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Bernardine Franciscan Sisters

An Intercultural Congregation of Women Religious
The Siberian Exiles Cross (Polish: Krzyż Zesłańców Sybiru) is a state decoration in Poland awarded by President of Poland. It was established on October 17, 2003 in order to recognize and commemorate the sufferings of Polish citizens deported to Siberia, Kazakhstan and Northern Russia from 1939–1956. The cross memorializes their devotion to the ideals of freedom and independence. 
The Military Department of the Office for War Veterans and Victims of Oppression takes part in the award process by recording and verifying the motions pertaining to veterans. The cross is awarded to those who at the time of deportation were Polish Nationals, as well as any children born in exile. The Cross is also awarded to inmates of labor camps, work camps and places of exile who at the time of exile were Polish nationals but who may have received citizenship of a different country.  
Sister Clarine Gomulka, resident of St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA received this medal on November 13, 2019 at the special awards ceremony in the Polish Consulate in New York City. Sister’s niece, Teresa Berednicki (Manchester, England) participated in the formal procedure and received this medal in Sister’s name.
For more information please see the website for Sister’s personal recollection of her experiences which merited this honor.


Recollection of Sister Clarine Gomulka (Siberian Exiles Cross)

This is a true account of what happened to Polish People during the Second World War. On the seventeenth of September, 1939, the Soviet Union, without any warning, invaded Poland. In 1940-1941 imprisonment and mass execution started immediately. I was 12 years old when together with my family I was deported. Six Million Poles were deported to Siberia in the far north of Russia. Winters lasted for ten months with temperatures dropping to as much as 60 degrees below zero. Even in those severe temperatures everyone from 15 years up had to work outside from early morning to late at night, Prisoners had even worse treatment; large numbers sleeping one-by-one on cement floors. Apart from a small window, there was no furnishing. Toilet facilities were outside. Food rations were minimal and prisoners either resembled skeletons or their stomachs were bloated from hunger. In those conditions only faith and hope gave us strength. We prayed to God and the Blessed Mother for protection.

Hitler attacked Russia in June of 1942, and Russia was losing. Stalin asked the Allies for help. Our President-in-exile approached Stalin and persuaded him to release all Poles from prisons and camps. Stalin reluctantly agreed to grant us amnesty. General Anders and men from the prisons fought alongside Allied Forces in Italy.

Poles left Russia eventually in 1941 arriving in Persia (now Iran) first by train and then by boat. Under British protection Polish refugees were sheltered in India and Africa, where they had their own churches, schools and scout camps. When the war ended, Poland became a soviet satellite. It was a (difficult) decision where to settle, either to return to Poland or to live abroad. Only 10 % decided to return to Poland. The remaining exiles were allowed to settle in Britain, Australia, Canada, Mexico or New Zealand.

The Bernardine Franciscan Sisters sponsored 50 girls who came on student’s visas to the United States. A few decided to join the religious order, the remainder chose other professions.

It was only by a miracle that I and others survived this imprisonment.
 
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