Brev fra polsk mor beveger paven

Woman Who Died in Auschwitz Entrusted Child to Friend

JERUSALEM, MAR 24 (ZENIT.org).- One of the most moving moments of yesterday's ceremony at the Memorial to the Holocaust was the reading of a letter, dated September 23, 1943, written by a Polish mother entrusting her son to a friend. In giving her son to her friend's family, the mother was hoping to avoid his becoming a victim of the Nazis. But, a year later, both mother and son died in Auschwitz.

Following is the text of the letter that brought tears to the eyes of many of those present, and visibly moved the Pope.

«Dear Mrs. Bronia,

It is very difficult for me to write you. Terrible things have happened recently. Life is so cruel. When you came here, Mrs. Bronia, I was unable to express my feelings. I beg you: take care of my son. Be a mother to him. I am afraid he will catch cold: he is so weak and sickly. Dear Bronia, do everything possible for him, I will be grateful to you until my dying day.

«He is very intelligent and has a very good heart. I am sure he will love you. Every day I pray to God, from the depth of my suffering that you, on the contrary, will have a happy future, and will not have to be separated from your children, so that you can love them and take care of them. Can you understand my torture?

Bronia, this letter is a cry from the heart. Michael must eat, become strong, be able to withstand sufferings. Please, it is necessary to dress him in warm clothes, that he wear socks. I cannot go on writing. Even my tears have dried up. May God protect you both. Genya.»

Zenit - The World Seen From Rome