Father Waldemar Bronisław Oksiera, M.I.C.
(07.18.1926 - 04.22.2008)

Father Waldemar Oskiera, MIC, a resident of the Religious House of Our Lady of Lourdes in Warsaw passed to the Lord this afternoon. He was 82 years of age, a priest for 55 years, and a religious for 64.

Father Waldemar was a much respected confessor and spiritual director. He held various offices during his lifetime, among which was spiritual director for the Marian seminaries in Lublin and various female religious orders, i.e. Congregation of Sisters Handmaids of Jesus in the Eucharist, located in Warsaw and Pruszków. Until the end of his days, Fr. Waldemar willingly served as a confessor at the Shrine of the Sick in the Warsaw borough of Praga, embracing with this ministry many regular penitents. He also had under his care the Third Franciscan Order established at the local parish, along with the Honorary Guard of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and the Living Rosary Circle. Father Waldemar's piety, goodness, sweet disposition, spirit of service and discretion won him numerous friends.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place this Friday, April 25, 2008, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church (Wilenska Street in Warsaw). At 10:00AM we will have the Rosary Prayer and the Liturgy of the Hours, followed by the Holy Mass of burial at 11:00AM. After the Mass, the body will be transported to the Marian lot of the Wawrzyszew cemetery, where it will be interred.

Requiescat in pace!

CURRICULUM VITÆ

Father Waldemar Oskiera was born on July 18, 1926, in Żyrardow (Poland). From 8 to 13 years of age, he stayed at the Educational Institution run by Sisters of St. Elizabeth near Torun. In 1943, he graduated from the School of Mechanics in Warsaw, and he obtained his high school certificate from a school for adults in 1947. Waldemar joined the Marians in 1943, and made his first vows in Skórzec on August 15, 1944, followed by his perpetual vows in 1947. On June 29, 1953, he was ordained to the priesthood in Warsaw by Bishop Zygmunt Choromanski.

After ordination he ministered in Glocholazy, and began his post-graduate studies of Moral Theology at the Catholic University of Lublin, which he completed with the licentiate degree, after defending his work entitled: "Objective morality of movies in the light of the papal statements on the matter." From September of 1961, he served as spiritual director at the House of Studies in Wloclawek. In 1965, he was entrusted with the duties of the General Visitator of the Polish Province; and from 1969 duties of the Moderator of Studies for Priests and a member of the Provincial Formation Committee. From 1981, he served as spiritual director at the Marian House of Studies in Lublin. When transferred to the Religious House in Praga borough, he did not abandon his active participation in formation work.

Throughout his entire life, Fr. Waldemar was greatly interested in the arts. He inspired and cooperated in the design of new Marian churches and chapels. Our Seminary's library hosts the statue of Socrates, which he sculpted. In 1998, the Marian Publishing House produced four brochures containing the fruits of Fr. Waldemar's spiritual experience. Their titles are: "On the road to the Father," "May a prayer be like this?" "Why the suffering and the Way of the Cross?" and "Can love be like this?"

In a letter of 1994, thanking the Provincial Superior for congratulating him on the 50th anniversary of his perpetual profession, he wrote, "I see more clearly my priority, which is my friendship with Jesus Christ. A moment will come when I will leave behind everyone and everything, taking with me this friendship only. The degree of this friendship in the moment of leaving this world will decide about the degree of my unity with the Father through Jesus in the Holy Spirit for eternity. Our faithfulness to this friendship here, on earth, makes it easier for us to keep our fidelity to other people. Please pray that I may persevere in this faithfulness."

Father Bogumil (Teofilo) Lubecki, M.I.C.
(11.11.1931 - 12.15.2007)

Fr. Bogumil Lubecki, MIC died on Saturday December 15, 2007, at 11:00AM. The Solemnity of Christian Burial took place that night at 9:00PM, at Our Lady of Aparecida Parish in Mongagua, San Paolo where the deceased had served for many years as its pastor. The body of Fr. Bogumil was put to rest at the Marian cemetery in Curitiba the next day, Sunday December 16th at 11:00AM.

Fr. Teófilo was born in a place called Slopnice, Southern Poland (a mountainous region), on Nov. 11, 1931. His parents, Jan and Maria, had five children. Fr. Teófilo lost his mother when he was five years old. Maria Lubecki died after the delivery of his only sister, who is still alive, while his three brothers are dead.

While he was still a youngster, (at 17), he came in contact with the Congregation of the Marian Fathers and was accepted to the so called "Juventus", a group of young men who were preparing for the religious life, while attending secondary school. Bogumil made his preparation for the novitiate in Glucholazy (Northeastern Poland).

When he was already in the novitiate, he received the sad news about his father's illness. The superiors decided to interrupt his novitiate and sent him home to take care of his father. Bogumil had to work to supply the sustenance for his father. After his father's death (1952), when he was already working as a photographer (he had his own photographers's shop), he left everything, fascinated by the environment in the novitiate and, on Sept. 8, 1953, he took the first religious vows. Fr. Teófilo recalls with much affection those "two novitiates", a time he spent with devotion and enthusiasm.

After the first profession, he had to complete high school and in Warsaw, he completed his studies in philosophy. On Aug. 15, 1958 he took perpetual vows. After concluding his studies in theology in Wloclawek, he was ordained a priest there on June 24, 1962.

Although Fr. Teófilo had wanted to work as a missionary in Brazil from the time he was in the seminary, after his ordination he had to work for some years in Poland, first in Lichen, then in Kiwity and Góra Kalwaria. In 1966 he travelled to Rome, with the plan of an eventual destination to Brazil. But in Rome, knowing Fr. Teofilo spoke several languages, the Superior General sent him to Portugal, to teach Latin and French in the Minor Seminary of the Congregation. Three years later, on December 27, 1969, Fr. Teófilo came to Brazil. At the beginning, he worked in the Parish of St. George, in Curitiba, Paraná, helping Fr. Boleslaw Jakimowicz in the organization of that Parish, visiting families, blessing houses, gathering information and so on.

In 1971, complying with a request of Bishop Pedro Filipak, from Jacarezinho, in the State of Paraná, he started to work in Jaguariaíva, Paraná, where he remained for almost eleven years. In the years 1981-1984 he was the pastor of St. George. After completing his duty as the pastor of St. George, he helped in several parishes during the years 1984-1988, especially in the community of Guairacá, Paraná.

In May, 1988, complying with a decision of the Superior General, he travelled to the Province of St. Stanislas Kostka, in the U.S.A., for a time of refreshment and for medical attention.

At the end of 1989 he came back to Brazil and settled in Mongaguá, as an assistant to Fr. Teodoro Zajdowicz. When Fr. Teodoro was in failing health, Fr. Teófilo was appointed as the pastor of Mongaguá in 1997, where he worked for twenty years.

Father Mark Garrow, M.I.C.
(04.02.1955 - 10.19.2007)

October 19, 2007; Fr. Mark Garrow died at the age of 52 after more than a year battling cancer. Father was a Marian for 31 years and a priest for 22 years. Father Mark served as General Superior from 1999 to 2005, previously he served on the General Council 1993 - 1999. While on the General Council he served as General Formation Director - using this time to implement a Formation Program for the Community with an able committee, prior to this, he was Superior and Novice Master in Brookeville, Maryland while also serving as Director of Formation in the St. Stanislaus Kostka Province. While General Superior he furthered the idea and plan to merge the two American Provinces, which was accepted by the General Chapter of 2005. He chaired the Unification Committee of the Provinces and was elected to serve as the first Provincial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy Province on October 25, 2006, one year to the date of his burial in the Eden Hill Cemetery, Stockbridge, Massachusetts. His wake and funeral were meaningfully attended and celebrated by Marians, Family, Friends and Benefactors. The Ordinary of the Springfield Diocese, Bishop Timothy McDonald presided with Father General Jan M Rokosz presenting the Eulogy and Father Joseph Roesch preaching the Homily. Father Daniel Cambra, the new Provincial, with the Council celebrated the obsequies at the grave.

Homily Delivered by Fr. Joe Roesch, MIC
at the Funeral of Very Rev. Mark Garrow, MIC
October 25, 2007

Your Excellency, brother priests, Marians and Religious, Bruce and Lynn, Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

I'm Fr. Joe Roesch, from the Marian General Council in Rome. I was Fr. Mark's first novice when he began his work as the Novice Master 20 years ago. I had a chance to talk with Mark at the end of August. He told me quite candidly that only 20 percent of the people with his type of cancer recover. He said, "I am in the hands of God, whatever God wants!" When I got back to Rome, a Religious Sister who had known Fr. Mark during his 12 years in Rome asked how he was doing. I said, he seems to be completely surrendered to the will of God. She said, "I hope he has not lost his will to live. He must fight to get better!" thought about that. At the end of my visit with him, Mark had asked me when I would be coming to the U.S. again because he hoped to see me. I told him it would be at the end of December and he said he was looking forward to it. Fr. Walter Dziordz, our former Provincial, recently received a birthday card that Mark had sent him. It arrived two hours after Mark had died. Mark had written that he was hoping to feel better soon, and wanted to come out to Darien, Illinois for a visit, and to see a movie with Walter.

So this was a man, who despite his sufferings, was still busy living and hoping and looking forward to a future in this life. And yet at the same time, he was surrendered to the will of the Lord and preparing himself to meet our Lord.. I say this because the beautiful readings that we just heard today, had been picked out by Mark, along with all of the details of his funeral including the design of the casket (a simple pine box).

I think these readings speak to us about some truths that Mark had to have been wrestling with in the last year of his life. No doubt this year was the most difficult and most significant of his life. I had seen him last Spring after Mercy Sunday when I offered Mass for him in the hospital near Boston. I told him at that time, that God was going to make him holy through all of this. He laughed and waved his hand to dismiss the thought. As if to say, "Me holy?" But that is exactly the project God was working on - as He is with all of us. Usually, God works slowly and gently in nudging us toward holiness. This past year however, Fr. Mark saw more intense efforts by the Lord to accomplish this goal. And Mark responded. At some points in our lives, the classes become more intense. Mark was always a very good student. I remember Mark taught once that adults learn best through experience. The readings today will reveal to us what Mark learned through his experiences this year.

He chose for the first reading a passage from the Old Testament figure of Job. Job, you may recall, was dealing with a problem or two in his life. His friends were telling him that maybe his faith in this God who didn't seem to be taking care of him anymore, wasn't worth it. But Job says most forcefully, that he knows that the one who will vindicate his faith lives. Eventually, it will become evident, that his faith is well placed, and that he is not wasting his time. He speaks about his inmost being as being consumed with longing to see God.

In the midst of Mark's trials, there were no doubt many days of discouragement for him. And yet his faith in the Lord and in His Mercy were not wasted. He too became consumed with a longing to see God. St. Paul wrote to the Philippians that for the sake of Jesus Christ, he had accepted the loss of all things and he considered them as nothing, so that he could gain Christ. How many things did Mark have to contend with losing this year? His health, his ability to speak clearly, to swallow, to taste, his freedom, his time, his energy, among other things. What became central for him was what he could do - pray his breviary, pray the rosary. Concelebrate the holy Mass, to read and to meditate, to witness his faith to the other cancer patients, to his nurses, his doctors and his visitors. He kept busy serving the Province as Provincial and continued to have a great interest in the world wide Marian community and all those that he had met over the years as Superior General.

