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Fr. Mieczysław Burdzy, OMI (2017-2023)

Fr. Mieczysław Burdzy, OMI (2017-2023)

Father Mieczysław was born on January 7, 1970 in Nisko, in the province of Tarnobrzeg (now Podkarpackie). The fourth of five siblings, Father Mieczysław has three brothers and a sister. in 1991, after graduating from an electro-mechanical technical school, he emigrated to North America. After seven years of various experiences and contacts with the American and Canadian reality, in 1997 he entered the Pre-novitiate of the Missionary Oblates and a year later, in September 1998, he was admitted to the OMI Novitiate at Święty Krzyż. In 1999, after meeting the requirements of the novitiate, he made his first religious vows. He returned to Canada to study, successfully completing the philosophy and theology program at Newman Theological College in Edmonton and at St. Paul in Ottawa. The studies were accompanied by religious formation in the Oblate Scholasticate of St. Charles Borromeo. He made his perpetual vows as a Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate on December 8, 2004 in Ottawa. He was ordained a deacon on December 18, 2005, at the Holy Rosary Parish in Edmonton, and was ordained a priest on May 20, 2005, at St. Maximilian Kolbe in Mississauga, by Bishop Douglas Crosby OMI. The first religious obedience delegated him to the Province of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Canada, and the first parish of Father Mieczysław was the parish of St. Maximilian Kolbe in Mississauga. After two years, in 2007, he was sent to the parish of St. Jacek in Ottawa as the administrator of the parish. Another obedience of O Mieczysław in 2008 was the Catholic Youth Studio in Toronto, where the religious superiors directed him to run a radio program, edit the Family magazine, and animate cultural and evangelization events. in 2009, Father Mieczysław was assigned to the parish of the Holy Spirit in Winnipeg as a vicar. After two years, in 2011, another religious obedience directed him to the parish of St. Eugene de Mazenod in Brampton as one of the two vicars, and a year later, the Father Provincial of the Assumption Province directed him to a two-year ministry as director of pastoral care of vocations, especially in institutions served by Polish Oblates. In 2014, he was appointed pastor at St. Henry in Melville, SK, and since September 1, 2017, as pastor of Holy Rosary Parish in Edmonton. Father Mieczysław spends his free time in the bosom of nature, occasionally playing golf, tennis, skiing, swimming in the pool, playing the guitar, or simply taking a refreshing walk. Father Mieczysław assures about constant prayer and asks for it as well. From September 2023 on a year of Sabbatical Studies.

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Fr. Grzegorz Nowak, OMI (2019-2021)

Fr. Grzegorz Nowak, OMI (2019-2021)

Fr. Grzegorz Nowak, OMI began his priestly ministry in our parish on September 1, 2019. Fr. Grzegorz was born on February 13, 1985 in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski. He has three brothers and a sister. Until the age of 15, he lived with his parents in his hometown of Czażów. After the eighth grade, he continued his education at the Minor Seminary in Markowice. After graduating from high school in 2004, he joined the Congregation. He made his first vows on September 8, 2005 at the Holy Cross. In the years 2005-2007 he studied philosophy at the Major Seminary in Obra. Later, his superiors sent him to study theology in Rome. He was ordained a priest in Obra on May 26, 2012 by Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki. After ordination, he worked as a vicar at St. Joseph's Parish in Gorzów Wielkopolski from 2012 to 2016, then at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Mississauga from 2016 to 2019. From 2019-2021 at St. Rosary Parish in Edmonton, from 2021-2022 at Courtice, ON and from 2022 a hospital chaplain in Mississauga.

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Fr. Tomasz Jarosz, OMI (2017-2019)

Fr. Tomasz Jarosz, OMI (2017-2019)

Father Tomasz Jarosz was born in Gorzów Wielkopolski in 1983, and raised in Drezdenko (the Lubuska Province), with his two sisters, as the third child of Walerian and Maria. He also studied there until the completion of high school. In 2003 he joined the Novitiate of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and after a year made his first vows in the Congregation in order to continue his formation at the Major Seminary in Obra, where on May 29, 2010 he was ordained a priest by His Excellence Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki, the Archbishop of Poznan. He served as an associate in Lubliniec for two years. After a year of missionary formation in Warsaw, he served on the missions of Guatemala and Chile, and from 2017 in Canada, first in Edmonton until August 2019. In September 2019-2021 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish. 2022 on in Courtice ON

