Fr. Jan Rozmysłowski OMI (1985 ~ 1987)
The Rozmyslowski family, living in Kujawy in the Sandomierz region of Poland, was typical of rural families at the time: it was large and patriotic, had a love of the earth and deep faith in God; it accorded great respect to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In this milieu of strong family ties and patriotism, Wilhelm Rozmyslowski was born on the 20th of June, 1939. Wilhelm entered elementary school in Kujawy in 1945, finishing seven years later in Konary. During ninth grade in Klimontow, Wilhelm left his studies for a period of two years to help his family on the farm. It was during that time that he also felt a distinct call to priesthood and religious life developing in him. In 1956, he entered the Oblate juniorate at Markowice. In 1959, he became a novice at Swiety Krzyz and a year later took on studies in philosophy and theology at the Oblate scholasticate in Obra. On June 30, 1966, Bishop Tadeusz Etter of Poznan ordained Wilhelm to the priesthood. Fr. Wilhelm began pastoral work in Lubliniec, preparing himself at the same time for his voyage to Canada. In January 1967, together with Fr. Kozak and John Szkodzinski, Fr. Wilhelm set out for Canada. They were the fi rst group of Oblates to leave Communist Poland after World War II. In Canada, Fr. Wilhelm served in many Oblate parishes: St. Stanislaus Kostka in Toronto, then in Edmonton, Winnipeg and again in Toronto. He served at St. Maximilian Kolbe parish in Mississauga. He is known for his hard work and devotion to administering the sacrament of reconciliation. Of Fr. Wilhelm’s seven siblings, only two sisters are alive today. Both his parents are deceased.
Fr. Wilhelm’s favourite activities in his spare time are stamp collecting, keeping songbirds and wildlife observation.