The psalm he picked out for today's Mass again takes up the theme of longing to see the face of the Lord. "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom do I fear? The LORD is my life's refuge; of whom am I afraid?" He had to have lost his fear of death after all that he had to go through. The Lord taught him how to place his hope firmly in Him. Like St. Paul, Mark wanted to come to know the Lord and the power of his resurrection and (the) sharing of his sufferings, by being conformed to his death, to attain the resurrection from the dead. The Lord certainly allowed Mark to share in His sufferings. It is not something that Mark actively sought in anyway. But it was part of God's plan for him and so he accepted it with grace and patience. Mark was always a most gracious person. He was a perfect gentleman, unfailingly polite. He might have been the most polite person that every lived! He must have been well trained at home. Another thing Mark must have inherited from his parents was a sense of humor. I can remember having dinner at his house one time. His mother, Doris was making dinner and his mother and father Tom, were like a comedy team with their sharp wit. Mark used to love to laugh at Peter Sellers in the Pink Panther Movies. Mark had us in tears one time telling us the story of his brother, Bruce trying to teach him how to play golf when he was young. If I get the story right, apparently Mark drew the club back and hit his brother with it. His father got very upset and warned them to be more careful so Bruce stood behind him at a safe distance. But somehow Mark drew the club over his head and clubbered his brother with it again, knocking him down. He then ran home crying, thinking he had killed his brother. Their father was ready to throw the golf clubs into the lake at that point. Mark's sense of humor and not taking himself too seriously, served him well throughout his life and especially during his illness.

I remember when I was a novice and Mark was the main celebrant at the Mass, he would preach a very good homily. Then after the prayer after Communion, a thought would occur to him that he had wanted to include in the homily so he would ask the Congregation to sit down and he would practically give us one more homily. As I reflected on these readings that he had picked out for the liturgy, I felt as if he wanted to preach one more homily to us today. The same theme occurs throughout.

St. Paul speaks of, "forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead;" of continuing his pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God's upward calling, in Christ Jesus."

The Gospel acclamation, "I count all things worthless but this: to gain Jesus Christ and to be found in him." Finally, in St. John's Gospel, Jesus speaks of the need for the grain of wheat to die to produce much fruit. Mark had to die to himself many times before October 19th. He loved his life and tried to live it to the full, but he was also willing to surrender his life to the Lord, in order to inherit eternal life. Jesus says to us, "Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me." Mark heard the call of the Lord at an early age. He entered our minor seminary at about the age of 14 and he served His Lord faithfully till the end. He didn't know where the road would lead but he kept to the course. His acceptance of his sufferings have already borne great fruit. Each of us have been touched by him and the way he lived his life and practiced his faith. Now, He would be the first to tell you he was not perfect and there were things he needed to work on. Yet he loved much, and our Lord said that makes up for a lot. "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit." I think we have yet to see all the fruit that is to come. Let us pray for the eternal rest of our brother. May he rest in peace!

Eulogy for Fr. Mark Garrow (1952-2007)
The Very Rev. Fr. Jan M. Rokosz, MIC, Superior General,
delivered the following eulogy following the funeral Mass for Fr. Mark Garrow on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2007:

Your Excellency (Timothy McDonnell, Bishop of Springfield, Mass.) I would like to thank you for celebrating this liturgy today for our dear brother, Mark. The motto of our Congregation is "for Christ and the Church," and it means a great deal to us to have our local Shepherd with us during this difficult moment for our community. I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Mark's brother Bruce and his sister-in-law Lynne and to all of Fr. Mark's relatives and friends who have come from near and far, and to our confreres in the Mother of Mercy Province. I thank you all for your presence here today. It is a testimony to how much Mark meant to all of us. In a special way I want to greet Marie Romagnano and Judy Ryan, and I want to thank you both for the extraordinary care you gave our brother. I would also like to thank the Oblates of the Virgin Mary for the hospitality you showed Mark during his treatments in Boston. I want to thank all my Marian confreres for all you did for Mark at the time of his illness. In a special way, I have to thank Fr. Kaz Chwalek and Br. Jason Lewis.

Today, I want to give thanks to God for the great gift Fr. Mark Garrow has been to our Congregation. Without his presence, our Congregation would be very different today. As I stand here near the casket of my brother and dear friend, our former General, with whom I served for six years very closely, the first Provincial of the united Province, it is difficult to hide my sadness and not to raise the question why? Yet, at the same time, I feel that even though Mark's life was too short, it was complete. He accomplished God's plan with love and witnessed giving everything to God. Mark fulfilled his mission even though we thought it would be done in a different way. And for this reason during this funeral Mass, despite the natural sadness that we have, we feel also the presence of the Risen Lord and His peace.

During this past year of Mark's suffering, our Community and many of our lay cooperators had been praying fervently for a healing for Mark. I know a woman, confined to a wheelchair, who privately offered her life to the Lord so that Mark could live. After making that offering, she suffered terribly, physically and spiritually. After Mark died, all her suffering ceased completely. This was a sign that God had accepted her suffering but that He had a different plan for our brother Mark. I am sure our prayers were not in vain. God gave him the grace to endure his sufferings and to give us an example of self-giving love. As Fr. Joe said in the homily, I am sure his self-gift will continue to bear fruit for the Congregation and the Church. I am sure it is no coincidence that his suffering and death took place during and after the Beatification of our Founder.

I had the privilege to meet with him recently for three days. I was amazed at the strength the Lord gave him for our talks just prior to his final failure of health. He asked me in detail about how the Marians were doing throughout the world. I told him that I was on my way to do the Visitation of our seminary in Lublin, Poland. I asked him what advice he had for them there. He didn't say anything for a long time, and then he said: "Tell the formators to love the young men in formation." Then he said: "Tell the young men to love their religious vocation. It is a gift from God. If they don't love their vocation, they will not be able to see it as a gift and to grow in it as God wanted them to." I think this summarizes Fr. Mark's life. He lived for many years as a formator and a Superior in our Community, and I think those who lived and worked with him felt loved by him. He also loved his Marian vocation. He loved the community, and he loved his brothers. I dare say that when he was the Superior General he touched the lives of every Marian throughout the world with his love and compassion.

I was very impressed recently when I visited Stockbridge to see the extreme care the seminarians and all of the Stockbridge community have shown to our brother in his time of need. One of the seminarians shared with me that the seminarians were aware that the end was coming close for Fr. Mark They wanted his legacy to be that love which he had demonstrated in accepting his sufferings and in offering it for the community, as well as the way he had always treated his brothers, would now become incarnate in the way they treat each other, so that Mark's spirit would truly live on in the Province.

I would like to say a word to my confreres in the Province of the Mother of Mercy. Exactly one year ago, we gathered downstairs in Memorial Hall for the first Provincial Chapter of the unified Province. The large Image of The Divine Mercy was present throughout the Chapter just behind the table where we sat. From the beginning till the end of the Chapter, I truly felt the presence of our Lord watching over us and blessing our efforts. This past year has been an extraordinary year of grace for the new Province. Father Mark has literally laid down his life as an offering for the community. I want to say to you now that our Lord will not leave you orphans. We have lost a great leader, but God has a plan for this Province. I believed it last year, and I believe it even more now. Our Mother of Mercy is interceding for you, and our Lord will continue to bless you with His great mercy. In the name of all of the members of our Congregation, thank you Mark for giving the majority of your life to our Community.

Thank you for your service as a formator, here and in Rome, for writing our plan of formation for the Congregation. Thank you for your service as a local superior, a provincial superior and our Superior General. Thank you for showing us how to love our vocations and how to love one another. We will miss you, but I ask you, intercede for this Province and for the Congregation, that we may truly learn to love one another, and that we may fulfill our mission foreseen by God in the Church. May you rest in peace. Amen.

Brother Bronislaw Świstak, M.I.C.
(12.29.1916- 10.07.2007)

On the afternoon of October 7, 2007, Brother Bronislaw Świstak, 91 years of age and after 55 years of religious life, went to the Lord. Brother Bronisław was born on December 29, 1916, in the village of Zdzarki, in the Mazowian region. He participated in military actions in September of 1939, was captured, and transported to Germany, where he worked on a farm. After the war, he went to England, where he joined the Congregation of Marians in 1951. He made his first religious profession on September 29, 1952, in Hereford. From 1951-54, he worked at the Community's farm and garden, as well as serving in the cloakroom and dining room of the local Polish school. From 1954, he worked at Fawley Court. He was frequently entrusted with the duty of House Councilor, and from June to August of 1970, he fulfilled the office of Councilor of the Mother of Mercy Province in England. He resigned from this office. In 2006 he became a convalescent at the Licheń House where he serenely bore all of his physical ailments.

The Solemnity of Christian Burial took place at 1:00 PM on October 30, 2007, at the Marian Shrine in Lichen, presided over by the Provincial Superior, Fr. Pawel Naumowicz, MIC. Requiescat in pace!

Father Victors Pentjuss, M.I.C.
(09.07.1915 - 02.19.2007)

After a long illness, Fr. Viktors died in the rectory of the Parish of the Sorrowful Mother of God in the Old City of Riga at the age of 91 on February 19, 2007. A Holy Mass was celebrated for the deceased Fr. Viktor on February 22 at the Church of St. Francis at the Seminary in Riga. The Funeral Mass took place on Friday, February 23 in Vilani.

Viktors Pentjuss, son of Adam and Sophia Uzuls, was born on September 7, 1915 in Meza Vepri, Latvia (about 30 miles from Rezekne). In 1931, he entered the Marian Fathers in Vilani where he was accepted on May 18, 1932 into the novitiate, which was under direction of Fr. Stanislaw ·Skutans. He made his First Vows on May 26, 1933. He made his Final Profession on September 5, 1937. From 1932-1937, he attended the Catholic High School in Aglona. He then went to the Seminary which became the department of Catholic Theology in 1938 at the University of Riga. Deacon Viktors Pentjuss was ordained a priest in the Church of St. Francis in Riga on March 9, 1942, by Bishop J. Rancan. He celebrated his first Mass in the Marian Parish in Vilani on March 25, 1942. The new priest remained at the parish, at first as the Vicar and then after four years as the pastor. Near the end of 1947, the authorities ordered him leave Vilani. He was transferred to become the pastor of the Parish of Lamini and Tukums in Kurlandia, while also serving in Kandava and Zante.

After World War II, when Latvia became occupied by the Soviet Union, intense persecution of the Church began: many priests being arrested, some disappearing and some suffering a martyr's death. Fr. Viktors was arrested on October 25, 1948 in the Parish of Tukums and put into prison in Riga. After four months of interrogations, on March 5, 1949, he was convicted to 10 years of forced labor for "assistance to the German occupation and for Anti-Soviet Agitation". He was deported to the Republic of Komi to work with coal. He had the opportunity to offer Holy Mass, despite great difficulty, in some periods even daily. He worked as a priest among his fellow prisoners. He received the decision of discharge from camp on July 17, 1956 after the death of Stalin. However, he left the camp on August 3, 1956. The General Procurator's Office in Latvia, canceled the unjust sentence only on December 3, 1989 and Fr. Viktor Pentjuss's name was restored.

From September 1956 till March 1957, Fr. Viktors Pentjuss was a parish priest in Lamini in Kurlandia. He spent the next four years in the Marian Parish in Vilani. However, in this time the Marian priests were removed through trickery for several months, because of having blessed the houses of their parishioners. Therefore, he had to leave the Marian Parish and return to Kurlandia. During the next year, he was a parish priest in Arlava-Ciruli, then for five years in Saldus and Silaine, and then for nine years in Grenga and Eglaine.

