Congregation of the Mission » Obituary

Obituary: mother of Fr. Roman Kmiec died

Tom — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 21:00:08 +0000

We have received sad message from Provincial Office in Krakow, Poland about death of Mrs. MARIA KMIEĆ, 75, mother of Fr. Roman Kmiec CM, pastor of St. Stanislaus B&M parish, New Haven, Connecticut. She passed on December 27, 2010.Funeral ceremony will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2010. First, after the wake at her home, the body will carried in procession to parish church of St. Andrew Bobola in Szarwark, near Tarnow, Poland. After the Mass she will be interred in the family grave at parish cemetery. Let us keep her and her family in our prayers. Eternal rest give her, Lord!
READ ANNOUNCEMENT

They rest in peace… St. Michael’s Cemetery

Tom — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 22:18:42 +0000

The idea of cemetery germinated from the very beginning of the organization of St. Michael’s the Archangel parish in Derby, Connecticut. But it did not take fruit until 1939 when the large parcel of lawn among forest, half way between Derby and Ansonia was blessed and initiated as burial place for many Polish immigrants living in New Haven county. as well as thirty-five Vincentian priests and brothers from New England Province. All pastors and superior, most vicars can be found interred in this picturesque land.

The parish in Derby for Polish emigrants was formed after years of struggling for the church where Poles could pray and sing in their native language. The first Polish immigrations came to this important seaport in Connecticut in 1875 either from the mills and coal mines of Pennsylvania or directly from Southern Poland, because of the availability of labor. In the nearby Ansonia, Poles came mostly from Vilnius area. The Association of St. Michael the Archangel was established on New Year’s Day, 1896 for the purpose of forming the new parish. A first people attended Masses at St. Mary’s church regularly. However, after 1904, when Vincentians took over St. Stanislaus Parish in New Haven, CT they came to hear confessions in Derby on Saturdays and to have a Mass for Poles with a sermon in Polish on Sundays. On October 18, 1905 the parish of St. Michael the Archangel was incorporated. Rev. Stanislaus Konieczny CM was designated to be first pastor.

In 1938 Rev. Joseph Swaltek CM was appointed the pastor of St. Michael’s and started with beautifying the front of the church. In 1939 he went to Poland to celebrate his 25th priesthood anniversary. Unfortunately, WWII has broken up on September 1, 1939. After different complications and being denied from military service as chaplain Fr. Swaltek fled with populace and finally returned to the United States. During his absence, the parish committee looked for a cemetery site. On July 8, 1939, 65 acres were procured on “Silver Hill” for the amount of $5,250. It turned out that the property lay in a residential area but that difficulty was cleared in time. On November 24, 1939 the cemetery was blessed and the hard task of blasting and removing rocks began.

In addition to the parishioners, much physical labor was donated by the parish priests themselves. One of them was parochial vicar Rev. Julian Pustelnik CM who loved physical work in which he was very successful. Contributing in organization of the cemetery he never realized he would be one of the first to be buried there. When Fr. Casimir Kiczuk CM was vicar (during pastorate of Fr. Michael Gryglak CM and second pastorate of Fr. Swaltek) the landscaping of the necropolis was largely attributed to him. During pastorate of Fr. Henry Czekala CM (1979-1988) the roads in the cemetery were repaired.

St. Michael’s Cemetery is at Silver Hill Road, next to Osborndale State Park. It can be reached from Gen. Samuel Jasilka Hwy. Cemetery’s office is at St. Michael’s Parish. (View directions on the map). Vincentians’ Plot is in the oval at the end of entrance driveway. There two rows of graves there, with stone plaques, ca. 20″ by 8″ each. (view it on the map)

Confreres buried in St. Michael’s Cemetery:

Bro. Francis ANDRZEJEWSKI CM (†2001)
Rev. Stanislaus BLACHUTA CM (†1976)
Bro. Stanislaus CIEPLAK CM (†1976)
Rev. Martin CYMBROWSKI CM (†2001)
Rev. Joseph CZAPLA CM (†1962)
Bro. Aurelius DOBROGOWSKI CM (†1963)
Bro. Peter DZERMEJKO CM (†1982)
Rev. Edward P. GICEWICZ CM (†2009)
Bro. Richard GLINSKI CM (†2003)
Rev. George GLOGOWSKI CM (†1920)
Rev. Wilhelm GOLLI CM (†1994)
Rev. Michael GRYGLAK CM (†1976)
Rev. John JANKOWSKI CM (†1996)
Rev. Stephen MINKIEL CM (†2007)
Rev. Gothard KRZYSTECZKO CM (†1990)
Rev. Paul KURTYKA CM (†1986)
Rev. Casimir KWIATKOWSKI CM (†1969)
Rev. Joseph LUKASZCZYK CM (†1966)
Rev. Anthony MAZURKIEWICZ CM (†1963)
Rev. James MIELECHOWSKI CM (†1996)
Rev. Peter OLSZOWKA CM (†1975)
Rev. Walenty PIECZKA CM (†2007)
Rev. Joseph PIORKOWSKI CM (†1969)
Rev. Julian PUSTELNIK CM (†1940)
Rev. Michael SADOWSKI CM (†1965)
Rev. Joseph SWALTEK CM (†1953)
Rev. Charles SZYMANSKI CM (†1992)
Rev. Eugene SZYSZKA CM (†1994)
Rev. Ronald A. WIKTOR CM (†2010)
Rev. Stanislaus WLODARCZYK CM (†1946)
Rev. Carl WOJCIECHOWSKI CM (†1972)
Rev. Henry WOJTKIEWICZ CM (†2004)
Bro. Henry ZIOLKOWSKI CM (†1997)

