Past Priests
Fr. Władysław Karciarz OMI (1983 ~ 1984; 1987 ~ 1995)
Fr. Wladyslaw Karciarz was born on October 22, 1950 in Leszczyny in Podhale province, Poland, the fourth child of Karolina and Jozef Karciarz. At one point in his life, he wanted to be a miner - but his health did not allow him to follow that goal. His greatest childhood memory was of receiving First Holy Communion in 1961 in Bialy Dunajec at the hands - of then Archbishop of Kracow, Karol Wojtyla. After completing studies at the Oblate juniorate in Markowice, Wladyslaw entered the novitiate at Obra. There, in September 1968, he made his first vows and began studies in philosophy and theology, and after making perpetual vows he was sent to Canada in 1973. He finished studies at Newman Theological College in Edmonton, and on January 3, 1976 he was ordained College in Edmonton, and on January 3, 1976 he was ordained to the priesthood. Fr. Wladyslaw began working at St. Casimir’s•parish in Vancouver and by September 1976 he was at St. Casimir’s in Toronto. Afterwards, he worked at Holy Ghost parish in Winnipeg (1979-1983), Holy Rosary parish in Edmonton (1983-1984) and in 1984 the was named pastor of Our Lady of Czestochowa parish in Saskatoon. Three years later, Fr. Wladyslaw returned to Edmonton with the assignment of forming a new Polish parish under the name Our Lady Queen of Poland in that city (1987-1995). After completing this mission, Fr. Wladyslaw took a sabbatical year of studies at the Vatican II Institute for Clergy Formation, Menlo Park, CA. He also studied at the Ecumenical Institute in Jerusalem and partook in a St. Eugene de Mazenod retreat in Aix-en-Provence, France. After returning to Canada, Fr. Wladyslaw was made pastor of Holy Ghost parish in Winnipeg 1996. Since 1999, he was pastor of St. Casimir’s parish in Vancouver.
Fr. Mieczysław Fidyka OMI (1987 ~ 1989)
Fr. Mitchell Francis Fidyka (Mieczyslaw Franciszek Fidyka) was born December 28, 1953, in Katowice, Poland. He was ordained June 14, 1981, in Obra, Poland as priest for the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. In 1999, Father Fidyka was incardinated as priest for the Archdiocese of Edmonton. Father Mitch is survived by his family in Poland and Germany: siblings, Jerzy (Jolanta), Lidia (Jan), Zbigniew (Krystyna), and Aniela (Miroslaw); as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In the Archdiocese, Father Fidyka began as associate pastor at Holy Rosary parish in 1987. He then served Our Lady Queen of Poland parish, Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Bashaw, St. Augustine parish in Ponoka and as pastor of Sacred Heart parish in Wetaskiwin (including Our Lady of Seven Sorrows parish in Maskwacis and St. Theresa parish in Ma-Me-O Beach). From 2005 on, Father Fidyka served at Holy Family parish in St. Albert and, in Edmonton, St. Michael’s-Resurrection and Assumption parishes. Father Fidyka also served as dean and vice-dean of the Camrose and Edmonton South deaneries. He was also a member of the Archdiocesan clergy personnel committee and the College of Consultors to Archbishop Richard Smith. In 2018, Father Fidyka was appointed pastor at St. Thomas More parish in Edmonton. He led the efforts to secure a site, and to begin to fundraise, for a future church in southwest Edmonton to be built over the next 15 years. Father Fidyka also led efforts to support the rebuilding and restoration of Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples after a fire in 2020. In February 2022, Father Fidyka took a leave due to illness. He retired on May 1, 2022. Father Fidyka had been living in Edmonton at the Villa Vianney residence for retired priests. He died January 28, 2023, at the Villa Vianney residence for retired priests. He was 69. Vigil Prayers for Father Fidyka will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Basilica, 10044 – 113 Street, Edmonton. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the same location at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 3, 2023 with Archbishop Smith as Presider. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery.
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.
