In the world of the Catholic Church, there are many stories of noteworthy individuals whose contributions have left a lasting impact on the faith. One such individual was Madre Pascalina Lehnert, who served as the personal secretary to Pope Pius XII for over years. While her name may not be as well-known as some of the other key figures in the Church’s history, her story is both remarkable.
From her early days as a young nun to her rise to become one of the most trusted confidantes of the Pope, Madre Pascalina’s journey became a testament to the power of faith and the strength of a dedicated servant.
Early Life and Religious Calling
Josefina Lehnert was born in 1894 in Bavaria, Germany. She was the seventh of twelve children born to George and Maria Lehnert who were farmers. At the age of 15, she entered the convent of the Sisters of the Holy Cross Menzingen, taking the name of Sister Pascalina.
In 1930, Sister Pascalina was sent to Rome to work for Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli, who was then the Vatican Secretary of State; she met the man who would become Pope Pius XII at that time. Pacelli was impressed with her organizational skills, her intelligence, and her fierce loyalty to the Church. He would later become Pope Pius XII, and Sister Pascalina would serve as his personal secretary until the Pontiff`s death.
Meeting Pope Pius XII
Pope Pius XII was elected Pope in 1939, and within a few months, he appointed Sister Pascalina as his personal secretary. She was the first woman to hold this position, and her appointment caused some controversy within the Vatican. However, Pope Pius XII was convinced of her abilities and knew that he needed someone he could trust completely in this important role. Sister Pascalina was responsible for managing the Pope’s schedule, answering his correspondence, and even preparing his meals. She became an indispensable member of the Pope’s inner circle, and he completely relied on her.
Becoming the Pope’s Confidante and Secretary
Over the years, Sister Pascalina’s role expanded beyond that of a mere secretary. She became one of Pope Pius XII’s most trusted confidantes, and he relied on her for advice and guidance on a wide range of issues. She was known for her intelligence, her sharp wit, and her ability to keep confidences. She was a tireless worker, often working late into the night to ensure that everything was in order for the Pope. Sister Pascalina also became a key figure in the Vatican’s efforts to help Jews during World War II. She worked closely with the Pope to assist Jewish refugees, and she helped to establish safe houses for Jewish children. She was also involved in efforts to smuggle Jews out of Italy and into Switzerland.
Controversies Surrounding Pius XII and Madre Pascalina
Pope Pius XII’s papacy was not without controversy, and Madre Pascalina was sometimes caught up in these controversies. One of the most significant controversies surrounding Pius XII was his perceived silence during the Holocaust. Some critics accused him of not doing enough to help the Jews, while others defended his efforts to save as many lives as possible. Madre Pascalina was also the subject of controversy when she published her memoirs in 1983. Some critics accused her of whitewashing Pius XII’s role in the Holocaust and downplaying his silence. Others defended her, arguing that she was simply telling the truth as she saw it.
Legacy of Madre Pascalina
Madre Pascalina’s legacy is a testament to the power of faith and the strength of a dedicated servant. She served Pope Pius XII faithfully for over four decades, becoming one of his most trusted confidantes and advisors. She played a key role in the Vatican’s efforts to help Jews during World War II, and she was known for her intelligence, her organizational skills, and her loyalty. Madre Pascalina’s story is also a reminder of the important role that women have played in the Catholic Church throughout its history. While women have often been overlooked in the Church’s official history, their contributions have been significant and should not be forgotten.
Books and Films about Madre Pascalina and Pius XII
Madre Pascalina’s life has been the subject of several books and films. In 1983, she published her memoirs, which provided a first-hand account of her life and her experiences working for Pope Pius XII. There have also been several biographies written about her, including “The Pope’s Last Crusade” by Peter Eisner.
Additionally, there have been several films depicting the life of Pope Pius XII and Madre Pascalina; one of the most well-known is “The Scarlet and the Black,” which tells the story of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, who helped to hide Jews in Rome during World War II. Madre Pascalina is portrayed in the film as a key figure in the Vatican’s efforts to help the Jews.
In conclusion, Madre Pascalina Lehnert’s life is a remarkable story of faith, dedication, and service. She served Pope Pius XII faithfully for over four decades, becoming one of his most trusted confidantes and advisors. She played a key role in the Vatican’s efforts to help Jews during World War II, and she was known for her intelligence, her organizational skills, and her loyalty. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the important role that women have played in the Catholic Church throughout its history.
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