To read more about other graveyards of the Vincentian community in New England go to these stories:
« They Rest In Peace… Calvary Cemetery »
« Where Our Departed Confreres Rest In Peace »
« Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord… »

Where our departed Confreres rest in peace

Tom — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 03:15:24 +0000

Since first Vincentian Priests arrived to New Haven, Connecticut from Krakow in 1904 exactly ONE HUNDRED priests and brothers who lived for at least few years of their Vincentian ministry in New England departed to Eternal Father. Some came here for very short time. Some spent most of their life making United States their second homeland. For some, especially expelled missionaries from China, New England became a shelter because situation in Poland. Some are American-born. Whatever the reason it was, they gave their hearts and sweat of their brows to serve the people of North-Eastern USA. Sixty-six of them are interred in American soil. Others are buried in Poland and former Polish territories (29), Brazil (4), and one in China. In particular, those Confreres buried in America are interred in to main locations - First Calvary Cemetery, Queens, NY (25) and St. Michael’s Cemetery, Derby, CT (33). Another eight in other necropolises in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Let us make you acquainted with the locations where our Confreres are resting in peace.

St. Michael’s Cemetery, Derby, Connecticut

Read the story: “They Rest in peace… St. Michael’s Cemetery”
to learn more about Our Confreres there

Calvary Cemetery, Queens, New York

Read the story: “They Rest in peace… Calvary Cemetery”
to learn more about Our Confreres there

Other cemeteries in the United States

Rev. Henry CZEKALA CM (†2005) – St. Lawrence Cemetery, West Haven, Connecticut
Bro. George FELIX CM (†1905) – New Haven, Connecticut
Rev. Joseph JANOWSKI CM (†1936) – Mount St.Peter’s Cemetery, Derby, Connecticut
Rev. Francis HAMERSKI CM (†1969) – St. Lawrence Cemetery, West Haven, Connecticut
Rev. Casimir KICZUK CM (†2003) – St. Mary’s & St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Norwich, Connecticut
Rev. Charles PACHERSKI CM (†1977) – St. Raphael Cemetery, New Haven, Connecticut
Rev. Joseph PACIOREK CM (†2004) – St. Stanislaus Kostka Cemetery, Adams, Massachusetts
Rev. Paul DYLLA CM (†1976) – Swansea, Massachusetts

Cemeteries or death places in Poland
(CM Province of Poland)

Confreres, who retired or reassigned to other ministry returned to Poland
(locations in Ukraine, Belarus and Ukraine belonged to Poland before WWII)

Rev. Francis ARCISZEWSKI CM (†2000) – Powazki Cemetery, Warsaw
Rev. Francis BUCHHORN CM (†1935) – Tarnow
Rev. John CEPURSKI CM (†1942) – Milatyn Nowy, Ukraine
Rev. Waclaw CZAPLA CM (†1971) – died in car accident, Oviedo, Spain
Rev. John GANCARZ CM (†1940) – Rakowice Cemetery, Krakow
Rev. Sylvester GRACZYK CM (†1940) – Powazki Cemetery, Warsaw
Rev. Joseph GRZELINSKI CM (†1977) – Krzeszowice
Rev. Francis KELLNER CM (†1992) – Rakowice Cemetery, Krakow
Rev. Eugene KOLODZIEJ CM (†1952) – Rakowice Cemetery, Krakow
Rev. Hugo KROL CM (†1945) – Rakowice Cemetery, Krakow
Bro. Martin KUDLEK CM (†1942) – Rakowice Cemetery, Krakow
Rev. Michael PAJAK CM (†1981) – Zmigrod
Rev. Adam PIASECKI CM (†1946) – Rakowice Cemetery, Krakow
Rev. John PIENIAZEK CM (†1936) – Olcza, Zakopane
Rev. Joseph PIEPRZYCA CM (†1976) – Tarnow
Rev. John ROSSMAN CM (†1926) – Lviv, Ukraine
Servant of God, Rev. Joseph SLUPINA CM (†1940) – KL Auschwitz
Rev. John SOBOTKA CM (†2005) – Powazki Cemetery, Warsaw
Rev. Joseph SOWINSKI CM (†1945) – Vilnius, Lithuania
Rev. Francis TRAWNICZEK CM (†1926) – Rakowice Cemetery. Krakow
Rev. Constantine WITASZEK CM (†1960) – Chelmno
Rev. Francis WOJCIAK CM (†1938) – Olcza, Zakopane
Rev. Joseph ZAJAC CM (†1941) – Lviv, Ukraine
Rev. Aloysius ZELEZNIK CM (†1945) – Lyskov, Belarus