Fr. Teofil Szendzielarz OMI (1984 ~ 1987)
Born: July 25, 1933, Czechowice, Poland. Novitiate: Markowice (1950-51) Scholasticate: Obra Ordination: April 6, 1957, Poznan, Poland. Obediences/Places Served: Markowice, PLPL; St. Casimir’s Church, Toronto; Holy Rosary, Edmonton; St. Maximilian Kolbe, Mississauga, St. Stanislaus, Toronto. Death: May 19, 1997, Mississauga. Interment: Assumption Cemetery, Mississauga, ON. Remarks: Arrived in Canada October 18, 1983; founder & editor of Pielgrzym magazine.
Fr. Franciszek Frazik OMI (1977 ~ 1979)
Born: September 30, 1925, Sambor, Poland. Novitiate: Korbeek-Lo, Belgium Scholasticate: Velaines, Tournai, Belgium Ordination: July 8, 1956 in Velaines, Belgium. Obediences/Places Served: O.L.of P.H., St. Catharines, ONON; Toronto, ONON; Elphinstone, MB; Holy Ghost, Winnipeg, MB; Holy Rosary, Edmonton, AB; East Selkirk, MB; Sturgis, SK. Death: October 23, 1992 in Winnipeg, MB. Interment: Holy Ghost Cemetery, Winnipeg, MB Remarks: Arrived in Canada 1957.
Fr. Piotr Klita OMI (1971 ~ 1977)
Born: August 11, 1911, Calgary, AB. Novitiate: St. Charles, MB (1929-30) Scholasticate: Lebret, MB; St. Charles, MB; Battleford, SK Ordination: June 18, 1935, Battleford, SK. Obediences/Places Served: St. Stanislaus, Toronto; St. Mary’s, Toronto; St. Hedwig’s, Oshawa; St. Casimir’s, Toronto; Holy Ghost, Winnipeg; Sts. Peter & Paul, Welland, ONON; Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Catharines; Holy Rosary, Edmonton; Kelvington, SK; St. Anthony’s, Regina, SK. Death: November 18, 1995, Vancouver, BC. Interment: Holy Ghost Cemetery, Winnipeg, MB Remarks: organized parish and built the basement of St. Hedwig’s Church, Oshawa, ONON (1954); Built parish hall and rectory, Sts. Peter & Paul, Welland, ONON (1958-64)
Fr. Rudolph Nowakowski OMI (1965 ~ 1967)
Fr. Rudy Nowakowski was born in Rama, Saskatchewan – a region of semi-arable land and farm settlements. During his teen years his family moved to Kuroki, SK. He attended high school from 1949 -1954 in Toronto and lived in the Oblate House of Studies while attending classes at St. Michael’s College School. He entered the novitiate at St. Norbert, Manitoba. In 1955, he made his fi rst vows. Afterwards, he began studies in philosophy and theology at St. Charles Scholasticate in Battleford, Saskatchewan and, in 1960, was ordained to the priesthood. After completing the requirements of the theology program, Fr. Rudy was sent to Ottawa to gain pastoral experience at what was then called the Sedes Saptientiae – currently known as St. Paul University. He also attended Ottawa University and studied pedagogy. Fr. Rudy’s first pastoral assignment was to Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish in St. Catharines, where he served as pastoral assistant from 1962-1965. Afterwards, he served at Holy Rosary parish from 1965-1967. From 1967-1982, Fr. Rudy taught at Michael Power/St. Joseph high school in Toronto, and continued studies in pedagogy in Toronto and Ottawa. In 1 82, Fr. Rudy became pastor of St. Henry’s parish in Melville, Saskatchewan (1982-1997) and ministered at the local Catholic school and St. Peter’s Hospital. While there, Fr. Rudy belonged to the Pastoral Committee and the Catholic Homecare Health Services Committee of Saskatchewan. Fr. Rudy spent his sabbatical year (1997-1998) at the Tantur Ecumenical Institute and at the Vatican II Institute in Menlo Park, California. Some of Fr. Rudy’s other ministries included his position as assistant at the Oblate novitiate in Godfrey Illinois, USA, (1998-1999 , 2000-2003), his service as pastoral assistant at Holy Ghost parish in Winnipeg (1999-2000) and his service to the Oblate Provincial Council (1977-1980, 1990-2005). Presently, Fr. Rudy is director of the Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre in Mississauga. Fr. Rudy has three siblings: Michael, Larry, and Beata, who is a Benedictine Sister. Their father died in 1982 and their mother died in 1992. Fr. Rudy’s hobbies include golf, going on walks, skiing, reading and traveling.
