Antoniewicz (Boloż-Antoniewicz), Karol

ANTONIEWICZ (BOLOZ-ANTONIEWICZ), KAROL. - Polish Jesuit preacher and ascetical writer, born of a noble Armenian-rite family on 6 Nov. 1807 at Skwarzawa (district of Zółkiew, Leopoli), died at Obra on 14 Nov. 1852 in the repute of sanctity. He studied law at the University of Leopoli. He was a cavalry officer in the Polish army during the war against Russia in 1830-31. In 1833 he married Sofia Nikorowicz, by whom he had five children. After the death of his wife and all his children, he entered the Society of Jesus on 11 Sept. 1839; he was ordained priest in 1844. During the turbulent years 1846-48 he did much to calm the crowds, distinguishing himself as a preacher. He subsequently carried out his apostolic work in Cracovia, Posnania, and Slesia, where he died of cholera, contracted while assisting the dying during a severe epidemic. A monument was erected to him in the church of Obra. He played an important part in the foundation in Poland of the convents of the Ladies of the Sacred Heart. A distinguished writer, he published nearly one hundred works in prose and verse, almost all of a religious nature.