Confreries buried in the state of Parana, Brazil
(CM Province of Curitiba)

Confreres, who after returning from China mission
temporarily worked in New England before moving
to then Vice-Province of Poland in Brazil
(presently Province of Curitiba)

Msgr Ignatius KRAUZE CM, Bishop of Shuntehfu (†1984) – Araucaria
Rev. Sigismund PIOTROWSKI CM (†1978) – Curitiba
Rev. Waclaw SZUNIEWICZ CM (†1963) – Irati
Rev. John WISLINSKI CM (†1961) – Araucaria

Diocese of Shuntehfu, China

Rev. Waclaw JECZMIONKA CM (†1943) – one of the three priests who went to foreign missions in China from Vice-Province of Poland in Utica

Rev. Joseph Jankowski CM monument dedicated by parishioners from Ansonia, CT

Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord…

Tom — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 12:29:29 +0000

In All Souls Day, when we pray in special way for all those close to our hearts who are now longer among us. In remembrance of of the Confreres of New England Province who departed to the House of the Father and all members of the Congregation of the Mission who departed into Eternal Mission during past twelve months.Let us keep all of them in our prayers:

New England Province – RED * Eastern Province – BLUE * Western Province – GREEN

01/11/2009 – Fr. Jean Emile GONTHIER (95), Province of Paris
12/11/2009 – Fr. Paul M. MURPHY (77), Eastern Province USA
14/11/2009 – Fr. Martien (P.M.) REINDERS (86), Province fo Holland
17/11/2009 – Bro. Germán FUENTE CANDUELA (88), Province of Madrid
28/11/2009 – Fr. Augusto Giovanni B. GIACOMINI (93), Province of Turin
29/11/2009 – Fr. Thomas J. McINTYRE (90), Western Province USA

03/12/2009 - Fr. Pierre Hector NORMAND (80), Province of Paris
05/12/2009 – Fr. Hugh MURNAGHAN (91), Province of Ireland
07/12/2009 – Fr. Paul LY (92), Chnese Province
10/12/2009 – Fr. Ján DOLÁK (93), Provicen fo Slovakia
13/12/2009 – Fr. Aurelio LONDOÑO (71), Province of Colombia
15/12/2009 – Fr. Alfredo Armindo BALOI (49), Vice Province of Mozambique
22/12/2009 – Fr. Fernando PINTO REIS (79), Portuguese Province
24/12/2009 – Fr. Joseph KHABSA (66), Province of Orient
28/12/2009 – Fr. Antonio Joaquín DA SILVA (86), Vice Province of Mozambique
31/12/2009 – Fr. Giel (H.G.) PEETERS (76), Province of Holland

03/01/2010 – Fr. Camillo CISTERNINO (79), Province of Madrid
22/01/2010 - Fr. Leon LISIEWICZ (81), Province of Curitiba
22/01/2010 – Fr. Désiré GEORGES (85), Belgian Region
28/01/2010 – Fr. Nilson GROSSI (81), Province of Rio de Janeiro

04/02/2010 – Fr. John G. NUGENT (87), Eastern Province USA

05/03/2010 – Fr. Joseph GADZINSKI (93), Province of Toulouse
09/03/2010 – Fr. Juan CAMPOS MUIÑAS (71), Province of Colombia
18/03/2010 – Fr. André Jean GRINNEISER (95), Province of Paris
24/03/2010 – Fr. Felipe Jean Marie MARTÍNEZ (80), Western Province

06/04/2010 – Fr. Rafael SÁINZ RIPA (83), Province of Zaragosa

07/05/2010 – Fr. Vincenzo IACOVONE (84), Province of Naples
11/05/2010 – Fr. Alfonso SÁNCHEZ LIZARRAGA (79), Province of Zaragosa
14/05/2010 – Fr. Carlo CALIGARIS (75), Province of Turin
16/05/2010 – Fr. Louis J. DERBES (86), Western Province USA
21/05/2010 – Fr. Juan Antonio PROL PUMAR (98), Province of Salamanca
21/05/2010 – Fr. Karel Alphonse VERMEULEN (80), Belgian Region
22/05/2010 – Fr. Mathew PERUVELIL (77), Province of India North
31/05/2010 – Fr. Czesław PATOŃ (65), Province of Poland