Father Pentjuss was appointed to work at the Seminary in Riga on July 5, 1972 by Archbishop Julian Vaivods, nominating him an instructor of moral theology. He became substitute of the Pastor of the Cathedral of St. Jacob in Riga simultaneously. In 1991, he became the Spiritual Father in the Seminary. On November 27, 1992, he was nominated Vice-Rector of the Seminary and Instructor of several theology courses. He concluded his role in 1996 as the substitute of the Pastor of the Cathedral, but he became the Vicar Priest in the Parish of the Sorrowful Mother of God situated in the Old City of Riga. He also led a study for the Archdiocesan Centre of the Catechism for the laity. During the period of Soviet occupation, he clandestinely accepted candidates for the Marian Community, hidden from the authorities, and many Marians were fostered from the whole former Soviet block.

For the last several years, Fr. Viktors Pentjuss, because of his illnesses, which he endured with patience and good humor, did not leave the Rectory of the Parish of the Sorrowful Mother of God. He offered his service until the end as a priest and spiritual father. When he could not offer the Holy Mass in Church, the faithful came into his room to participate in the Eucharist. We commend our deceased Fr. Viktors to the Mercy of God.

A Double Funeral: Vilani, Latvia, February 23, 2007

Fr. Viktors Pentjuss, MIC
(09.07.1915 - 02.19.2007)
and
Fr. Janis Vaivods
(03.30.1926 - 02.20.2007)

The Lord Jesus used to call His disciples in twos. He also sent them out two by two, to proclaim the Kingdom of God. Sometimes, He also summons them home, two by two, such as with Sts. Peter and Paul. In His unfathomable Providence, God called to Himself two holy priests - a Marian and a Marian Associate from Latvia. And who knows? Maybe it's been done so that they may support each other on this last road to eternity?

It's very rare to have two people buried at the same time, even more rare to have the double funeral of two priests. What does the Lord God wish to tell us through this? It is a very sad circumstance, especially in the light of the great need for priests for the Church in Latvia and for our Congregation, the loss of a Marian and an Associate Member, who faithfully served till the end, in spite of old age and illness. On the other hand, this funeral was a triumph of the grace of faithfulness to the priestly and religious vocation. For how many are those who receive their priestly ordination and make religious vows, and yet let their vocation "die" during their lifetime?!

On May 26, 2007, Fr. Viktors Pentjuss would have celebrated the 75th Anniversary of his Religious Life. He entered the Marian novitiate on May 18, 1931, or exactly on the 300th Anniversary of the birth of our Founder, Fr. Stanislaus Papczyński (who will be beatified on September 16, 2007). May we perceive a hidden message in that date? Undoubtedly, this man was a great gift to our Congregation. And he believed in Fr. Papczyński's holiness. Father Rinalds Stankevics, M.I.C., a Latvian, told me that when he called Fr. Viktors on the phone a few days before the latter's death to give him the joyful news about Fr. Papczyńśski's Beatification, Fr. Pentjuss literally gave a great shout of joy and said that he never doubted that our Founder would be elevated to the altars! He was enormously pleased that he lived to see this moment, displaying something like the "joy of Simeon."

Viktors made his novitiate under Fr. Stanislaus Skutans's direction (who was the Superior General of our Congregation from 1957-1963). Later, the demanding Fr. Bronislaw Valpitrs became the educator of the young student. After a rather severe opinion given about his charge in 1934, Fr. Bronislaw wrote on May 22, 1937, another, a very positive one, in which he asked the General Council to admit seminarian Pentjuss to perpetual vows: „Quoad mores Pentjuss ultimis duobus annis ostendit magnum progressum spiritualem: est obediens, satis devotus. castitas sine obejctione, superbia opugnatur per orationem et exercitia in virtute humilitatis, diligentia in comparanda scientia plus quam sufficiens, progressus in scientiis bonus, vacatio solida […]".

Deacon Pentjuss was ordained a priest on March 9, 1942, at St. Francis's Church in Riga located right next to the Archdiocesan seminary, which means that he served as a priest for almost 65 years! His Funeral Mass was also celebrated at St. Francis's Church on February 22, 2007.

His Eminence Janis Cardinal Pujats was the main celebrant at the Funeral Mass, which was concelebrated by two bishops - Bishop Stanislaus Shyrokoradziuk from the Ukraine and Bishop Vilhelms Lapelis, OP, from the Diocese of Liepaja in Latvia, along with 30 diocesan and religious order priests (Marians, Dominicans, and Capuchins). Before the Mass, seminarians sang the exequies in Latin. Among the large crowd in attendance, there also was Bishop Emeritus Janis Cakuls and numerous religious sisters (Carmelites, Sisters of Mother Teresa of Calcutta). The liturgy was enhanced by a choir. In his homily, the Cardinal emphasized Fr. Viktors's great merits for the Church in Latvia and thanked him for his long, humble, and very fruitful work as a spiritual director and Moral Theology professor at the Seminary of Riga (almost 25 years). The Cardinal also spoke of Fr. Viktors's painful experiences in the coal mines in Vorkuta, where he did eight years of forced labor in terrible conditions.

After the Mass, Bishop Stanislaus Shyrokoradziuk, a pupil of the Departed, took the floor. On behalf of six bishops - alumnae of the Seminary in Riga - he gave thanks to Fr. Pentjuss for his truly fatherly care given to vocations from the Ukraine. He also recalled that, Fr. Viktors's material support and educational work, had sustained generations of priests from Lithuania, Latvia, Belarus, and Russia during Communist times. Everybody simply called him, "Spiritual Father," which was sort of his second name.

Let us note here that, Bishop Jan Pawel Lenga, a Marian, presently serving in Kazakhstan, was also Fr. Viktors's pupil, and that the late, Fr. W. Vanags, MIC had also been taken "under the wings" of Fr. Pentjuss many years ago.

Then Fr. Kazimierz Pek, M.I.C., the Rector of the Marian Seminary in Lublin, spoke on behalf of our Congregation. He particularly underlined that Fr. Pentjuss, since he was a model Marian religious and priest, became a great gift for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe. He recalled a saying of Fr. Viktors's, that every time is good for evangelization, be it the difficult Communist times or our present, uneasy times of neo-liberalism.

Let us mention here that Fr. Pentjuss had gathered around him many pious people and that he had given a "hefty" purse with golden kopeks, for the construction of the Marian Seminary in Lublin. This "treasure" had been miraculously brought over to Poland by Fr. Jozef Pietuszko, MIC.

On the part of our Congregation, the following participated in the Mass: the Latvian Provincial Superior Fr. Pavils Zeila, Fr. Jazeps Sitnieks, Fr. Andris Sevels, Fr. Rinalds Stankevics, as well as the above mentioned, Frs. Jozef Pietuszko (a representative of Belarus), Kazimierz Pek, and myself. Among the Diocesan priests there was Fr. Andrejs Trapucka who left our Congregation in 2005 and joined the Diocese of Riga's clergy.

After the Mass, the casket was solemnly brought out of the Church and then the earthly remains of Fr. Viktors were transported to Vilani.

Father Juris Jelinskis, the Riga Seminary Rector, invited all of the priests and religious sisters to lunch at the seminary. A very hospitable reception was given to everyone.

On February 20, 2007, we learned of the death of Fr. Janis Vaivods who was a cooperator agregatus of our Congregation since November 1, 1999. Our Latvian confreres decided to bury him at the same time with Fr. Viktors. In his capacity as a priest, Fr. Janis served the Church in Latvia for over 57 years. He was a very well educated man (fluent in eight languages). For many years, he was a professor at the Riga Seminary. He spent the last seven years of his life in our monastery in Vilani. Father Janis wanted to undergo the novitiate and make religious vows, however, his health did not allow for it. Although he remained only a cooperator agregatus, he considered himself in his heart to be fully a Marian.

On the evening of February 22, 2007, two coffins were laid side by side in the dimly lit Vilani Church. A cross and a burning paschal candle stood between them. That same night, a pastor came from the nearby parish along with his parishioners to celebrate a Mass for the departed priests. Marian Fathers from the monastery in Vilani joined in the celebration. On the same day, some Marian confreres from Lublin also came: Fr. Andrzej Jerominek, spiritual director of the Seminary, Br. Stanislaw Bednarz (driver), Dc. Krzysztof Orlowski, and three seminarians from the Latvian community - Ervins Jaudzems (2nd year of philosophy), Dmitrij Artjomovs (5th year), and Imants Medvickis (5th year, a perpetually professed member).

On Friday, February 23, 2007, the liturgy of Christian Burial began at 11:30 AM at the Vilani Church. The exequies in Latin were sung before the Mass, His Excellency, Janis Bulis, Bishop of the Diocese of Rezekne-Aglona, to which Vilani belongs, was the main celebrant. Bishop Vilhelms Lapelis, O.P., Bishop of Liepaja, Latvia, also participated. In addition, 73 priests concelebrated, and four of them assisted at the confessional. Representatives of the Lithuanian Marians also came to the funeral: Frs. Tomas Miliauskas and Linas Sipavicius. Also, a member of the Lutheran Church from Riga was present. More than a half of the Latvian clergy attended the funeral, which speaks of the great respect that Frs. Pentjuss and Vaivods enjoyed. The Church was filled to the brim (almost 300 faithful attended). The multi-voice choir created a prayerful ambiance.

In his homily, Bishop Bulis recalled some biographical moments from the life of the two Departed. He emphasized their faithfulness and their sacrifices in working for the Church and he made them an example for other Religious and priests. The Bishop specifically stressed Fr. Pentjuss's great merits in the formation of seminarians from the former Soviet block.

At the closing of the Mass, on behalf of the Superior General and the entire Congregation I thanked all the assembled for their presence and prayers. I also emphasized the important role played by Fr. Viktors in our Congregation, working in the areas occupied by the former Soviet Union. For his courage and dedication, he deserves the title, pater congregationis. In the history of illustrious Marians from Latvia - such as Frs. Benedict Skrinda and Janis Mendriks - his name is inscribed in capital letters. The upcoming Beatification of our Founder and the sanctity of life exhibited by many of his spiritual sons, proves that our Congregation can be a school and a way to holiness. I encouraged the Vice Postulator, Fr. Rinalds to begin gathering testimonies about the deceased Fr. Pentjuss.

At one time, Fr. Viktors said that he had spent the most beautiful retreat while incarcerated for two days in a prison cell without food or drink. Among the grafitti covering the prison walls, he found a cross which inspired him to zealous prayer and conversation with God.

One of the Diocesan priests told me that the students from the Riga Seminary had given Fr. Pentjuss a nickname "Giena." That was the name of a benevolent crocodile from a children's cartoon. This way the students wanted to emphasize the special characteristics of their "Spiritual Father": his good humor and large grin with which he disarmed and attracted everyone.

I closed my speech, asking the Lord that those "two grains" planted in the Latvian soil give a bountiful harvest in the form of new and holy priestly and religious vocations. The Marian Community in Latvia has a great history and the young confreres have wonderful role models to follow. This is why we are convinced that this presently small, but spiritually vibrant community will also have a great future.

