preach the word of God. Moved by the poverty of the poor and deeply suffering with them, he decided to follow the Lord’s advice and help the dying poor in every possible way. So he sold his books, which were essential for his studies at the time, as well as all his belongings, and distributed everything among the poor.” — Fr. Jacek Salij OP

The disabilities of our Boys still evoke fear in people—fear of “the other”. They also cause situations in which their parents are unable to care for them. As a result, these Boys are often deprived of the opportunity to grow up in their families. They are also denied what is considered “normal” functioning in society.

A woman’s heart—including our hearts as sisters—naturally feels deeply moved when we hear and see such situations. We share in their rejection and exclusion. That is why we wholeheartedly desire for our Boys to have a safe Home, a family, and to live surrounded by respect and dignity, embraced by love. Compassion is a powerful force that strengthens love, and I am grateful that St. Dominic so abundantly passed it on to us as part of our charism.

It is also incredible how much the Boys touch human hearts precisely through their weaknesses and disabilities. Whenever we give retreats or share God with others, we see how weak our words as sisters can be compared to the impact of the Boys’ words, gestures, or mere presence.

They break even the hardest of hearts, bringing tears to the eyes of not only believers but also those of all backgrounds, ages, social statuses, and faiths. We have often witnessed how encountering our Boys has led people who were distant from God to turn sincerely to Him.

The mystery of God—who chooses what is weak, foolish, and not noble in the eyes of the world—manifests abundantly through the Boys of Broniszewice. To Him be glory forever.

The year 2025 is a Jubilee Year of Hope. What does hope mean to you? How do you nurture it while witnessing the hardships around us?

Sr. Nikodema (Mielzyn):

Hope, for me, is faith in God’s Mercy and Providence. Every day brings joys and sorrows. There are always new difficulties, but along with them come new solutions and help. That’s why I try to entrust everything to Divine Providence, and what I can no longer change, I leave to God’s Mercy.

Sr. Tymoteusza Gil, OP (Broniszewice):
Hope for me is straining toward what is in front of me, forgetting about what is behind me. It’s keeping darkness and anxiety out of my heart, and when they want to get into my heart I push them out, looking with hope that God will take care of everything. In Broniszewice every year we have quite a training ground for exercising hope, because here there is always a shortage of money to maintain the Boys’ Home. And if it weren’t for the hope that God sees this and the hope that He will take care that our Boys don’t lack anything, then my sisters and I would torment ourselves and finish ourselves mentally. And abiding in hope means that when we stand in 2025 once again with the news that the state subsidy has been reduced we don’t panic. We know that we have a God for whom no amount of money is too much to get for the Boys.