04/06/2010 – Bro. Julián POZUELO MORENO (83), Province of Madrid
09/06/2010 – Fr. Giovanni COSTANZO (98), Province of Turin
10/06/2010 – Fr. John THAYIL (81), Province of India South
17/06/2010 - Fr. Simon KWAKMAN (82), Province of Holland
25/06/2010 – Fr. Leo Boniface MANNES (99), Province of Australia

06/07/2010 – Fr. Joseph P. McCLAIN (87), Eastern Province USA
06/07/2010 – Fr. Marciano RODRÍGUEZ ANTÓN (85) Province of Peru
15/07/2010 – Fr. Jan SOCHA (76), Province of Poland
16/07/2010 – Fr. Manuel GONZÁLEZ RUIZ (87), Province of Salamanca
20/07/2010 – Fr. Ronald A. WIKTOR (74), Province of USA New England
24/07/2020 – Fr. Pierre FARAH (62), Province of Orient

09/08/2010 – Fr. Jože KOŠIR (98), Chinese Province
12/08/2010 – Fr. Luis VELA MARRODÁN (78), Province of Venezuela
14/08/2010 – Fr. John J. McDONNELL (93), Eastern Province USA
16/08/2010 – Fr. Armando CONTI (88), Province of Rome
20/08/2010 – Fr. John J. LAWLOR (91), Eastern Province USA

12/09/2010 – Fr. Raymond J. ROSS (89), Western Province USA
20/09/2010 – Fr. Jesús María CARDONA MEJÍA (99), Province of Colombia

04/10/2010 – Bro. Lorenzo CAMPERO (93), Province of Turin
05/10/2010 – Fr. Louis Auguste FENDER (88), Province of Paris
08/10/2010 – Fr. Luis Eduardo MORENO MESIAS (79), Province of Ecuador
20/10/2010 – Fr. Pedro QUEVEDEO GUZMAN (77), Province of Argentina
21/10/2010 – Fr. Guido BERGHIN ROSÉ (90), Province of Turin
21/10/2010 – Fr. Dominique Cesar PORTA (101), Province of Paris
22/10/2010 – Fr. José de Jesús PEÑA RIVERA (77), Province of Mexico
22/10/2010 – Fr. Piet VAN ERK (87), Province of Fortaleza
29/10/2010 – Fr. Antoon VAN BAKEL (91), Province of Holland
31/10/2010 - Fr. Sergio VISCA (67), Province of Turin

Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace!
Amen.

27 September 1660 – Saint Vincent de Paul dies

Toma — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 07:45:39 +0000

350 years ago today, September 27, 1660 at 4:45 a.m., after long time illness Monsieur Vincent de Paul died peacefully in his room in Maison St. Lazare, Paris, France. He was a priest, reformer of the Church, founder and first Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission, Father of the Poor. Have a look at how historians report on his death:

Pierre Coste describes last moment of St. Vincent de Paul “In Paris, at a quarter to five in the morning, in his room, on his chair by the fireplace, and dressed, without effort or convulsion, Monsieur Vincent dies. And his face, his face of eighty years, is at once a majestic beauty, everyone is surprised. Although since the beginning of the year, Monsieur Vincent has not left his room, he was still busy with matters until September 14, and always with the same lucidity. But on 14th, his old legs have started to flow: their ulcers have grown to the size of a finger. Then from 19, exhausted by his suffering, deprived from sleep for many nights, the dear old man fell into a state of slumber, and he came out intermittently. On September 26, at half past six in the evening, the last rites were administered.

Then, he himself did a noticeable effort to recite the Confiteor. Since that moment, Monsiur Vincent has had the strength to utter, from time to time, one word, one syllable. And Monsieur. Gicquel who, at about two o’clock in the morning on 27th, with well-intentioned zeal which was also untimely, he suggested, without stopping, pious invocations, the holy Founder who, for eighteen years, is preparing two times a day to death, replied: “Enough …” He repeated, however, one last time: “Jesus”, before being seized by the agony hiccups. And so, without historical words, “plainly and simply” Monsieur Vincent died, worn out by his fifty years of total dedication to the service of total Charity” (SV III, pp. 445-455).