The ceremony closed with prayers at the caskets and the singing of the "Marian Hymn." The bodies were then transported to the cemetery grounds. I was full of admiration for the Bishops and many priests who, in their indoor dress and with bare heads, heroically withstood the bitter cold of negative 22°F, scrupulously completing all the prescribed funeral rites!

After the ceremony, a lunch awaited all the priests, seminarians, and religious sisters. The pastor from the Lutheran Church in Riga spoke during the meal, stating that for many Protestant groups, Fr. Pentjuss's advice served as a point of reference and orientation. Our Latvian Community ought to be recognized for the outstanding organization and execution of the funeral ceremonies.

That night, when all funeral rites had been concluded, Fr. Rinalds proposed to Fr. Andrzej Jerominek and me, a short trip to the National Marian Shrine in Aglona (43 miles from Vilani). The Church had exposition of the Blessed Sacrament that night. Under the Image of Our Lady with the Infant Jesus, there is an inscription: "Mostra te esse Matrem." We prayed, asking Mary to show us that she truly is a tender Mother for our departed brethren, for our Latvian Community, and for the entire Congregation.

Saturday, February 24, 2007, on my way back to Warsaw, I visited the apartment where Fr. Viktors spent his last years. There I met Fr. A. Trapucko, whom I asked to assist our Latvian Community in the taking possession of Fr. Pentjuss's personal belongings, documents, letters, and books. Those things will be placed in the Congregation's Archives, while some of them will be displayed at the museum that Fr. Rinalds Stankevics plans to organize in Vilani.

May our brother, Viktors and our associate, Janis rest in eternal peace. Amen.

Father John Sakevicius, M.I.C. STD
(06.30.1907 - 05.19.2006)

On May 19, 2006 at 3:10 p.m. Father John Sakevicius, at that time, a member of the Province of St. Casimir, died peacefully at Mother Theresa Home in Lemont, IL. In June he would have been 99 years of age, 74 years a priest, and in August he would have been a professed religious for 79 years, He actually entered the Congregation in 1926... 80 years ago.

Coming from a large family, the funeral took place on May 25th in Nativity of the B.V.M. Church in Chicago, IL. Eleven priests concelebrated the Mass of Christian burial. The homily was delivered by a distant relative of Fr. John, temporarily assisting at the parish. Burial was in St. Casimir Cemetery in Chicago, in the section reserved for the Marians. Originally a member of the Lithuanian Province, Fr. Jonas was transferred to the St. Casimir Province on February 28, 2006. The members of this Province had been taking care of him and visiting him regularly in the Nursing Home for a number of years.

At the time of his death, Father Sakevicius was the oldest member of the Congregation.

Father Rafal Andrychowicz, M.I.C.
(01.27.1927 - 04.17.2006)

Rafal Andrychowicz, son of Antoni and Weronika, was born on January 27, 1927, in Lindow, in the Diocese of Lowicz, Poland. After completing elementary school, he enrolled in clandestine high school classes. He obtained his high school certificate in 1948, in Lodz, and entered the Major Seminary in Warsaw the very same year. There he studied philosophy until 1951. In 1952, he was accepted into the Congregation of Marians. After completing his novitiate in Skorzec, he made his first vows on September 8, 1953, and then, for a year, he studied theology in Bielany, and later at the Prague House in Warsaw. Also at that house, he made his perpetual vows on September 8, 1956. On March 16, 1957, Bishop Zygmunt Chromanski ordained him to the priesthood at the borough of Prague Church. After the ordination, he was sent to Skorzec to become a Vicar and a Prefect. Then he went to work in Gora Kalwaria, here he served as a Chaplain at a nursing home. From 1960-64, he lived and served in Warsaw, in the borough of Marymont, as a Vicar and a Prefect, and in 1965, he became the Shrine Rector and House Superior in Stoczek Warminski. He became the Youth Prefect in Glucholazy in 1965, remaining at this post until 1969. For a few months he served in Puszcza Marianska, being the Parish Vicar and the House Treasurer. Then, from 1969-71, he once again became a nursing home Chaplain in Gora Kalwaria, after which he was a Pastor and a House Superior in Glucholazy from 1971-78. From 1978 until 1981, he was the Marymont House Superior and the Parish Vicar, and then, from 1981-84 - the Pastor and First Councilor of the Skorzec House. From 1984-86, he worked as the Stegny House, assisting in pastoral work. From 1986-93, he served again as the Glucholazy Pastor, also in 1987, becoming the local House Superior. From 1993-94 he worked in pastoral ministry at the Lichen Shrine. From 1994-96, he resided in Glucholazy to recover his health. When the Parish was given over to the Diocese, Fr. Rafal moved to the Marymont House in Warsaw, where he died on Easter Monday, April 17, 2006.

The funeral took place on Friday, April 21, 2006, at Our Lady, Queen of Poland Church in Warsaw (the borough of Marymont). His body was laid to rest in the cemetery in Wawrzyszew.

Father Viktors Civzelis, M.I.C.
(01.13.1919 - 04.01.2006)

He was born on January 13, 1919, in Jelgava, Latvia. After finishing high school, he entered the Pedagogical College, and after graduation, he worked as a Latvian language teacher in Riga's schools. He already had a great love for music. He sang in the university choirs and helped to run them. Before the outbreak of WWII, he went with his brother to Rome. There Viktors continued to study music under the direction of renowned teachers. He studied along with Luciano Pavarotti, and their friendship lasted for many years. Viktors participated in many concerts, and there stood before him a wonderful chance to make music his career. However, he dramatically changed his lifestyle after meeting Padre Pio and going to confession. He left the musical world, joined our Congregation, and made his first vows on October 11, 1958, in Rome, at the age of 39. He studied at the Angelicum University in Rome and at the University in Bologna. He professed his final vows on October 11, 1962, and received his priestly ordination in Rome, on July 5, 1964, at the age of 45. A year after his ordination he went to Chicago, where he worked at the Parish of Our Lady of Aglona for many years.

In 2002, having lived abroad for 58 years, Fr. Viktors returned to Latvia. He spent the final years of his life in the Vilani monastery. He was known for his great humility and fine sense of humor. On April 1, 2006, after a grave illness, Fr. Viktors passed away, surrounded by the Marian Fathers and Brothers. He was buried from the Vilani Church. Bishop Janis Bulis, the Ordinary of the Rezekne-Aglona Diocese, presided over the funeral liturgy which was concelebrated by many priests.

Father Bonifacy Sarul, M.I.C.
(01.03.1917 - 03.23.2006)

Bonifacy Sarul, son of Jan Sarul and Marcjana née Kiapsien, was born on January 3, 1917, in Dziewile, parish of Druja, in the Archdiocese of Vilnius. He obtained his high-school diploma from the Marian Gymnasium (High School) in Druja in 1936. He completed his postulancy during the time while Fr. Andrew Cikoto was the Superior General of the Marians. Father Witalis Chamionek, M.I.C., oversaw his novitiate. Bonifacy made his first religious vows on August 15, 1938, before Fr. Wladyslaw Lysik, who was the Provincial at the time. On August 15, 1943, he took perpetual vows before Fr. Jan Seferynski at the Marian Church in Skorzec near Siedlce. He then studied first at the Archdiocese Seminary in Warsaw, and then at the Marian Institute of Philosophy and Theology at Bielany, in Warsaw.

He received his priestly ordination on August 25, 1946, from Bp. Waclaw Majewski, at the Bielany church. After the ordination, Fr. Sarul worked at Bielany as the master of the boys at the boarding-school, and then in Glucholazy, giving religious education lessons in the elementary schools. In 1949-52, he resided in Skorzec, where he served as a parish vicar and school prefect. The same functions were entrusted to him in Gora Kalwaria from 1952-57. Being sent to Puszcza Marianska afterwards, he fulfilled the office of the superior and parish administrator. From 1959 he resided at Stoczek Warminski, where he held in turn the offices of the superior, treasurer, and rector of the monastery church. In 1963, he was transferred to Warsaw, where he served as the house superior, treasurer, and ministered to the youth of Prague (Warsaw borough). After six years he went back to Stoczek, where he stayed until his dying day. Father Sarul was the House Superior in Stoczek Klasztorny until 1975, while zealously supporting the clergy of the nearby parishes and generously contributing to the development of the Shrine of Our Lady, Queen of Peace, in Stoczek. In 1983 he made a pilgrimage to Rome. In 1996, the Archbishop of Warmia gave him the order "Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice." In spite of declining eyesight and hearing, Fr. Boniface remained very much attuned to the needs of others, being always kind, hospitable, and generous. He died on March 23, 2006. The funeral solemnly took place on Saturday, March 25, 2006, at the Basilica Minor of Our Lady of Peace in Stoczek Warminski.

Brother Franciszek Zaborowski, M.I.C.
(09.06.1921 - 02.15.2006)

Brother Franciszek Zaborowski, M.I.C., was born on September 6, 1921, in the town of Maly Klincz near Koscierzyna. During WWII he found himself in the Polish Army in the West. He served in the First Tank Division under General Maczek. They fought in France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. After the war, Franciszek stayed in England and he joined our Congregation there.

He entered the postulancy on February 2, 1961, in Fawley Court. Franciszek began his novitiate on September 8, 1961, in Hereford, and then made his first religious vows on September 8, 1962. On September 8, 1968, he took his perpetual vows. Until 1968, Brother Franciszek worked in our Marian Apostolate at the religious house in Hereford. He was then transferred to the house in Fawley Court, where different duties have been assigned to him: gardener, conservator of the religious house and Marian gymnasium for boys, sacristan, and driver.

In later years, he willingly helped with works in the garden and park, as much as his age and strength allowed. He dearly loved flowers, especially roses, of which he took great care. He was bedridden for the last year of his life because of a stroke. He bore his illness with great patience and serenity. He passed away in the early hours of February 15, 2006. He was a pious, humble, quiet, and hard-working religious, who always faithfully fulfilled his duties.

The Holy Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on March 2, 2006, at 11AM at the St. Anne's Rectory Church in Fawley Court. Brother Franciszek's earthly remains were deposed at the Marian cemetery in Henley-on-Thames.

Father Joseph Sielski, M.I.C.
(02.18.1914 - 06.09.2005)

Marian Father Joseph John Sielski died Thursday, June 9, at Villa Rosa, a nursing home in Mitchelleville, Md. He was 91. Father Sielski, MIC, had a distinguished life of service with the Marians that included: two terms in Rome as Superior General of the Marian Congregation; two terms as Superior of the Province of St. Stanislaus Kostka headquartered in Stockbridge, Mass.; and two terms as Director of the Association of Marian Helpers, which is also headquartered in Stockbridge. He also had the distinction of being the first Polish-American to persevere in becoming a member of the Marian Congregation.

Born in Jersey City, N.J., on February 18, 1914, son of Michael and Thecla Sielski, he was orphaned at an early age. The Felician Sisters of Lodi, N.J., cared for him during his childhood. Joseph Sielski joined the Congregation of Marians of the Immaculate Conception in 1929 as a minor seminarian. After completing high school, he entered the novitiate on August 14, 1933, and made his first vows in Washington, D.C., on August 15, 1934, at the age of 20. As a seminarian, he pursued college and theological studies and was awarded his B.A. and then his licentiate degree in theology at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. As a student, he also spent a year in Poland, returning to the United States shortly before the outbreak of World War II in Europe. While in Poland, he studied the Polish language and theology, experiencing Marian community living among his Polish conferes.