Fr. C. Krystkowiak OMI (1963 ~ 1965)
Fr. Casimir was born on January 6, 1 34 at Marles-les-Mines in France, the fourth son of Stanislaw and Joanna Handkie- wicz. The family grew in the subsequent years, with two girls being born. After completing elementary school at Auchel and Marles-les-Mines, Fr. Casimir entered the Oblate school of St. Casimir in Bethune. His vocation also took him to the novi- tiate at Korbeek-Lo in Belgium (September 1 52), which was part of the Polish Oblate Province in France and Benelux. On September 27, 1 53, he left for Canada to begin studies at the St. Charles Scholasticate in Battleford, Saskatchewan. On September 28, 1 58, he was ordained at the hands of Bishop John Bokenfohr OMI of the Kimberley Diocese, South Af- rica. After a year of studies in Ottawa, Fr. Casimir began working at Sts. Peter & Paul parish in Welland, Ontario. Later, he worked at St. Casimir’s parish in Toronto, Holy Rosary parish in Edmonton (1 63), and in St. Catharines (1 68). That same year, he took over as pastor at St. Mary’s in Fosston and Archerwill, Saskatchewan. He also served as administrator of St. Helen’s parish in Kuroki and in a few other places. In 1 77, Fr. Casimir was called to work as pastor in Melville, and some time afterwards was called to the Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre in Mississauga, where he helped lead forma- tion programs. Later, he worked at St. Stanislaus Kostka parish and as pastor at St. Mary’s parish in Toronto. He worked as director of the Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre, parish administrator at St. Casimir’s in Vancouver, pastoral assistant at St. Maximilian Kolbe in Mississauga, pastor of St. Patrick’s parish in Sturgis, Rockford and St. Philip’s, Kamsack. Since 2001 he has worked at St. Eugene de Mazenod parish in Brampton. Fr. Casimir’s parents have passed away. His brother Tadeusz and his sisters, Zofi a and Eliza- beth, live in France. Hobbies: gardening, reading, fi shing (not as easy to do anymore), photography, learning about countries.
Fr. Francis Kosakiewicz OMI (1962 ~ 1977)
Born: November 3, 1904, Edmonton, AB. Novitiate: St. Laurent, MB (1925-26) Scholasticate: Edmonton, AB; Lebret, SK; Obra, Poland. Ordination: July 2, 1931, Obra, Poland. Obediences/Places Served: St. Casimir’s, St. Paul, USA; Elma, MB; Tolstoi, MB; Holy Ghost, Winnipeg, MB; Elphinstone, MB; St. Henry’s, Melville, SK; St. Casimir’s, Vancouver, BC; Holy Angels, Toronto, Holy Rosary, Edmonton, AB Death: February 12, 1992, Toronto. Interment: Holy Ghost Cemetery, Winnipeg, MB Remarks: Built churches in Elphinstone, Shoal Lake & Erickson, MB; completed church in Melville, SK; founded parish and built church in Vancouver, BC
Fr. Stanley Wachowicz OMI (1961 ~ 1971)
Born: January 30, 1902, Skaro, AB, Canada Novitiate: Lachine, QC (1921-22) Scholasticate: Edmonton Ordination: July 10, 1927, Lebret, SK Obediences/Places Served: Ministry: Holy Ghost, Winnipeg; St. Henry’s, Melville, SK; St. Casimir’s, Vancouver, BC; Provincial of St. Mary’s Province; Holy Rosary, Edmonton; St. Casimir’s, Toronto; Mundare, AB. Death: May 21, 1977, Edmonton, AB. Interment: Holy Ghost Cemetery, Winnipeg, MB Remarks: Built St. Henry’s church, Melville, SK; recipient of the medal “Polonia Restituta & Cross of Merit”; Provincial of St. Mary’s Province (1950-56); built St. Casimir’s Elementary school, Vancouver, BC