Monsieur Gicquel, who was present at the time of his death writes in his diary: “Around four his face was covered with the brilliant and pleasing flushness. It seemed that his face was on fire. Then a little later his face became white as snow. As he experience the nearness of death he repeated the words ‘Deus in adiutorium..etc”. He repeated these words never closing his lips but just moving them: Deus in adiutorium, etc. Those present said: ‘Jesus’ and he repeated the word, again just moving his lips. The attack became more severe and around four-thirty he began his final struggle which lasted for another fifteen minutes. There were no convulsions or gasping for air. He died, handing himself over to the hands of the Lord. He died seated, very majestic and appeared calm and peaceful as never before.”

In Memoriam: Servant of God Fr. Joseph Slupina CM (1880 – 1940)

Toma — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:08:41 +0000

70 years ago, in the afternoon of August 30, 1940, Servant of God, martyr of WWII, Fr. Joseph SLUPINA CM was massacred in the KL Auschwitz. He is one of over 50 Vincentian priests and brothers from Province of Poland who died during World War II and one of 11 recognized as martyrs. For almost a decade Fr. Slupina was working in New England conducting popular missions in parishes in North Eastern United States. He was one of the Founding Fathers of St. John Kanty Prep, Erie, PA and first Mission Team Director in Vincentian community in New England.

Rev. Joseph Slupina CM (Józef Słupina) was born on March 4, 1880 in Królewska Huta (until 1922 – Königshütte, since 1934 Chorzow), diocese of Katowice, Upper Silesia, Poland. He entered Congregation of the Mission in then Province of Krakow on November 11, 1898. He took his permanent vows on November 27, 1900. Ordained priest in St. Vincent de Paul Church (Kleparz House) Krakow, Poland on January 20, 1906. After the ordination he worked in Krakow (Kleparz), Tarnow (Holy Family Parish) and Lviv (then part of Poland).

In 1909 came to the United States accompanying the Visitor of Krakow, Fr. Kasper Slonimski CM who was visiting the Polish Vincentian mission in the United States established in 1905 in New Haven, Connecticut. While conducting the mission in St. Stanislaus Parish, Erie, PA he became, together, with Father Ignasiak, pastor of St. Stanislaus and other Confreres Fr. Goerge Glogowski CM, Fr. Paul Waszko CM and Fr. Anthony Mazurkiewicz CM, the co-founders of the St. John Kanty College Association, which initiated establishment of later St. John Knaty Prep and mission house in Erie, PA (closed in 1982). When the college was opened in 1912 Fr. Slupina became Director of mission team stationed in Erie. He hold this post successfully and eagerly until 1921.

After return to Poland he became chaplain in Daughters of Charity house in Przeworsk (diocese of Przemysl) and later was sent to Lviv again as catechist and organist. From 1927 he was Prefect of the church in Lviv. In 1929 moved to Vilnius and was appointed Mission Team Director (as he was in Erie, PA)which was located in that house before WWII.

After return to Krakow was assigned to Kleparz House and appointed chaplain at Montelupich Prison (7 Montelupich Street), Krakow and at run by Daughters of Charity St. Lazare hospital in Krakow (15-17 Kopernika Street, presently part of Jagiellonian University Hospital complex) and chaplain of St. Nicholas church (near the hospital). Finally, he was given responsibility of the Prefect of St. Vincent de Paul Church at Kleparz which he hold with great zeal and dedication until being imprisoned. He was known of his ministry in the confessional and as a good homilist. Always cared about church decorations. For long time Fr. Joseph was Director of the Association of the Children of Mary (today known as Vincentian Marian Youth).

After the World War II broke up he stayed in Krakow. On July 15, 1940 he was arrested among the group of other Vincentians from Kleparz House suspected of patriotic and anti-German activity manifested by spreading of illegal booklets. They were held into Gestapo’s Montelupich Prison. There, he was interrogated and tortured regularly by Gestapo officers. He prayed continuously. According to witnesses, he never left the rosary from his hands.

Seven weeks later, early in the morning of August 30, 1940 a large group of prisoners was moved to transitional concentration camp in Podgorze, the southern quarter district of Krakow. First prisoners were washed and deloused in the bath. Next lead to railway station. 550 prisoners were packed in cattle wagons, 80 people in each. Fr. Joseph predicted something wrong might happen. The day before, August 29, he asked his Confrere, Fr. Francis Malinowski to hear his confession. He seemed to be aware of upcoming death. After the confesson he said: “It seems to me this was the last confession in my life. Oh, God. If it were possible, I would like to take the last sacraments. But I know,these Sacraments are granted only to the dying. However, who knows what else might happen to us and if we ever would be able to receive this religious solace at all”. In this day he recited the rosary more earnestly, what returned attention of a number of other prisoners.

At about 1400 the train stopped in the field over a mile from Auschwitz Concentration Camp. This was one of the earliest mass transports to KL Auschwitz I. The first one with 780 people took place on June 14, 1940 from Gestapo Prison in Tarnow. Together with Fr. Slupina were Fr. Malinowski and Fr. Jedrychowski (also recognized as WWII martyr). The prisoners were herded and beaten, urged like wild animals. Some SS-men were riding bicycles herding the prisoners ahead of them. Prisoners had to run a trot to keep up. Especially elderly and obese men were mistreated and Fr. Joseph was among them. He was dressed in cassock, reciting rosary all the time.