He was ordained a priest on June 10, 1941, shortly before the U.S. entered World War II. Almost immediately, Fr. Sielski took on leadership posts in the Marian community due to a shortage of personnel. He came close to completing his doctorate in theology (S.T.D.) from the Catholic University of America, but community commitments forced him to end his studies. In 1944, Fr. Sielski moved to the new Marian House in Stockbridge and was appointed Assistant Master of Novices. He was appointed the first Superior at Stockbridge, remaining at the post until 1947. He then moved to Detroit, Mi., where he helped open a Mission House and served as its first Superior. In 1948, at the age of only 34, he was elected Vice Provincial of the newly formed St. Stanislaus Kostka Province. In 1951, Fr. Sielski succeeded the Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Luniewski, MIC, as the Provincial Superior. He was the second Superior of the Province.

During his 12 remarkably productive years in office, he guided the Marians in becoming more firmly established in the U.S. A new house of studies was built in Washington, D.C., the famous "Marian Week"debuted in Stockbridge, and the Mercy of God Shrine (now recognized as the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy) was completed. Foundations for Marian houses were also laid in Brookeville, Md., and Portugal. During this time, the Marians also began their expansion to England and Brazil, and Fr. Sielski was one of the first Marians to work in Brazil.

In 1963, he was elected to the General Council and took up residence in Rome. Within two years, he was appointed Vicar General and helped to put in motion the program of renewal and adaptation that the Second Vatican Council asked of all religious communities. Father Sielski was then elected Superior General in 1969, and he served two terms until 1981. As Superior General, he would lead meetings at the Generalate in Rome in Latin and Italian. Unfortunately, his work of making pastoral visits to all the Marians around the world was severely hampered by the communist governments in many of the countries in Eastern Europe where the Marians were stationed.

After his last term as Superior General, Fr. Sielski returned to the U.S., going back to Rome periodically, especially to work on revisions to the Marian Constitutions in the 1980s. Father Sielski held a number of posts in the Province upon his return.

He served as the Director of the Association of Marian Helpers — headquartered at the Marian Helpers Center in Stockbridge — from 1983-1984 and then again from 1986-1988. After these terms in Stockbridge, he worked as a spiritual director at the Washington, D.C. House in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He then worked as a chaplain at St. Joseph's Nursing Home in Catonsville, Md.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial was celebrated on June 14, at 10:00 a.m. at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA, U.S.A., presided by the Superior General of the Marians, Very Rev. Fr. Jan M. Rokosz, MIC. Fr. Sielski was laid to rest in the Marian Community Cemetery on Eden Hill.

Father Leonas Lešinskas, M.I.C.
(02.14.1924 - 09.16.2004)

On September 16, 2004, Fr. Leonas Lešinskas, M.I.C., age 80, passed away in St. Michael the Archangel parish of Mariampole.

He was born on February 14, 1924, in the village of Pailiai. He was the last of 10 children of a small-time farmer. He finished elementary school in Aukstelke, and then from 1937-1940 studied at a private Franciscan gymnasium in Kretynga. When this gymnasium was closed down by the Soviet authorities, he continued his studies at the 1st Gymnasium in siauliai and graduated in 1943. In 1946, he entered the Diocesan Seminary in Kaunas, but he had to leave it after the first term when the Soviet authorities began to decrease the number of its students. Leonas then joined the Congregation of Marians. In 1948 he completed his novitiate and returned to the seminary.

Leonas Lešinskas was ordained to priesthood on August 22, 1950. In the next year he finished his seminary studies and began to work as a vicar in Koszedary. During 1953-63, he served as pastor in following towns: Geguzine (1953-54), Skudutiskis (1954-60), Bagaslaviskis (1960-1961), Pazerai (1961-1963), and Karmelavie (1963). On August 15, 1963, he became a professor at the Diocesan Seminary in Kaunas and the Prefect of Studies. While working at the Seminary, in 1967 he defended his Doctoral thesis on fundamental theology.

In 1968, Fr. Leonas Lešinskas was appointed pastor in Balbieriskis, and, in 1971, administrator in Aukstoji Panemune. During 1975-89, he served at St. Michael the Archangel parish in Mariampole: first, as its administrator, and then, after 1979, as its pastor and dean. Thanks to his efforts, the chapel of Bl. George Matulewicz was created in the church in 1987.

Father Leonas Lešinskas became pastor in Budvietis in 1989 and Vice Dean in Mariampole. After two years of service he came back to Mariampole. First, he served as a chaplain in the restored Marian middle school and was the resident of St. Vincent's parish. Since 1993 he resided at St. Michael the Archangel parish, where he passed away.

Since 1991, Fr. Leonas taught religion and theological matters in different Mariampole schools: restored the Marian middle school (until 1992), Major Pedagogical School (until 1996), Major Catechists School in the Diocese of Vilkaviskis (until 1998). In 1995, the Lithuanian Council for the Science granted Fr. Leonas Lešinskas, M.I.C. the rank of Assistant Professor.

Father Leonas Lešinskas's funeral took place on September 18, 2004 in Mariampole.

Father Kazimierz Pacek, M.I.C.
(10.08.1930 - 08.27.2004)

During the night of August 26-27, 2004, Fr. Kazimierz Pacek died of cancer at the Marymont House in Warsaw. He was 74 years of age, 55 years of religious life and 48 years of priesthood.

Fr. Kazimierz was born on October 8, 1930, in Grudziądz. Having obtained his the middle school certificate from the 1st State Hihg School and John III Sobieski gymnasium in Grudziądz, in 1948, he asked to be accepted into our Congregation. He made his novitiate in Skórzec. On September 8, 1949, he also made his first profession of vows there. In 1949-51, he continued his education at high school and minor seminary in Bielany. In 1951-52, he completed his 1st year of philosophy at the House on Wileńska Street. In 1952-54, he studied at Bielany, and in 1954-56 - at the Major Metropolitan Seminary in Warsaw. He took his perpetual vows in Skórzec on August 15, 1954. He was ordained to the priesthood on March 16, 1957, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in the borough of Praga in Warsaw.

After ordination, he served as vicar and prefect of religion in Góra Kalwaria for two years. In 1959-62, he made his licentiate studies on Biblical Theology. In 1962-63, he was the prefect of the Polish Province's priests who participated in the annual Pastoral Studies Program in Cracow. In 1963-65, he stayed at the Marian House of Studies in Włocławek, preparing at the same time his Doctoral degree in Biblical Theology at the CUL. During his second year of residency in Włocławek, he also served as chaplain of the Sisters of Communal Work. In 1965-66, he was the vicar and prefect of the youth in Sierpiec, and in 1966-67 again the chaplain of the Sisters of Communal Work. In 1967-69, he served as catechist for the youth in his native town of Grudziądz. In 1969-75 he fulfilled the duties of the Provincial Councilor. In 1969-71 he was the Skórzec House Superior and the parish vicar. Being appointed the Provincial Secretary, he transferred to the Bielany House, and in 1981 - to the Marymont House. He stayed in this office for 10 years: from 1971 to 1981. Since 1977, he served as the chaplain at the chapel of Sisters of the Name of Jesus. While working at Marymont, he served local neocatechumen communities for years, being also a confessor of many religious sisters. Father Kazimierz carried out many different functions on behalf of our Province: beginning in 1981 he delivered lectures on Biblical Science at the novitiate without interruption. For many years he ran retreats for different groups of our confreres, especially those preparing for the profession of vows. Several times he served as Master of the Perpetual Novitiate. For several years also he was the censor of the Marian Publishing House.

Since July of 2004 Fr. Kazimierz was fighting his final illness. Funeral solemnities took place on August 30, 2004, at the Marian Fathers' Church in Marymont. A large group of faithful attended. It included our Marian confreres, members of the Departed family, religious sisters, brethren from the Neocatechumen Way, parishioners. The Holy Mass for the intention of the Departed was led by Bishop Marian Duś. The body of Fr. Kazimierz was laid to rest at the Marian cemetery in Wawrzyniec, Warsaw.

Brother Jan Mieczysław Obrębski, M.I.C.
(11.21.1938 - 07.20.2004)

Brother Jan was born in Poland, village of Ziomek, in the parish of Baranowo, Diocese of Łomża, on November 21, 1938, to the parents Józef and Rozalia. The family had 10 children: three boys and 7 girls.

In 1945-52, he attended elementary school in Bakula-Ziomek. After graduating, for one year, he helped his parents with the farm. In 1953, he began studies at the Metal Trade School in Przasnysz, which he completed in two years with a certificate of a "Mechanic of Farm Machinery." The following year he spent again helping his parents with the farm. At that time he discovered his vocation for religious life. He followed in the footsteps of his older sister, Zofia, who became a nun, and of his cousin, Fr. Casimir Komor, M.I.C., and in 1957 he joined the Congregation of Marian Fathers. Upon completing his half-year long novitiate in Skórzec, he made his first religious profession on August 15, 1958. For the next seven years he remained a member of the Skórzec Religious House. He fulfilled the duties of a conservator and helped with the farm. He pronounced his perpetual vows in Stoczek Klasztorny, on August 15, 1965.

During the years of 1965-84, he stayed at the Lublin Religious House, where the Marian Seminary is located. His superiors noticed his talents and sent him to high school. From July of 1965 to February of 1972, he studied at the Correspondence School of Mechanics and Electricity in Lublin, which he completed with a certificate of a technician-mechanics in the machinery construction. He obtained his high-school certificate in 1971. At the same time he worked as a metal-worker at a Cooperative of the Blind in Lublin. Brother Jan learned the Braille alphabet (1968), completed a course in economy and self-governing (1969), obtained a title of a Master in the trade of General Metal Working (1971), and truck-drivers courses. During the time of his studies, he also fulfilled the duty of conservator of the house and driver-mechanic.

Beginning in 1972, for five years, he served as the Lublin House Treasurer. During this period he also studied at the Institute of Higher Religious Culture at the Catholic University of Lublin.

Brother Jan continuously deepened his professional and religious knowledge wishing to put into life the concept of Bl. George Matulewicz who wanted to see Marian religious brothers becoming educated and competent people. Everything seemed to prove that Br. Jan had adequate intellectual capabilities to complete theological studies and aspire for the priesthood. To his confreres' suggestions that he should become a priest he used to respond that he did not feel a vocation nor that he was worthy; he wanted to serve our Congregation and the Church as a religious brother.

In February of 1984, he was transferred to Rome, to our General House, where he consequently spent 20 years or almost half of his religious life. Practically from the beginning of his stay there and until 1999, he fulfilled the duty of the General House Treasurer. During 1987-93, he also served as our Congregation's General Treasurer. In 1999, he was named II Councilor but was still assisting the House Treasurer as much as his health allowed.

Brother Jan was getting ready for heart surgery, which was planned for the beginning of 2004. In addition, he began to experience serious stomach ailments. Tests proved that he had a malignant stomach tumor. Unfortunately, two operations and therapy applied, failed to produce positive result. Brother Jan died after a six-month struggle with suffering and illness.

The last project undertaken upon his initiative was the renovation and roofing of St. Joseph's statue placed in our garden. Saint Joseph - the Patron of good death - generously rewarded Brother Jan by obtaining for him the grace of a beautiful death. Brother Jan passed into eternity surrounded by the love and prayers of many people. He died shortly after Fr. General's visit who came to see him at the hospital on his way from the airport upon his return from the United States.

