A closer look at the Ulma Family
who is the Ulma family?
At Saint John Paul the Great Academy, family is at the heart of everything we do. We believe the family is the domestic church—the first and most essential place where faith is nurtured, virtues are taught, and love is lived daily. When deciding who might serve as patrons for our monthly family nights, we sought a family whose story would inspire us not only in moments of joy and celebration but also through times of challenge and sacrifice. That’s why we’ve chosen the Ulma family.
The Ulma family—Józef, Wiktoria, and their seven children—lived a simple and faithful life in the small village of Markowa, Poland, during World War II. Their story, however, is extraordinary. When Jewish neighbors faced persecution by Nazi occupiers, the Ulmas courageously welcomed eight Jewish individuals into their home, fully aware of the immense risks involved. For nearly two years, they lived in solidarity, sharing their home, resources, and hearts.
Tragically, their act of heroic charity led to their martyrdom. After being betrayed, on March 24, 1944, Nazi soldiers executed the entire Ulma family—including Wiktoria, who was pregnant with their seventh child—along with those they sheltered. Their sacrifice, however, was not in vain. It stands as an enduring testimony to the power of love, the strength of faith, and the depth of authentic courage.
As we gather each month for our family nights, we do so inspired by the legacy of the Ulmas, confident that their example will help strengthen our families in faith, virtue, and love. In their honor, we renew our commitment to become families who courageously live out the Gospel, lighting the way for others in our community.
But why choose a story marked by such tragedy as our inspiration?
The Ulma family teaches us the profound meaning of sacrificial love. They didn't just practice their faith quietly; they embodied it boldly. Their courage to protect the vulnerable mirrors the ultimate sacrifice Christ made for each of us. As families striving to live the gospel today, we find in the Ulmas a vivid example of how faith can transform ordinary people into extraordinary witnesses of Christ’s love.
Furthermore, naming our family nights after the Ulmas connects deeply with our patron, Saint John Paul II, who tirelessly emphasized the importance of family life. Just like John Paul II, the Ulmas highlight that holiness is accessible to all families, no matter their circumstances. Holiness is lived out in small acts of kindness, hospitality, and, if necessary, profound sacrifice.
Through the Ulma family's story, we learn that our daily family lives—filled with love, sacrifice, and service—are powerful testimonies to our faith. They remind us of our call to defend human dignity, practice solidarity, and nurture courageous faith within our homes.