On arrival to the Nazi Concentration Camp weakened by suffering and severe conditions, tired and exhausted Fr. Joseph Slupina felt down on his shoulders right at entrance to the Camp. A SS-man named Palicz jumped with two feet on his chest, which broke down with a clatter. On the iron wheelbarrows he was taken to gathering place. It was roll-call ground for checking in new arrivals. They made him stand alongside other Vincentianpriests. Fr. Malinowski managed to grant him absolution at the hour of death. A few minutes later, Fr. Joseph ended his life. Fr. Malinowski was badly beaten for his help. The next day the body of late. Fr. Slupina was burned in the camp crematorium.

Fr. Joseph Slupina CM was a great worshiper of Mary Immaculate and her Son Jesus Christ. Up to the last moment he turned out to be a faithful son and worshipper of Mary – died with a rosary in his hand. He died in priestly attire. By his death, until the end he testified of his faithfulness – the faithfulness to God, the Church, the priesthood of Christ, the Vincentian vocation.

On September 17, 2003 in Krakow, a Diocesan inquest of eleven Polish Vincentians, martyrs of World War II, toward beatification was initiated. Fr. Joseph Slupina is in this number. The Visitor of Province of Poland Very Rev. Arkadiusz Zakreta CM is the vice-postulator of the case.

Priests from the Province of Poland of the Congregation of the Mission, martyrs of WWII, Servants of God are:

Rev. Joseph FLORKO CM, died in KL Bergen-Belsen on February 25, 1945
Rev. Hieronim GINTROWSKI CM, shot in the forest near Bydgoszcz on November 1, 1939
Rev. Michael JACHIMCZAK CM, put into death by lethal injection at KL Dachau on January 30, 1941
Rev. John JEDRYCHOWSKI CM, killed by toxic gas in KL Dachau on May 6, 1942
Rev. Norbert KOMPALLA CM, killed by toxic gas in KL Dachau on December 1, 1942
Rev. Adam MALUSZYNSKI CM, died during evacuation of KL Mittelbau on January 31, 1945
Rev. Joseph SLUPINA CM, trampled to death on arrival to KL Auschwitz on August 30, 1940
Rev. Peter SZAREK CM, executed at Stary Rynek square in Bydgoszcz on September 9, 1939
Rev. John WAGNER CM, shot in the forest near Bydgoszcz on November 1, 1939
Rev. Leon WIECKIEWICZ CM, died exhausted by slave work and illness in KL Gross-Rosen on August 4, 1944
Rev. Stanislaus WIOREK CM, executed at Stary Rynek square in Bydgoszcz on September 9, 1939

Prayer for Beatification

Allmighty God, You show your paternal love in any time, and in the world distracted by struggles and dissension You make man capable of forgiveness and reconciliation. Martyrs of the faith are symbol of victory of fidelity over defection and the triumph of love over hatred. Thus, we ask You give us your blessing during the inquest of Martyrs of World War II. Let the martyred death of your servants from the Congregation of the Mission, starred into suffering and risen from the death Christ and their introduction to the glory of altars will be a gift of your never ending love, source of strength in faithful submission to Your Will and the declaration of participation in the final triumph of good over evil. We ask for this, Good Father through Christ, the crown of Saints and Our Lady, the Queen of Martyrs. Amen.

Fr. RONALD WIKTOR CM died

Toma — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:17:13 +0000

“The length of our days is seventy years —
or eighty, if we have the strength;
yet their span is but trouble and sorrow,
for they quickly pass, and we fly away.” (Psalm 90,10)

On July 20, 2010 in age of 74, 53 years of vocation and 47 years of priesthood, Father Ronald A. WIKTOR CM died at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Bridgeport, CT. He was the long time teacher and last Principal, Rector and Superior of St. John Kanty Prep, Erie, PA. Since 2006 he was resident of St. Joseph Manor Rehabilitation & Medical Center, Trumbull, CT. Condolences can be added as commentaries to this post.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS DETAILS.