A testimony of unlimited trust in God and an authentic faith that were shown in such a serene acceptance of suffering and readiness for death were the best summing up of his entire life, which was filled with humble service to God.

Upon the news of Brother John's demise, many of our Marian confreres sent us letters of condolences in which they also expressed their gratitude for all the good that he had done to them when they were visiting the General House. Words such as "exemplary religious", "deeply devout", "true to his vows", "diligent", "obliging", "trustworthy", "quiet", "entirely devoted to the Congregation", "community's conscience in living out the vow of poverty", "cordial confrere", and "a good man and a good Marian" were frequently repeated in those letters.

The funeral solemnity, led by Fr. Superior General, Mark Garrow, took place on July 23, 2004, at the General House Chapel.

Father Feliks Bartecki, M.I.C.
(05.11.1925 - 07.09.2004)

Feliks Bartecki was born on May 11, 1925, in Bukowy, parish of Zagórów, district of Słupiec, in the Włoławek Diocese of the Wielka Polska Province.

In 1949, after graduating from a gymnasium in Rumia, he asked to be admitted to the Congregation of Marians. He made his first religious vows in Skórzec, on August 15, 1950, having completed the novitiate. Being transferred to Bielany, he completed the final two grades of high school and passed his final examinations in 1952. Later, in 1952-54, he also studied philosophy at Bielany. During a recess in the academic year of 1954-55, he was sent to work on the farm of the Skórzec monastery. He had his first year of theology in Gietrzwałd, where he also pronounced his perpetual vows in 1956. The remaining three years of theological studies were completed in the Major Marian Seminary in Włocławek.

He received his ordination to priesthood on June 21, 1959, in Włoławek. Then he underwent a pastoral training called "tirocinium" in Cracow. In 1960, he began his pastoral service first in Skórzec and Warsaw-Praga (briefly), and then in Głuchołazy as a catechist and member of the pastoral ministry. In 1961-62, he fulfilled the same duties in Skórzec and Krekol. In 1964, he was transferred to the Bielany House and sent to study Canon Law at the Catholic Academy of Theology. After obtaining a Master's in Canon Law, Fr. Felix became a notary at the Warsaw Metropolitan Court of Law. At that time he was assigned to the Sulejówek House, which he left in 1969 for the Praga House in Warsaw. In 1972, he became a chaplain of the Immaculate Sisters in Wrzosów and belonged to the Bielany House. In 1975-87, he served as a confessor and member of the pastoral ministry at the St. Francis Xavier's Rectory Church in Grudziądz. Since 1987 he served as a confessor at the Shrine of Our Lady of Licheń.

The final months of Fr. Felix's life were marked by great suffering. He passed away at the Licheń House on July 9, 2004, at noon.

The funeral solemnity, presided over by Bishop Czesław Lewandowski from Włocławek, took place at the Licheń Shrine on July 12, 2004, at 2 p.m.

Father Henryk Tomaszewski, M.I.C.
(01.18.1914-06.26.2004)

Father Henry Tomaszewski was born on January 18, 1914, in Żyrardów, Poland, to the parents Walenty and Antonina, neé Apczyńska. His father died during the Polish-Russian War of 1920. Since his father's death, young Henry, along with his brother Romuald and his sister Maria, was brought up by their mother alone. Upon completing elementary and middle school, he attended the Major School of Commerce in Warsaw for three years. In 1937, he entered the Congregation of Marian Fathers.

He made his first vows on August 8, 1938, at the monastery in Skórzec. While in the novitiate, he met and kept in his memory the remembrance of Blessed Fr. Antoni Leszczewicz, who entered our Congregation, being already a priest and a missionary in Harbin, China. Father Henry was permanently impressed by his humility and willingness to assist, with which he waited at table on his much younger fellow-novices.

After making his first vows, Henryk was sent to the Vilnius Seminary and he began his studies at the Stefan Batory University. However, shortly after, he was transferred to the Seminary in Kaunas, and then to Mariampole and Druya. The time of his seminary studies proved to be the most difficult one for him because of WWII.

Precisely during the war struggles, while still being a seminarian, Henryk received the grace of witnessing a heroic action of two Marian priests: George Kaszyra and Anthony Leszczewicz, who were elevated to the altars in 1999. The Druya House Superior sent Henryk to Rosica to warn the above-named priests of approaching danger and to persuade them to leave the area. Those priests sent the messenger back to Druya, which saved his life, but they remained with the local people and on February 16-17, 1943, suffered a martyr death. Father Henryk's description of their martyrdom based upon his own recollections and testimonials of other people contributed to the beatification process of the Marian Martyrs.

On February 7, 1944, Henryk made his perpetual vows in Vilnius, and 20 days later he was ordained to the priesthood in Mariampole, by Archbishop Romuald Jałbrzykowski. After ordination, Fr. Henryk continued his studies, which he concluded by defending his Master's these in 1946. Later he worked as a vicar and a catechist in several Marian parishes, staying the longest in Druya and Warsaw, but primarily as an educator in the Marian College in Bielany.

Leaving Poland, Fr. Tomaszewski went to England, where he continued his work as an educator in Fawley Court for some time. Then he went to Portugal, and finally, in December of 1965, arrived in Brazil as one of the first Marian missionaries. He was the fourth member of the first Polish missionary team there.

Father Henry worked in the first Marian missionary parish in Brazil, in a town called Nossa Senhora da Gloria, State of Sergipe. In 1968, when the parish was closed, he came to Curitiba, State of Parana; and shortly after went further south - to the State Rio Grande do Sul, where he took over a parish in Barra do Ribeiro and remained there until 1969. In September of 1969, Fr. Henryk began a difficult pastoral ministry in the River Ribeira Valley, on the border betweeen the States of Parana and Sao Paulo. First, he served in two parishes: Riberia in the State of Sao Paulo and Adrianopolis in the State of Parana. Although his residence was in Ribeira, he built a beautiful parish hall in Adrianopolis. During the time of his pastoral labors in the parish of Ribeira, he succeeded in building more than 10 new chapels, restored the main church building and saved it from complete ruin, and rebuilt the devastated presbytery.

On January 17, 1988, Fr. Henryk was transferred from Ribeira to Adrianopolis, where he took over the duties of a pastor, which he fulfilled for the next five years in spite of his advanced age of 74. In total, Fr. Henryk gave 22 years of his life to working in the River Ribeira Valley - the poorest and most spiritually and materially neglected region. Through his service to the local people, which he fulfilled with zeal and love, he brought the Word of God closer and fostered material progress.

Then, after five years of service, on March 18, 1993, Fr. Henryk was transferred to the Diocese of Guarapuava and named the administrator of a chapel at the power plant in Segredo. He spent next five years of his life there, among the plant employees and their families.

In 1998 Fr. Henryk had to go to a hospital because of his failing health. On his return from the hospital, he was transferred to Barra Santa Salete as a resident at the novitiate. Another significant period in his life was the year 1999. With the beginning of this year Fr. Henryk was transferred to the Provincial House in Curitiba, where he had easier access to specialized medical care and was helped by the students of the Major Seminary. In June of that year he went to Poland for the last time. There he participated in the Marians' meeting with the Holy Father in Licheń and the jubilee of the 50th anniversary of the Marians in Licheń, of which he was the first pastor. Finally, on June 13, 1999, in Warsaw, he took part in beatification of the Marian Martyrs - Frs. George Kaszyra and Anthony Leszczewicz, two confreres with whom he worked and whose martyrdom he witnessed.

In the beginning Fr. Henryk took care of himself in his illness. He celebrated Holy Mass, always recited the breviary in Latin, played solitare… As time went by, his state worsened: he was only able to concelebrate Mass, and he experienced growing memory problems and difficulties in walking… Shortly a need for constant supervision appeared, especially at night, which was managed through the dedication and zeal of the Marian Seminarians.

In the beginning of 2001 Fr. Henryk was not able to celebrate Mass or to walk on his own. Thanks to a dedicated care given by Fr. Edmund Grabowski, M.I.C., the Seminary Rector, students, and Sisters of The Divine Mercy, in 2002-2003 his health improved so much that he was able to go on short walks and participate in some of the bigger events. Although his ailments caused by age and illness made him loose his patience at times, he soon was able to restore his temper, when singing carols or other religious songs.

This year Fr. Henryk celebrated his 90th birthday and, on February 27th - his 60th anniversary of ordination to priesthood. Meanwhile his health became so poor that he couldn't leave his room, being completely dependent of others in his needs. On June 15th he was hospitalized with serious heart and lung insufficiency. Father Henryk finished his life in this world on the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul.

During his life he was a publicist, a chronicler, and an avid reader, especially of history books. He had a talent for describing facts or events. He wrote down testimonies about the martyrdom of Blesseds Anthony and George in a book Martyrs from Rosica and prepared an account on the martyrdom of Fr. Eugeniusz Kulesza, M.I.C., also. He translated from Belarussian into Polish a book by Fr. Hermanowicz China, Siberia, Moscow, and from French - The heaven stronger than we are, by Wilhelm Hünermann. He was the author of many letters describing his missionary work in Brazil. Those letters were compiled by Fr. Stanisław Kurlandzki, M.I.C. into a book entitled Missionary adventures.

Father Henryk was an educator of children and youth - for many years he worked at the Bielany school, then in Fawley Court (England). Being a pilgrim avidly loving travel, he used his vacation time for visiting Marian shrines. He was incredibly hospitable and possessed a good sense of humor. Indefatigable in his pastoral and construction work, he was concerned about the sick and the poor in his parish and frequently organized charitable help for them.

Father Henryk Tomaszewski is the first Marian Missionary who died and was buried in Brazil, in the Marian cemetery at the Merciful Jesus Shrine. He received from God a grace of being well prepared for his death: purified through suffering and the holy sacraments, he went to meet the Lord, whom he tried to serve faithfully during his earthly pilgrimage, in the company of the Apostles Peter and Paul.

Father Piotr Miros, M.I.C.
(02.18.1915 - 01.13.2004)

On January 13, 2004, Fr. Piotr Miros, M.I.C. passed away in Góra Kalwaria.

He was born on February 18, 1915 in Kozłów, Poland. After finishing his middle school in Korzystno, he studied privately for a year at the gymnasium in Nowe Miasto on Pilica, and later, in 1930-32, became a Marian junior in Skórzec. In 1932-33, he made his novitiate in Raśna, where he also made his first religious profession on August 15, 1933. He continued his studies at Bielany, which he completed in 1936, obtaining a high-school certificate. His perpetual vows were made in Raśna on August 15, 1936. In 1936-43 he studied at the Major Seminary in Warsaw. During the interruption in his studies in the academic year of 1938-39, he served as a catechist in Skórzec. His ordination to priesthood took place on January 3, 1943 in Warsaw.

Being ordained a priest, he served as a vicar in Skórzec in 1943-44. Then, in 1944-45, he was the prefect at the Bielany gymnasium. In 1945-49, he worked in Głuchołazy: first, for one year, as a parish administrator in Gierałcice and Biskupice, and then as a gymnasium prefect and minister in Głuchołazy. Transferred to the Bielany house, in 1949-53 he studied apologetics at the Faculty of Catholic Theology of the Warsaw University, from which he also obtained his degree of Master of Theology. His second Masters Degree was in Romance Philology. Also at that time he was teaching French at the Minor Seminary in Bielany. In 1954-56, he taught apologetics in our seminary in Gietrzwałd. In 1956-58 he made his doctoral studies on apologetics at CUL. Also, during this period he was the prefect for priests studying there. In 1958-62 he stayed in Warsaw and taught apologetics, history of the Church, and French language in our Warsaw House of Studies in Praga. In 1960-61, he was named the Bielany House Superior, being at the same time the lecturer. In 1961-62, he was transferred to Góra Kalwaria, where he served as a catechist.