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Fr. Andrzej Sowa, OMI (2011 - 2017)

Fr. Andrzej Sowa, OMI (2011 - 2017)

Fr. Andrzej Sowa, OMI (2011 - 2017) He was born on January 24, 1962 in Lubliniec. Following the voice of his religious vocation, he entered the Oblate novitiate at the Holy Cross. He made his first religious vows in 1982 in Obra. There he also studied philosophy and theology. In 1988 - before his priestly ordination - he worked in Poznań as a catechist. In 1990 he received the sacrament of Holy Orders and for the next five years preached retreats and parish missions in various parts of the country. In 1995 he came to Canada to give a Lenten retreat in Polish parishes. It was then that he noticed how important pastoral ministry is in the Polish diaspora and how useful his help can be in this respect. He asked his superiors for permission to stay in Canada. Soon after, he began studying English in Sturgis, Saskatchewan, and in 1996 he accepted the duties of vicar at St. Casimir Parish in Toronto. After three years, he was sent to Western Canada to work in Oblate parishes in Sturgis, Buchanan, Rama, Norquay and Rockorfd (for a short period also in Kamsack and St. Philip's. In 2005, he became pastor of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Mississauga, where he served for six years. And until August 2011, he is the pastor of our Holy Rosary Parish in Edmonton. So far, his priestly ministry in both Canadian and Polish communities has brought him a lot of joy. He fondly recalls the friendships he made, especially with those who, like him, are fascinated by contacts with nature. Parishioners, in turn, will probably remember his personal faith, devotion to the Mother of God, preaching and musical talents.

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Fr. Paweł Nyrek, OMI (2014-2016)

Fr. Paweł Nyrek, OMI (2014-2016)

Father Paweł was born in 1982 in Lębork and grew up in Nowęcin near Łeba in the north of Polish, very close to the Baltic Sea. Their parents, Zofia and Ryszard, still live in Nowęcin, while their siblings: Andrzej, Wioletta, Marcin and Karolina, have scattered around Poland. Father Paweł began his education in Łeba, where there is also an Oblate parish. Although not immediately, he became an altar boy, and later even a sacristan in the Oblate parish. It was then that the idea was born to go to the Minor Seminary after elementary school, as a secondary school, and get a high school diploma there. After graduating from high school, he went to the novitiate at the Holy Cross (Świętokrzyskie Mountains), made his first vows on September 8, 2002 and immediately after that he began the Major Seminary in Obra. After his perpetual vows (5 years later) he wanted to go to Ireland to be with Poles who went abroad to work. He was then ordained a deacon (May 26, 2007) and ordained a priest (May 31, 2008). In the meantime, his superiors decided that instead of going to Ireland, he had the option of going to Canada, which he agreed to and flew to Toronto on July 5, 2008. For five years he worked in Mississauga, in the parish of St. Maximilian Kolbe, then a year in Dartmouth (near Halifax) he practiced English and since September 2014 he has been a vicar at the parish of the Holy Rosary.

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Fr. Józef Sikora, OMI (2012-2014)

Fr. Józef Sikora, OMI (2012-2014)