Lay in State:
July 24, 2010 9:00-10:00 AM
at St. Michael’s Church, Derby, CT

Funeral Liturgy:
July 24, 2010 10:30 AM
St. Michael’s Church, Derby, CT

Burial:
July 24, 2010 12:00 Noon
Vincentian Community Plot
St. Michael’s Cemetery, Derby, CT

RONALD A. WIKTOR was born on December 26, 1935 in Lackawanna, NY as the son of Andrew and Mary Kurczewski Wiktor. He attended St. Barbara’s School in Lackawanna, N.Y. and next graduated from St. John John Kanty Prep, Erie, PA in 1953. On June 8, 1957 he entered the Congregation of the Mission in then, Vice-Province of Poland in the USA and was sent for Internal Seminary course with the Vincentian Eastern Province in St. Vincent’s Seminary, Germantown, Philadelphia, PA. He completed his theological studies in Mary Immaculate Seminary, Northampton, PA obtaining Master of Divinity (M.Div) degree. Ordained priest on June 1, 1963 in the Chapel of Queen of All Saints, Northampton. He did Post Graduate studies in Fairfield University in Fairfield.

For his first assignment he was sent to mission house in Utica, NY were he stayed until 1965. Next moved to Ansonia as porochial vicar of St. Joseph’s parish there (under pastorates of Fr. Casimir Kwiatkowski and Fr. John Starzec). Ansonia became his “first love” since the very begining.

In 1967 Fr. “Ron” was assigned to Erie, his Alma Mater, St. John Kanty Prep. There he has spent next 15 years. He begun as teacher and in years, he stepped up the ladder becoming Principal in 1976 (with Fr. John Sledziona as Superior) and since 1978 Rector and Superior of the House. He was the last one in these offices. During his tenure St John Kanty Prep was closed. The last school year ended on June 6, 1980 and on September 6, 1982 Fr. Ronald was the man who turned off the light and locked the door of Erie House.

For next four months he was assigned to Provincial House in West Hartford, CT and held administration of a parish in Pittsfield, New Hampshire (Diocese of Manchester). The bishop was so greatly satisfied with his service that later he offered St. Peter’s Parish in Concord, NH to Vincentians from Province of New England. Meanwhile, between 1979 and 1986 he was Provincial Councilor.

On February 1, 1983 Fr. Wiktor returned to his “first love”, St. Jospeh’s parish in Ansonia, CT. This time as pastor and superior. He stayed here until September 1988. During his pastorate he outlaid some $100,000 for new ramp to the church, new carillon bells, insulation of the church roof and repairs to the church, school and parking lot. In pastoral level Miraculous Medal NOvena was reinstituted (Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m.), former annual Eucharistic Day was prolonged to three-day Forty Hours Devotions. Between 1984- 1986 a special “renew program” was conducted in the parish. People gathered in homes for special prayers and liturgies. There were parish Candlelight Services, talks on suggested theological topics, special education and religious films.

Since October 1, 1988 he has got his “second love” St. Michael’s Parish in Derby, CT as pastor and until 1993 also as the Superior. His years there are marked by authorization of printing of the publication “Saint Michael the Archangel, Derby, Connecticut “.

In 2001 he was transferred to new appointment, he joined Confreres from Eastern Province as Pastor of Our Lady of Lebanon Parish, Niagara Falls, NY (closed by Bishop of Buffalo in 2008). Due to his health condition retired in 2006 and became resident of St. Joseph Manor, Trumbull, CT. However as often as it was possible he joined the community for various celebrations and festivities.

He is survived by his sister, Barbara (Joseph) Peters of Charleston, S.C.; brothers, Norman (Judith) Wiktor of West Seneca, N.Y., Thomas (Delphine) Wiktor of Orchard Park, N.Y. and Damian (Judith) Wiktor of Boston, N.Y. He is also survived by eight nieces and nephews and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

View picture gallery of Fr. Ronald Wiktor

You will always remain in our memory and our prayers, Fr. Ron.

May angels lead you into paradise;
upon your arrival, may the martyrs receive you
and lead you to the holy city of Jerusalem.
May the ranks of angels receive you,
and with Lazarus, the poor man, may you have eternal rest.

May you rest in peace Mr President!

Toma — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 14:34:06 +0000

On this sad day, when Poland bids farewell to her President Mr Lech Kaczynski and First Lady Maria Kaczynska we are uniting in grief and sorrow with all Polish people, those living in Poland and those living outside the Homeland wherever they are in the world.

May the belief in the promise of resurrection to new life, as Jesus Christ did with His Resurrection keeps all of us strong and faithful on our present paths of our lives.

Priests, Brothers, associates and parish communities
Province of New England
Congregation of the Mission

W tym smutnym dniu, kiedy Polska żegna swojego Prezydenta, Pana Lecha Kaczyńskiego i Pierwszą Damę Marię Kaczyńską łączymy się w bólu i żałobie z całym Narodem Polskim, mieszkańcami Polski i tymi wszystkimi, którzy przebywają poza Ojczyzną w dowolnym krańcu świata.

Niech wiara w obietnicę zmartwychwastania do nowego życia, jak uczynił to swoim Zmartwychwstaniem Jezus Chrystus umacni nas wszystkich w wierze na wszystkich obecnych scieżkach naszego życia.