From June of 1962 Fr. Piotr worked in England. In 1962-67, he was a teacher for one year, and then has become the Deputy Director of the Divine Mercy College in Fawley Court. Then, in 1966-67, he taught Latin. Residing in Hereford in 1967-69, he served as a missionary and minister for Polish people in Cardiff. In 1969 he became pastor of the Polish parish in Slough. He built a beautiful parish church and John Paul II Catholic Center there. Father Piotr remained in Slough also as a resident during 1993-2002. On October 4, 2002, he was transferred to Góra Kalwaria.

Father Piotr passed away on January 13, 2004. His funeral took place on January 16th. Forty priests concelebrated the Holy Mass, led by H.E. Edward Materski, Bishop Emeritus of Radom and a friend of the Departed. Father Provincial, Andrzej Pakuła presided over the solemnity at the graveside.

Father Kazimierz Grzymała, M.I.C.
(01.26.1934 - 11.3.2003)

In Valencia, Spain, Fr. Kazimierz Grzymała, M.I.C., a long-time minister for Polonia in Great Britain, passed away.

He was born on January 26, 1934, in northeastern Poland, in the Kosów Lacki parish. Upon completing grammar school, as a 15-year old boy, he came to Warsaw and entered the Minor Seminary of the Marian Congregation. There he obtained his high-school education. After one year in the novitiate he made his first vows on August 15, 1952.

During the period of studies I had an opportunity to get to know Fr. Kazimierz. He was always kind and fraternal, full of enthusiasm and ideals, bringing spontaneous joy everywhere. There was no better companion for seminarian recreation and vacation trips. He knew by heart dozens of songs with which he was able to attract the young people attention during bonfires at the lakeside, as part of our common trips. These talents and characteristics served him well later on in his ministry to the young.

After his ordination, Fr. Kazimierz worked in Poland for one year only. In June of 1962 his superiors sent him to England, and he dedicated the rest of his life to this country. For several years he served as the youth educator in The Divine Mercy College in Fawley Court. Then for three years he worked at Slough, but the longest - 33 years - he served in Ealing, London. He got to know several generations of people and everyone knew him. It has been rightly said about him that a large part of the Marian history in Ealing and history of Our Lady, Mother of the Church, parish is closely united with his person.

From his vacation trip to Spain he sent greetings to many of his friends. No one suspected that these would be his last greetings. Quite unexpectedly he became very ill. Despite the solicitous medical attention, his state grew so bad, that it made his return home impossible. His superiors from Fawley Court, Fr. Wojciech Jasiński, M.I.C., and later Fr. Czesław Pisiak, M.I.C. stayed at his bedside, but he was not aware of it. He passed away on November 3, 2003, at night.

During the funeral Mass the Ealing church was filled, as usually happens on holidays. This was an expression of gratitude from parishioners for Fr. Kazimierz longtime pastoral service.

Father Vincas Inkratas, M.I.C.
(12.22.1916 - 10.10.2003)

Fr. Dr Vincas Inkratas, M.I.C., an Assistant Professor and altarist in St. Michael the Archangel Basilica in Mariample, passed away.

He was born on December 22, 1916, in the village of Skardupiai, at the then district of Keturvalakiai, in Vilkavi kis region. In 1923-27, he attended elementary school in Skardupiai, and in 1930 he entered the Marian gymnasium in Mariampole, which he finished in 1938. He was accepted into the Congregation of Marians in 1935. Upon his graduation from the gymnasium, for several years he studied philosophy in Kaunas.

In 1940, he began his studies on the first year at the Faculty of Theology of the Inter-Diocesan Seminary in Kaunas. On May 2, 1943, he was ordained to priesthood. A year later he obtained his licentiate in Theology, defending his work: "The meaning of the Eucharist in the Church." Serving at St. Gertrude's Church in Kaunas, and also being a chaplain for the local Red Cross hospital, he was also preparing his doctorate on dogmatic theology. He wrote four dissertations on the topic: "The Church according to St. Paul, the Apostle: and at the and of 1946 obtained this doctoral degree.

In 1946, he served as a vicar at St. Ignatius's in Vilnius, at Holy Trinity's in Panevezys, and at the parishes of Linkuv and Vabalnikas. In 1952, he was named administrator of the Karsaki kis parish, but a few years later transferred to Papile, where he worked for 13 years. During 1967-74 he served in Tauragnai. After the old church there burned down, he built a new one, which was quite a rare event in the Soviet times. Later he was a pastor in Vie intos for 16 years. In 1990, he came back to his native diocese of Vilkavi kis. From the start he was named altarist in the Mariampole parish of St. Vincent de Paul. In 1993, he was transferred to the same post in Mariampole Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel. He resided in the Marian monastery in Mariampole until his dying day.

By his knowledge of foreign languages he served the Church hierarchy and our Congregation. Shortly before dying, he translated from Latin into Lithuanian the entire collection of Decrees and decisions of the General Chapters and meetings of the Marian Congregation in 1702-1999.

The funeral Holy Mass for Fr. Vincas Inkratas was celebrated on October 13, 2003, at the Mariampole Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel. The Mass was led by Bishop Rimantas Norvila with 30 priests concelebrating. The homily was delivered by the Superior of the Lithuanian Province, Fr. Vytautas Brilius. The deceased was buried at the old Mariampole cemetery, in its Marian part.

Father Antoni Papużyński, M.I.C.
(08.8.1940 - 07.13.2003)

Fr. Antoni Papużyński was born on August 8, 1940, in Kazakhstan, where his parents were in exile. In 1946, his mother brought him and his three brothers back from exile. His father and the oldest brother returned to the homeland as soldiers of the Polish Army. The family took up residence in the Głogów administrative district: first, in Kotla, and since 1950 - in Brzostów. On December 27, 1947, in Kotla Antoni was baptized and later went to the First Communion. In 1947-54, he attended elementary school, and in 1954-57, completed three years of secondary school in Głogów. In 1957 he was accepted to the Skórzec novitiate as a candidate for priesthood in our Congregation. Antoni made his first religious vows on August 15, 1958, at the novitiate house.

In 1959 he completed the 4th grade of secondary school in Głuchołazy. In 1959-60 he served at our religious house in Licheń, and in 1960-62 studied philosophy at the Marian Institute of Theology and Philosophy in Warsaw. He took his four-year course of theology (1962-66) at the Major Seminary in Włocławek. His perpetual profession of vows came on August 15, 1964. After graduating from the seminary he asked for prolonging the time of his service as a deacon. In 1966-69 he worked as a catechist in Licheń. He was ordained a priest in Włocławek, on February 2, 1967. In 1969-72 he made his post-graduate studies at the Department of Christian Philosophy (Section of Philosophy and Psychology) at the CUL. Upon completing his Master's thesis entitled: "Psychological and pedagogical basis of the Founder of the Marians, Fr. Stanislaus Papczyński's system of education", he obtained his Master's degree in psychology. In 1973-79 he served as the Provincial Vocations Director, and in the school year of 1979/80 - he ministered at Marymont borough in Warsaw. In 1980 he went to do pastoral work in England.

In 1980-82 Fr. Papużyński served in Fawley Court as a chaplain of the Divine Mercy College, and then he ministered in Slough (1982-85), and in the last year he served as the Vocations Minister. In 1985 he was transferred again to Fawley Court, where he was the chaplain of the College and Vocations Minister for a year, becoming later (since 1986) a House Superior, Treasurer, and Vocations Minister, and since 1987 also the Vice Provincial. In 1993-97, residing in Hereford, he was the 3rd Provincial Councilor.

From mid-1997, on account of special treatment that he was undergoing in Warsaw, Fr. Antoni resided at his nephew Sławomir's house in Malbork, Poland. In response to his persistent requests, granted him in 1998 the indult of ex-claustration for three years. After the indult's expiration, Fr. Papużyński remained outside the community life without his superiors' permission. In March of 2003, he petitioned again for permission to reside outside the religious house on account of his health problems. He received such permission on May 23, 2003. At that time he resided in Warsaw.

Fr. Antoni died unexpectedly Sunday, July 13, 2003, in Gdańsk. The news of his demise just reached the Provincial Superior on July 17, 2003.

Our Associate Brother

Bishop Roman Andrzejewski
(02.19.1938 - 07.7.2003)

Noon, on July 7, 2003, Bishop Roman Andrzejewski, Vir Aggregatus of the Congregation of Marian Fathers unexpectedly passed away.

He was born on February 19, 1938, in Morzyczyn, Poland. In 1961, he graduated from the Major Seminary in Włocławek, and on May 21st of the same year was ordained a priest. Next, he studied classical philosophy at the Catholic University of Lublin. In 1973, he defended his Doctoral thesis at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. In 1974-75, he studied at the Pontifical Institute Altioris Latinitatis at the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome.

During the years of his service for the Church he held, among others, the office of an assistant at CUL (1966-74), Prefect of Education at the Seminary in Włocławek (1968-70), Professor of Latin and Patrology at the Major Seminary in Włocławek (1972-83), Speaker at the Polish Section of Radio Vatican (1974-75), confessor for religious sisters (1978-81), Professor of Church Latin and Latin Literature at CUL (1974-82).

He was consecrated a bishop by Bishop Jan Zaręba and erceived from him a domination to Vicare General of the Włocławek Diocese on December 20, 1981. In 1988-96, Bishop Roman Andrzejewski presided over a Committee of the National Conference of Bishops in Poland for the Ministry among Farmers. As a national minister for farmers, he showed great care for the future of Polish agriculture and the destiny of the village residents.

As a bishop, he decided to associate more closely with the Congregation of Marian Fathers. With a letter of November 16, 1992, written by hand on the commemoration of Our Lady of Mercy, Bishop Roman addressed the Provincial Superior, Fr. Stanisław Kurlandzki, M.I.C., with a request to be admitted into the Congregation as an "Associate Member". In this letter he gave the following reasons for his request: 1. Devotion to Mary; 2. Care for priests serving all over the world, particularly, in the East; 3. Devotion to Poor Souls; 4. A desire to be buried at the Licheń Shrine, should he not make other provisions or impassable circumstances arise. Formulated in such a way, his motivation showed a deep concurrence of his spirituality with the main characteristics of our Congregation's charism.

At that time the Bishop was 54 years of age, of which 31 years of priesthood and 11 years of bishopric service. On November 19, 1992, the Government of the Polish Province of our Congregation agreed to grant the Bishop the status of an "Associate Member". In his letter of December 3, 1992, to the Provincial Superior, Bishop Andrzejewski warmly thanked for the grace of being aggregated in the Congregation and obtaining of appropriate privileges. He also expressed his willingness to fulfill all duties related to membership in the Marian community and his desire to serve the Congregation in his capacity of a bishop. On December 8, 1992, he was formally aggregated in the Congregation.

