Polish nurse who integrated spiritual care into healthcare, serving the poor and sick with compassion.
Hanna Helena Chrzanowska (1902–1973) was a Polish nurse, humanitarian, and a pioneer in community nursing whose deep faith and dedication to the sick and elderly left a lasting legacy in healthcare. Born on October 7, 1902, in Warsaw to a prominent family, Hanna was influenced by both her Catholic faith and her father’s commitment to public service. After completing her nursing education in Poland and France, she worked tirelessly to improve healthcare, particularly for the poor and homebound, and advocated for the integration of spiritual care into nursing.
During World War II, Hanna organized aid for war refugees and victims, risking her safety to care for those displaced by the conflict. After the war, she became instrumental in developing community nursing programs in Communist Poland, where she emphasized the holistic care of patients, addressing not only physical but also spiritual needs. Collaborating closely with figures such as Cardinal Karol Wojtyła (later Pope John Paul II), she organized retreats and pastoral care for the sick, bringing comfort and dignity to the marginalized.
Hanna's selfless service and deep faith inspired many in the nursing profession. Despite health challenges in her later years, she continued her mission until her death on April 29, 1973. Recognized for her heroic virtue and devotion, Hanna was beatified on April 28, 2018.