Niech Aniołowie zawiodą cię do raju,
A gdy tam przybędziesz, niech przyjmą cię męczennicy
I wprowadzą cię do krainy życia wiecznego.
Chóry Anielskie niechaj cię podejmą
I z Chrystusem zmartwychwstałym miej radość wieczną.

Księża, Bracia, współpracownicy i parafianie
Prowincji Nowej Anglii
Zgromadzenia Misji

Memorial service in Holy Name of Jesus Church – April 17

Toma — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 11:15:28 +0000

On Saturday, April 17, 6:30 PM at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 325 Washington Blvd (corner Pulaski Street) Stamford, CT. memorial service was hel dedicated to victims of airplane crash near Smolensk and Poland. There was Rosary prayed in the intention of all deceased in the last Saturday tragedy prior to Memorial Mass dedicated to all who died and Poland. All priests from the parish were celebrating with Fr. Luke Sorys CM who presided and preached homily in Polish. Concelebrating were Fr. Eugene Kotlinski CM, Pastor , Fr. Boleslaw Potomski CM and retired Msgr Ted Malamowski, who is the resident in the parish.

Watch invitation-poster / Zobacz plakat z zaproszeniem

W Sobotę, 17 kwietnia, 18:30 w kościele Najświętszego Imienia Jezus przy 325 Washington Blvd (róg Pulaski Street), Stamford, CT odprawione zostało nabożeństwo żałobne w intencji ofiar katastrofy lotniczej pod Smoleńskiem oraz Polski. Żałobną Euaharystię poprzedził Różaniec za wszystkich poległych w katastrofie. Mszy św. w intencji zmarłych i Polski przeowdniczył ks. Łukasz Sorys CM, który wygłosił także homilię (po polsku). Koncelebrowali pozostali kapłani pracujący w parafii: ks. Eugeniusz Kotliński CM, proboszcz, ks. Bolesław Potomski CM oraz rezydujący na terenie parafii Msgr Ted Malamowski

Read an article in STAMFORD ADVOCATE

Mourning Mass at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church – Prayer of the Faithful

Toma — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 07:40:32 +0000

Prayer of the Faithful read during the mourning Mass for all those fallen in the airplane crash near Smolensk at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY at 11:30 on Divine Mercy Sunday. This prayer was specially composed for this celebration as joint effort of various Parish groups lead by Pastor, Fr. Marek Sobczak CM. Here we publish translated text of the prayer. (Tekst po polsku jest w oddzielnym wpisie).

~~

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL, MOURNING MASS
SUNDAY, APRIL 11

Let us pray for the Church of Christ, that lead by pope Benedict XVI she strain toward the Truth, which is God himself. We pray to you…

Let us pray for the President of the Republic of Poland, Mr. Lech Kaczynski, great Pole and patriot, the man seeking historic truth, working for the welfare of Poland with all his strength, and First Lady, Maria Kaczynska, woman of great heart i kindness for individual, that the Merciful God would have received them in the eternal Homeland. We pray to you…

“All what is ours, to Poland we give”. We bid farewell Scoutmaster of the Republic, Scout Ryszard Kaczorowski, last President-in-exile of Poland. Let us pray, that God will reward his loyal and faithful service to youth and Homeland. We pray to you…

We bid farewell Senators, Members of Parliament of all parties, government officials and President’s Chancellery, that God will reward their efforts in service for the welfare of the Homeland. We pray to you…

We pray for representatives of Polish Armed Forces who accompanied President Kaczynski in his last duty, that God have received them to the eternal guard. We pray to you…

We pray for members of Katyn Family who tragically died, that have experienced the joy of common meeting in heaven with their forefathers murdered 70 years ago in that place. We pray to you…

We pray for deceased clergymen – military bishops of Polish Army, President’s chaplain, other military chaplain of Armed Forces, of various religions, chaplains of Katyn Family and Siberian Family, that God have rewarded their ministry with the reward of eternal life. We pray to you…

We are joining in prayer with the fallen Polish veterans, members of Solidarity Trade Union, especially Mrs Anna Walentynowicz, that God has granted them eternal peace for efforts of their lives and their sacrifice on the altar of Homeland. We pray to you…

Let us pray for unspoken attendants of the tragic flight – entourage, crew members, Security Service officers, that they have received Mercy of God. We pray to you…

Let us pray for suffering families of the victims of these two great national tragedies of Katyn, of 1940 and 2010, that in the the quietness of that forest and muteness of birds they have experienced internal peace and explored never emptying source of Mercy and hope in the wounds of suffering Christ. We pray to you…

Let us pray for us gathered here, deepened in grief and mourning, that looking at Merciful Jesus we have responded – “Jesus, I trust You…” We pray to you…