The Diocese of Palm Beach is celebrating National Catholic Sisters Week and spotlighting nuns who work in the Office of Vocations and Seminarians.

During National Catholic Sisters Week, which runs March 8-14, the Diocese of Palm Beach is highlighting Sister Jadwiga Drapala.

“She was born in Poland in a little village near Kolbuszowa, and grew up the oldest of four children on her family’s farm, where they raised vegetables, grain, fruits and had cows, a horse, chickens, turkeys and pigs. Her favorite farm work was being a cowgirl. As a youngster, she wanted to become a model or dancer, but eventually chose a higher calling. Sometimes that has meant moving outside her comfort zone to serve others,” the Diocese of Palm Beach, Office of Catholic Schools said on Facebook.

“This is what God does. He does miracles if you say yes and you trust him,” she said.

The Diocese of Palm Beach, Office of Catholic Schools added that Sister Jadwiga joined the Congregation of the Sisters of the Most Holy Soul of Christ the Lord in Krakow in August 1993, professing perpetual vows on Aug. 1, 2004.

“She was asked by her religious superiors to join their religious house in Stuart, Fla., and came to the U.S. in 2006. Her favorite saint is her patron, St. Jadwiga, queen of Poland from 1384-99, who ascended the throne at age 10. The queen was very devout and charitable, founded many churches and began a school of theology at Krakow Academy, which became Jagiellonian University,” the Diocese of Palm Beach, Office of Catholic Schools added.

“She loved the Eucharist, and that influenced how she loved others. She was a truly amazing evangelizer,” Sister Jadwiga said.

One of Sister Jadwiga’s favorite quotes from the foundress of her community, Servant of God Mother Paula Sophia Tajber, is: “Whoever wears a religious habit must have a heart of gold and soul like the sun that enlightens, warms and motivates life.” We think you are truly amazing and your soul definitely enlightens, warms and motivates all of us! God Bless You!”  

National Catholic Sisters Week stated that 2022 is the ninth year of the celebration to honor the vital work that Sisters conduct daily including “teaching, caring for the poor, healing the sick, empowering women and promoting peace,” along with promoting sisterhood to other women.

According to The Lily, there were over 44,000 involved in religious institutions throughout the country in 2020.

There are numerous Palm Beach region convents, including Saint Edward's convent, according to the listing's website, iBegin.com.