In 1992-2003, Bishop Roman consecrated to the priesthood several Marian Deacons, led the Holy Mass and delivered a homily on several occasions during Marian Chapters or Provincial Conventions; celebrated a Mass at church fairs and gave ardent sermons before pilgrims in the Licheń Shrine. He visited with pleasure different Marian communities in Poland and abroad, particularly the Licheń Shrine and the Provincial House in Warsaw. He stayed in close touch with the Provincial Superior in order to give reports on his "Marian way of life". It can be said that he remained faithful to undertaking the responsibilities of an Associated Member.

On May 31, 2003, he consecrated to priesthood in the Licheń two Marian Deacons. A month later, sudden death took him away. Funeral solemnities were performed on July 10, 2003, at the Włocławek cathedral and on July 11, 2003, at the Licheń Shrine, where the Bishop was buried next to other persons of merit. The funeral Mass was led by the Apostolic Nuncio to Poland, Archbishop Józef Kowalczyk.

Father Witold Nieciecki, M.I.C.
(03.01.1925 - 06.28.2003)

On June 28, 2003, on the commemoration of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Fr. Witold Nieciecki, a Marian, passed to the Lord. He faithfully served Christ and Mary Immaculate. He lived for 78 years, of which 59 as a religious and 53 - a priest.

Fr. Witold Nieciecki was born on March 1, 1925 in Vilnius. Since 1933 he resided with his parents in Warsaw, where, in 1937-39 he completed 2 years at the St. Staszic State Gymnasium. WW II caught him there. In 1940-42, he took two years of schooling at the so-called "preparative courses for trade schools of 2nd degree."

Inspired by the good example of his older friend, later a Marian, Fr. Włodzimierz Okoński, he conceived a desire of joining the Congregation of Marians and becoming a priest. In 1943-44 he made his novitiate at Skórzec. Upon completing his high school education (interrupted by war) at clandestine courses, he passed the final exams in 1945. In 1947, he professed his perpetual vows. During 1945-51 he attended classes at the Institute of Philosophy and Theology in Bielany, Warsaw. Also, in 1948-52, he studied at the Faculty of Catholic Theology of the Warsaw University, obtaining a degree in Moral Theology. Witold Nieciecki was ordained a priest on December 17, 1950, by the Primate of Poland, Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński, at the Church of Our Lord in Warsaw.

Fr. Witold Nieciecki fulfilled many important offices in our Congregation. In 1951-57, he was the Prefect of seminarians; in 1957-63 - Polish Provincial Vice-Superior; and on the turn of 1957-58 - a pastor of the Bielany church. The next year he stayed at Nowa Wieś near Michalin, regaining his health. In 1960-63, Fr. Witold Nieciecki completed his studies for licentiate degree at the Warsaw University, and in 1964 he defended his thesis "Main characteristics of the Congregation of Marians' spirituality in the light of Marian Constitutions of 1930." The thesis was published in Rome in 1965. During 1963-66 he served as a spiritual director of Marian seminarians in Włocławek, while in 1966-69 - the Provincial Spiritual Director with his residence in Skórzec.

Fr. Witold Nieciecki held the office of Polish Province Superior twice - from 1969-81. After the General Chapter of 1981 in Rome he was nominated President of the Constitutions and Directory Editorial Committee, because of which nomination in 1981-83 he spent most of his time in Rome, still formally belonging to the house on Wileńska Street in Warsaw. The opinion is that it was he who made an essential contribution to adapting Marian Constitutions to the directives of the Vatican II. In 1983-93 Fr. Witold Nieciecki was the spiritual director of our Major Seminary in Lublin. Since 1993 he became a resident of our Marymont house where he actively participated in parish ministry, mostly hearing confessions and being part of the neo-catechumen communities' life. Fr. Witold also became known as a good retreat leader. He realized the importance of cooperation with the laity and he supported the creation of the Association of Marian Helpers in Poland. From the beginning he served as a consultant for the AMH's magazine Z Niepokalaną.

Fr. Witold Nieciecki's funeral solemnity took place on July 1, 2003, at the Marymont church, after which the body of the deceased was deposed at the Marian cemetery in Warsaw.

The Marian community, under the leadership of Superior General, Fr. Mark Garrow and Polish Province Superior, Fr. Andrzej Pakuła, attended the solemnity in great numbers along with members of the Deceased's family, friends, parishioners, and members of the AMH. They bid farewell to Fr. Witold Nieciecki, confident of his faithful love for Christ and people, of his attitude of a great, and yet very humble, man of prayer known for his good deeds.

Brother Stanisław Nowaczkiewicz, M.I.C.
(02.23.1925 - 06.02.2003)

On November 4, 1954, the Marian Novice Master in England, Fr. Edward Rytko, M.I.C., wrote in his letter to the Provincial that Stanisław Nowaczkiewicz came to the religious house in Lower Billingham, Hereford, "bringing with him all necessary documents and a petition to be admitted to the postulancy as a religious brother." In the "certificate of morality" issued by Fr. J.L. Dryżałowski of Huddersfield, he said about the candidate: "From the time of his coming to this parish until the present day, he fulfilled well his religious duties and was always regarded as a quiet, controlled person and a good Catholic. For two years he actively and exemplarily participated in the Polish Parish Choir - Varsovia in Huddersfield."

The candidate wrote in his autobiography: "I was born in Warsaw on February 23rd, and baptized on March 8, 1925, at the Nativity of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary Church. My father was a tailor by trade; he had already passed away, but my mother is alive and still resides in Warsaw. I also have two brothers and a sister. My mother, my brother and my sister were taken to the concentration camp in Auschwitz; thanks to the Lord our God they came out of it luckily. In my seventh year of life I went to school, which I completed in 1940. At the beginning of 1943, as the oldest son, I started to work to support my family. After the failure of the Warsaw Uprising in 1944, Germans took me to Germany as a laborer. I worked in quarries and also on railroads. After being set free by the allies, I was placed in a camp in Erfurt, where I stayed for several months. Later, I was transferred west, to another camp in Raine, where I stayed until my departure to England in 1948. In England I worked as a coal-miner in Barnslay until 1952. Then I changed jobs and moved to Huddersfield. In July of 1954, I made a pilgrimage to Holywell and Pantasaph, during which I decided to dedicate the rest of my life to God and spend it in the Congregation of Marian Fathers as a religious brother."

Those few lines of Br. Stanisław's biography reflect the history of an entire generation of Poles who experienced tragic war consequences. Although forcibly torn away from family and native land, a young man of 19 was able to organize his life according to principles of faith rooted in him by his family even in exile.

In his request for being accepted into the Marian community he wrote: "I ask Very Reverend Father Superior fervently and whole-heartedly to kindly accept me into the ranks of his Congregation, where, as I have hope in God, I would be able to work for God's glory and the good of the order, as well as to strive for my own holiness and perfection under the direction of Superiors of the Order, which has as its goal to promote the devotion to Mary and lead to eternity as many souls as possible." Signing this document, he added: "humble servant in Christ."

Having completed a one-year novitiate, Br. Stanisław made his first vows on August 15, 1956. He pronounced his perpetual vows on August 15, 1963, after a seven-year period, upon receiving permission from the Holy See. In his religious life he fulfilled duties assigned to him by his superiors in religious houses of Hereford, Fawley Court, Rome, and the longest - for 30 years - in Ealing, London, as a parish sacristan. When Br. Stanisław's health became worse, he was transferred in February of 2002 to our religious house in Fawley Court, in order to ascertain that good care is given to him. He died at that house on June 2, 2003. Br. Stanisław was buried at the Marian cemetery in Henley-on-Thames. The solemnity of burial was presided over by Fr. Provincial Andrzej Pakuła. The sister and brother of the departed participated in the ceremony along with Sisters of the name of Jesus, employees of the Fawley Court House, and the Marian community in England.

In his petition of April 20, 1963, requesting admission to making perpetual vows, Br. Stanisław wrote: "With assistance of God's grace, I want to faithfully serve the Lord and the Most Blessed Mother in the Congregation of Marian Fathers until my death." His petition was answered. May the Merciful Lord accept him to His glory.

Father Viktoras Šauklys, M.I.C.
(01.13.1908 - 04.14.2003)

Fr. Viktoras Šauklys, the oldest of the Lithuanian Marians, died on April 14, 2003, in the rectory of Girdžiai parish in the Archdiocese of Kaunas, where he was pastor for 25 years and retired since 1996. Last January he celebrated his 95th birthday.

He was born on January 13, 1908, in the village Gudziunai (Lithuania), as the youngest of the nine children of Peter and Aniela Šauklys. For six years he attended high school in Raseiniai. Then he learned accidentally about the possibility of continuing his studies in the recently opened Marian high school at Mariampole, where he could try to fulfill his priestly and religious vocation. He was accepted to the Mariampole boarding school in 1926. A year later he was admitted to the Marian novitiate and professed his first vows on August 15, 1928. After two more years of high school, in 1930, he was sent to Kaunas for theological studies at the Vitold the Great University. In 1931, he professed perpetual vows, and on June 25, 1933, he was ordained a priest by Archbishop Francis Karevi ius. A year later he completed his theological studies.

In 1932/33 he was editor of the periodical Sventuju bendravimas, published by the Marians at Mariampole for the confraternity of St. Joseph. In the years 1934-36, 1938-39, he edited altinis. In 1936, he was appointed rector of the St. Vincent a Paulo Church in Mariampole. He was also active as a director of the following charitable institutions: an orphanage, a day-care facility, and a house for the elderly. In 1938, he was appointed treasurer of the Mariampole house, and in 1940 - rector of the Holy Trinity Church in Ukmerge.

He was arrested on Dec. 17, 1946, in Ukmerge, upon the orders of the Communist authorities and was sent to prison in Vilnius. He was accused of creating religious, nationalistic groups under the cover of rosary circles, of celebrating the Mass in memory of killed partisans, and also, because on Dec. 8, 1945, young folks prayed in his church, imploring "deliverance from the red terror... " On Nov. 15, 1947, Fr. Viktoras was exiled to Siberia for seven years. At the end of this term, he was moved to Ukhta, (Autonomic Republic of Komi), where the director of a hospital employed him for office work and nighttime duty in the isolation ward. He lived in a barrack for laborers, which was plagued by rats.

Being able to move freely throughout Ukhta, he discovered some exiled Lithuanians and embraced them with pastoral care. He was even able to celebrate a Mass for them in a house of an old woman. Sent on errands outside Ukhta, he took every opportunity to provide pastoral assistance to Lithuanians: baptisms, marriages, confessions, Mass celebrations.

On May 2, 1956, he was set free and returned to Lithuania. The Ordinary of Kaunas sent him for pastoral work first in Gruzdžai and then in šiupyliai. Since 1971, he was pastor in the Girdžiai parish. In 1989, in the last year of the Soviet regime in Lithuania, thanks to perestroika, he was rehabilitated.

We should particularly mention Fr. Viktoras merits in the field of vocation ministry. For many years he was giving hospitality and provided board in his house for the Marian clerics from Lithuania and Ukraine, who were studying in the clandestine seminary run by Marians and Jesuits. He took this opportunity to teach them the Marian way of life.

Worthy of note are his popular writings in the field of apologetics and spiritual life. He wrote also about Bl. George. Most of his writings remain in typewritten copies.

Father Paweł Jasiński, M.I.C.
(08.10.1922 - 03.23.2003)

In the early hours of March 23, 2003, Fr. Paweł Jasiński passed away at the age of 81 at our religious house in Fawley Court. He was a member of the Congregation of Marians for 6