Karolina Kózka
Karolina Kózka (2 August 1898 – 18 November 1914) was a sixteen-year old Polish victim of a sex attack and murder. Prior to that she was known locally for her strong faith and her eagerness to catechize her neighbours and children. Kózka is often referred to as the "Polish Maria Goretti" due to the manner of her death.
Kózka's death caused great public outrage against Russians since a Russian soldier was believed to have attacked and killed her. Three thousand people flocked to her funeral and called for her canonization cause to be introduced as she died defending her virginity. The cause formally commenced in the 1950s and culminated in 1987 with Pope John Paul II beatifying her in independent Poland.
In the Martyrology
- November 18 Blessed Karolina Kózka, virgin and martyr