On August 2nd, we celebrate the feast day of Blessed Augustus Czartoryski, a man born into exile in Paris on August 2, 1858, to Prince Ladislaus and Princess Maria Amparo, the daughter of the Queen of Spain. Augustus lived his life both in sickness, having overcome many bouts with disease, and in pursuit of spiritually healing the young and old within his parish. As his feast day approaches let’s remember the sacrifice of Augustus, coming from a family with everything and giving it all to Christ.
Augustus hailed from a noble lineage, with his family having emigrated to France approximately 30 years prior, their hearts firmly tied to the dynastic interests of Poland. In the face of his homeland’s dismemberment in 1795, Prince Ladislaus, from his place of exile, fervently sought to restore unity.
At the tender age of six, Augustus experienced the loss of his mother. However, Margaret of Orleans, the daughter of the Count of Paris and pretender to the French throne, stepped in to fill the void. From his earliest years, Augustus exhibited qualities of goodness and thoughtfulness. Despite his deep attachment to Poland, he was never allured by courtly life. The grace working within him bestowed upon him a detachment from earthly possessions and a steadfast commitment to a serious spiritual existence.
Augustus pursued his studies between the ages of 10 and 17, dividing his time between Paris and Krakow. Unfortunately, his fragile health frequently interrupted his education, leading him to seek refuge in the milder climates of southern Europe. During this period, Providence introduced Joseph Kalinowski as his tutor, guiding him not only academically but, more importantly, in matters of the soul. Kalinowski would later become a Carmelite and be venerated as a saint within the Church. Describing his pupil, the tutor spoke of Augustus as a young boy with unwavering stability, great kindness, perfect courtesy, sincerity, intelligence, and deep religious devotion, all wrapped in the simplicity of his heart.
In May 1883, a significant encounter took place when Saint Don Bosco visited France. Princess Margaret of Orleans extended an invitation to Don Bosco at Lambert Palace, where Augustus had the privilege of serving his Mass. Don Bosco, recognizing the special qualities within Augustus, exclaimed, “I have long wanted to make your acquaintance!” Struck by this encounter, Augustus traveled multiple times to Turin to meet with Don Bosco. He ardently expressed his desire to join the Salesians, although the Founder remained initially unconvinced. Augustus sought the intercession of Pope Leo XIII, who extended an invitation to Don Bosco, urging him to accept the princess’s request.
Against the wishes of his family, Augustus made the courageous decision to renounce his earthly possessions and any claims to the throne. At the age of 29, he entered the Salesian novitiate in July 1887. Eager to adapt to the Oratory’s lifestyle, he embraced humility, becoming the embodiment of a humble novice. Don Bosco, nearing the end of his earthly journey, blessed Augustus’s religious habit, imparting his paternal blessing.
Embarking on his philosophical studies, Augustus was soon stricken by tuberculosis, leading to a severe decline in his health. During his stay at the Valsalice house in Turin, he encountered Venerable Andrew Beltrami, who nurtured a deep spiritual friendship with him and tended to his needs throughout his illness. Meanwhile, Father Rua allowed Augustus to continue his theological studies and admitted him to the sacred priesthood. On April 2, 1892, he was ordained as a priest in San Remo, an event his family chose to be absent from, having made countless efforts to persuade him to leave the Congregation.
Augustus wholeheartedly embraced Salesian spirituality, particularly the aspect of sacrifice, offering his life and suffering for the betterment of the youth and the Salesian Congregation. Just as Don Bosco had endured much, Augustus followed in his footsteps. Tragically, Fr. Augustus succumbed to his illness at the age of 35 on April 8, 1893, the Saturday within the octave of Easter. His parting words, “What a beautiful Easter!” resonated with the profound joy he experienced in embracing the ultimate sacrifice.
The honor of beatifying Augustus Czartoryski fell to Saint John Paul II, on April 25, 2004. In the homily for his beatification, Pope John Paul II emphasized Augustus’s dedication to discerning God’s will and following it faithfully, making him a model for young people seeking their vocations. The holy prince’s life serves as an example of earnestly seeking God’s guidance and living a life of poverty and service for others. Today, his body is venerated in Przemysl, Poland, a testament to his enduring legacy and an inspiration for all who aspire to lead lives of selflessness and devotion to God.
As we celebrate the feast day of Blessed Augustus Czartoryski on August 2nd, may his extraordinary life serve as a reminder of the power of faith, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to God’s calling. Let us draw inspiration from his example, striving to live lives of virtue, humility, and love for others.