Jerzy Popiełuszko
| Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko | |
|---|---|
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|
| Priest; Martyr | |
| Born |
14 September 1947 Okopy, near Suchowola, Poland |
| Died | 19 October 1984 (aged 37) Włocławek, Poland |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 6 June 2010, Warsaw, Poland by Cardinal Angelo Amato |
| Feast | 19 October |
| Attributes | Crucifix |
| Patronage | Solidarity |
Jerzy Popiełuszko (Polish pronunciation: [ˈjɛʐɨ popʲɛˈwuʂkɔ]; 14 September 1947 – 19 October 1984) was a Polish Roman Catholic priest who became associated with the opposition Solidarity trade union in communist Poland. He was murdered in 1984 by three agents of Służba Bezpieczeństwa (Security Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs), who were shortly thereafter tried and convicted of the murder.
He has been recognized as a martyr by the Roman Catholic Church, and was beatified on 6 June 2010 by Cardinal Angelo Amato on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI. A miracle attributed to his intercession and required for his canonization is now under investigation.
Born 14 September 1947 in Okopy near Suchowola. After finishing school, he attended the priests' seminary at Warsaw. He served his army duties in a special force, aimed to keep young men from becoming priests. This treatment had an adverse effect on Popiełuszko, as, after finishing his army service, he continued his studies. As a vicar he served in parishes in Warsaw, which consisted of the common people as well as students. 1981 Jerzy Popiełuszko was sent to the workers, taking part in strikers in the Warsaw Steelworks. Thereafter he was associated with workers and trade unionists from the Solidarity movement who opposed the Communist regime in Poland.
He was a staunch anti-communist, and in his sermons, interwove spiritual exhortations with political messages, criticizing the Communist system and motivating people to protest. During the period of martial law the Catholic Church was the only force that could voice protest comparatively openly, with the regular celebration of Mass presenting opportunities for public gatherings in churches.
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