He was born on May 12, 1973 in Kodeń in the Oblate parish in the Lublin province (diocese of Siedlce). He graduated from elementary school in the same town and then went to the Minor Seminary of the Missionary Oblates in Markowice, which he finished with a high school diploma in 1992. Then he went to the OMI novitiate at the Holy Cross where after a year he made his first vows on September 8, 1993, after which he went to the Major Seminary in Obra, where he studied philosophy and theology in the years 1993-1999. There he made his perpetual vows on September 8, 1997, and was ordained a deacon on June 21, 1998, and ordained a priest on June 19, 1999. As his first obedience, he received from Fr. General to the Vice-Province of Pilkomajo in Paraguay, in the same year he went to Spain for a two-month Spanish language course. That same year, on November 2, he began his missionary ministry in Paraguay. After the first months of getting to know a new country, culture and yet another new Guarani language, on February 2, 2000, he was assigned to the Parish of St. Eugene in the Apostolic Vicariate of Pilkomajo (Gran Chaco) as a vicar. After a year, he was asked to become a Youth Minister in the Vicariate. And then he was entrusted with the ministry of pastor of the parish of St. Eugene. Where he served until June 2004. Also during this period, he served as National Youth Ministry Pastor to the Paraguayan Episcopal Conference for two years (2004-2005). In the meantime, in 2003, he also completed a four-month Course in Formation at the Institute of Latin American Pastoral Theology in Bogotá, Colombia. In 2004 he was appointed to the vocational house of the Missionary Oblates in Loma Grande, Cordillera, serving as formator and pastor of Our Lady Help of Christians Parish. He served for the next three years until 2007. From 2004 to 2006 he was also a member of the Provincial Council of the Vice-Province of Pilkomajo. In July 2007, he was transferred back to the Vicariate of Pilkomajo where he served as the parish priest of Mriscal Estigarribia. And until August 2009 he helped in the ministry at the Parish of Our Lady of the Rosary in Gral. Artigas in the Diocese of Itapua. And from that time he prepared to go and serve in Canada. After coming to Canada in March 2010, after a few months he became a vicar at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Mississauga, and then after a year he was sent to an English course in Vancouver after which he was appointed vicar at the Holy Rosary Parish in Edmonton. Father Joseph is the youngest of five brothers and one sister. The siblings live in Poland. Mom lives with one of the brothers and his family, and dad died in 2000. One of the brothers also died a tragic death. Interests: football, lawn and table tennis and other sports as far as possible and circumstance

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Fr. Kazimierz Kozicki OMI (2008-2012)

Fr. Kazimierz Kozicki OMI (2008-2012)

Fr. Kazimierz Kozicki was born on October 18, 1946 in Slawatycze, in Lubelskie province, Poland, in the diocese of Siedlce. He completed studies at the Oblate juniorate in Markowice and after attending the novitiate at Obra (1965-1966) he made his first vows. From 1966-1972 he studied philosophy and theology at the Oblate scholasticate in Obra. He did his pastoral training at Katowice (1972-1974) and on June 23, 1974 was ordained. His first year long assignment also took place in Katowice. For the next twenty years he preached parish Missions as a missionary, residing first in Poznan (1975-1982), later in Wroclaw - Popowice (1982-1990) and also in Siedlce (1990-1991) and in Koden (1991-1995). Fr. Kazimierz came to Canada in 1995. He spent the first four years as pastoral assistant at St. Casimir’s parish in Toronto, and later at Holy Ghost parish in Winnipeg (1999-2005). He was the assistant pastor at O.L.P.H. parish in St. Catharines. From 2008 he is the assistant pastor in our Holy Rosary Parish. He has four brothers and three sisters in Poland. His father, Czeslaw, died on December 8, 1979 and his mother, Helena nee Michalowska, died on January 31, 2001. Fr. Kazimierz likes to study omithology in his spare time and to cultivate potted, ornamental and garden plants.

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Fr. Roman Nisiewicz OMI (2007 ~ 2008)

Fr. Roman Nisiewicz OMI (2007 ~ 2008)

The first-born son of Maria and Mikolaj Nisiewicz was born on June 23, 1954 in Zielona Gora. Roman attended primary school in Grabowiec and took religious instruction at St. Hedwig’s parish in Kozla Kozuchowska. In 1969 he entered the Oblate juniorate at Markowice and after completing high school in 1973, he entered the Oblate novitiate at Obra. He completed his philosophy and theology studies in Obra, earning a Master’s degree. On June 22, 1980, Roman was ordained a priest at the hands of Archbishop Jerzy Stroba. Fr. Roman’s first post was as pastoral assistant in Milanowek, after which he served as treasurer and formation director at the juniorate in Markowice. At that time, this Oblate centre was undergoing expansion and Fr. Roman was active in it. His next obedience took him to St. Eugene’s parish in Kedzierzyn-Kozle where he served as treasurer and missionary at the seminary and church. After four years, he went to Katowice to Sacred Heart of Jesus parish where he had a chance to put his financial and organizational skills to use. In 1991, Fr. Roman asked his superiors for permission to go to Canada. He began working at St. Partrick’s parish in Saskatoon. In 1992 he served at St. Maximilian Kolbe parish in Mississauga, then for four years he served at St. Stanislaus Kostka parish in Toronto. Later, Fr. Roman worked at the Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre, again at St. Maximilian Kolbe parish and, since 1999, at St. Casimir’s parish in Toronto, where he still serves today. Among his activities is serving as chaplain of the Polish-Canadian Congress (KPK – Toronto Region), the Polish Teachers’ Association, the Polish Alliance, and the Polish Veterans’ Association. Fr. Roman return to Poland. Fr. Roman’s hobbies include reading and tourism. He has two sisters, and his father passed away in 1995.

