Fr. Jerzy Popieluszko, was brutally murdered by the communist secret police in Poland; for doing what Venerable Pope John Paul II started. Fr. Jerzy is a great role model for priests. He wasn't afraid of spreading the faith and keeping the faith alive in Poland; while the Russian communists wanted to remove the faith and keep the faith out of that one town that did not have a church. He was spreading the solidarity movement in Poland and he gave his life for it and the Catholic Church.
In the movie Karol, The Pope The Man; when Pope John Paul II went back to Poland; it shows Fr. Jerzy murder and what happened. Him and a friend was put into a car and drove into a secret place; his friend was kept in the car and watched Fr. Jerzy being beaten to death. I break down into tears watching it and just keep writing about it and I cried as I did on the real live broadcast on EWTN when Pope John Paul II was in his last days and moments.
I feel close to the Eastern European countries; just because of the traditions of St. Andrew going to preach the Gospel and convert the area; the tradition is that he went to Poland, Germany, Russia, the countries close by Russia, Turkey, Scotland, and a few other countries. When I found this out, it was great joy; because I'm German American and it's possible St. Andrew did work in Germany.
But, back on to Fr. Jerzy; and now I think Pope Benedict and the Polish people are working on getting Fr. Jerzy raised up to the Altars of St. Peter. He's blessed. His courage to spread the faith as we are to do and when the government over stretches it's realm; then we must be like him and also prounce who is our true ruler; Christ the King.
All the priests, deacons and layity are to be brave and live the virtues; if we live this; being faithful to the Sacrament of Confession and the Eucharist; living these Sacraments in our own life in the world; we will become a saint. Pray and ask for his intercession.
He had the spirit and soul of a early Catholic who gave their life for Jesus; he wasn't scared but maybe jumpy a bit when the communists grabbed him and his friend really quick; but I think that would be like anyone; but the Peace of Christ; which the world can not give; calmed him down and allowed him to give his life for Jesus and the Church.
When our priests at Mass say "May the Peace of Christ be with you all." This is what we are to have in our soul at every moment; being at Peace; as Christ did giving of Himself freely on the Cross to die for us. The Peace of Christ; does not come from the world but from Heaven and that is the Peace which must flow from us into the world; because we are the hands, feet, eyes, mouth of Jesus and to bring His Peace into the world and then the world will be at Peace.
There will be people who don't want this and yes, we will be sent away into prisons or put to death; in the nations who forbid this type of preaching. But with the Peace of Christ; we shall no longer be afraid but firm in our faith and be like Christ carrying His cross and being scourged. That is how Fr. Jerzy was when he lived.
Fr. Jerzy pray for us and help us in the world where governments are starting to outreach their limits and help to remain brave and live the virtues as you did.
God bless
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