Polish Catholic nun Sister Maria Rafaela has been awarded the ‘Knight’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta,’ one of Poland’s highest civilian honors, for her outstanding service to the poor and the needy. Sr. Rafaela is the Mother Superior of the Monastery of Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration in Kłodzko, which is a contemplative community following the Franciscan tradition. According to the Polish news outlet misyjne.pl, President Karol Nawrocki presented the civilian honor to Sister Maria Rafaela on March 8. Ten other women were also recognized for their contributions in various fields like culture, education, healthcare, and history.
According to the president’s official website, Sister Maria Rafaela actively reaches out to the homeless and those in need, irrespective of their religious background. During the 2024 floods in Kłodzko, she played a vital role in coordinating relief efforts by organizing fund collections and supplying essential items for the victims.
The Order of Polonia Restituta is a Polish order established on February 4, 1921, to recognize exceptional contributions by the citizens to the country. It is Poland’s second-highest civilian state award after the Order of the White Eagle.