Medieval and modern testimonia sanctitatis of Euphemia of Racibórz (died in 1359)

Abstract

For some time, the Opole diocese has been planning to conduct the process of beatification of the saintly Dominican Euphemia (Ofka), the Piast, the princess of Racibórz. She was born around 1299, and on April 9, 1313, she entered the Order of Preachers in Raciborz, where from 1341 to 1346 and from 1349 to 1359 she held the office of prioress. She died in the same convent on January 17, 1359, worshipped as blessed. The article discusses the issue of evidence of Princess Euphemia’s sanctity of life, bringing to the fore medieval source documentation as well as her hagiography by Abraham Bzowski OP. These testimonials allow us to take a closer look at Ofka’s spirituality and her work, especially her great commitment to the operation and development of the Dominican monastery in Racibórz. A particular attention was paid to the fact of referring to this Racibórz Piast as antiqua, as was found in the files of Polish Dominican Provincial Chapter from 1338, which seems to be an expression of esteem and admiration for her saintly life. A particular type of evidence of her saintly life is the cult of Euphemia, which continues to this day.