THE TRAIL OF BLESSED MARIA LUISA MERKERT IN NYSA

An urban tourist route leading through places associated with Blessed Maria Luisa Merkert, founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Elizabeth, also known as the "Silesian Samaritan". The 4-kilometer trail, marked with plaques featuring universal sayings of Blessed Mary, includes: the Basilica of St. James and St. Agnes, where Mary was baptized and where a reliquary with her remains is located; the sisters' motherhouse, built at Mary's initiative, features a chapel dedicated to the Holy

Family and a room dedicated to the nun's work and life; the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, next to which stood the episcopal hospital where Mary cared for the sick; and the municipal hospital. The route ends at the Ziębice Gate Tower, which offers a beautiful panorama of Nysa. Maria Luisa ministered to the needy, the sick and the dying. The nuns in the congregation she founded served everyone regardless of status, gender or religion, exemplifying tolerance, openness and respect. They cared for the sick and their families. Maria Luisa opened 90 religious houses (Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany and Sweden), including hospitals and nursing homes for the elderly and orphans. Maria Luisa's work spans over a century and a half. Today, the nuns help those in need in many countries in Europe, Asia and South America.

The "Following Maria Luiza Merkert trail", submitted by the City Hall in Nysa was awarded a distinction in the competition for the Best Tourist Product OROT Certificate in 2010 and was entered into the national stage of the competition.