Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger | Diocese of Tucson website

An exhibit at the St. John Paul II National Shrine in Washington is paying tribute to the Ulma family, a Polish family who were martyred for sheltering Jews during World War II. The exhibit, titled "The Good Samaritans of Markowa: The Sacrificial Love of the Ulma Family," opened on January 12 and will run through March, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the family's martyrdom.

The Ulma family, consisting of Józef and Wiktoria Ulma and their seven children, were beatified by Pope Francis last September. They were executed by the Nazis for their brave act of helping Jews during the war. Pope Francis has described them as "witnesses of hope even amidst the most horrid examples of human evil." The pope also said that the Ulma family is "a model to imitate in striving for goodness and in the service of those in need."

The exhibit features 20 poster panels that highlight the daily life of the Ulma family, their strong Catholic faith, and information about the Jewish community in their village of Markowa. It also includes a unique reliquary that contains a first-class relic of each member of the Ulma family, depicted as connected by the branches of the Tree of Life.

Józef Ulma was a farmer and beekeeper, while Wiktoria Ulma was a homemaker who participated in amateur theater productions. They were active members of their village's St. Dorothy Church and were involved in their parish's Living Rosary Association. Despite the grave risks involved, the Ulmas decided to act on their faith and provide shelter to eight Jews from two families during the Nazi occupation of Poland.

Tragically, on March 24, 1944, the Nazis discovered the hiding place and executed all eight Jews, as well as Wiktoria, who was eight months pregnant, and Józef in front of their six children. The Nazis forced several village residents to witness the executions as a warning against assisting Jews. The family was buried in front of their home, and a year later, when their bodies were exhumed for proper burial, it was discovered that the unborn child had also perished, receiving the "baptism of blood" and becoming a martyr.

The Ulma family's beatification is believed to be the first time an entire family has been beatified as martyrs. The exhibit at the St. John Paul II National Shrine showcases various aspects of their life, including their marriage, children, spiritual life, and artistic activities. It also includes reflections by St. John Paul II on the importance of the family as the cornerstone of civilization.

The exhibit incorporates photographs taken by Józef himself, who was an avid amateur photographer. One particularly moving reproduction is a photo he took of Jewish women from Markowa, stained with blood from one of the Ulmas when they were executed. The exhibit also includes the Ulma family's entries in their parish death registry and a copy of the Yad Vashem declaration from 1995, recognizing Józef and Wiktoria Ulma as Righteous Among the Nations.

The information presented in the exhibit comes from the Markowa Ulma-Family Museum of Poles Who Saved Jews in World War II, which honors all Poles who risked their lives to save Jews. It is estimated that in Markowa alone, 21 Jews were saved by village residents.

The Ulma relics, along with relics of Blessed Carlo Acutis and St. John Paul II, will be venerated by attendees at the upcoming Life Fest event in Washington, organized by the Sisters of Life and the Knights of Columbus. This event aims to highlight holy men and women whose stories inspire the building of a culture of life.

The exhibit at the St. John Paul II National Shrine is a powerful testament to the sacrificial love and bravery of the Ulma family. Their story serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of grave danger, and the impact that a single family can have in shaping a better world.