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Fr. Heinrich Sicking, OMI (2008-2009)

Fr. Heinrich Sicking, OMI (2008-2009)

Fr. Heinrich Sicking was born on January 16, 1934 in Stadtlohn, Germany, the fourth child of Johann and Anna née Schlettert. After completing elementary school, Heinrich studied farming for a year and then from 1949 -1952 he studied furniture making under Bernhard Rolvering in Hengeler, Germany. However, Heinrich’s choice of vocation meant that in 1957, right after completing high school, he entered the Oblate novitiate in Maria Engelport. One year later, he professed his first vows and later, he professed perpetual vows in Huenfeld. There, on July 28, 1963, Heinrich was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Vervoort. From 1964-1975, Fr. Heinrich worked in Namibia, looking after missions in Aminuis in the eastern Kalahari valley in the north of the country, in Grootfontein. From 1976-1987 Fr. Heinrich served at German-speaking parishes in Indonesia, teaching religion in Jakarta, Bandungu and Ciligon. From 1988-2000 he served at St. Michael’s parish in Windsor, Ontario. After a two-year break from his work, which he spent at Holy Ghost parish in Winnipeg, he took on new responsibilities - at St. Henry’s in Melville, Saskatchewan, and the chaplaincy at St. Peter’s Hospital (2002-2003). On July 28, 2003, Fr. Heinrich celebrated the 40th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Since August 2003, he serves at St. Mary’s parish in Grayson, St. Elizabeth’s parish in Killaly, St. Michael’s in Lemberg and Sacred Heart of Mary parish in Marieval. Fr. Heinrich’s mother passed away in 1975 and his father died in 1978. Two brothers and one sister remain; the rest of Fr. Heinrich’s siblings have passed on.

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Fr. Roman Majek OMI (1999 ~ 2011)

Fr. Roman Majek OMI (1999 ~ 2011)

Fr. Roman Majek was born on October 23, 1953 in Podlasie, Poland, and grew up close to the Marian shrine in Koden nad Bugiem, which the Oblates administer. He entered the Oblates right after fi nishing elementary school. From 1973-1979 Roman studied at the Oblate seminary in Obra. He completed his Master’s degree in Catholic social studies at the Papal School of Theology in Poznan. On June 16, 1979, he was ordained by Bishop Tadeusz Etter and began working among the hearing- and speech-impaired of Lubliniec (1979 -1983). Later, Fr. Roman worked at St. Nicholas parish and St. Eugene de Mazenod parish in Kedzierzyn-Kozle (1983-1987). He arrived in Canada in 1987. From 1987-1990 he was pastoral assistant at St. Casimir’s parish in Toronto, where he also taught Polish school. He later served as pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul parish in Welland, ON (1990-1993) and St. Casimir’s parish in Vancouver, BC (1993-1999). From 1999 to 2011, he was pastor of Holy Rosary parish in Edmonton. In 1999 Fr. Roman was awarded a golden cross for his work for the good of the Polish-Canadian community. Since 2011 he is pastor of Our Lady Queen of Poland in Edmonton. Sports, reading and fishing are Fr. Majek’s favourite pastimes.

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Fr. Stan Kowal OMI (1995 ~ 1999)

Fr. Stan Kowal OMI (1995 ~ 1999)

Fr. Stan Kowal was born on February 5, 1953 in Grzesce (Przemyls province). After finishing secondary school, he did compulsory military service for two years and then went to work. At that time, he said he had the chance to get to know the value of money and experience the world of work. In 1979, right after the election of Karol Wojtyla to the Holy See, Stan entered the novitiate at Swiety Krzyz and made his first vows a year later. After spending two years studying philosophy and four years studying theology, he completed his Teologicum exam and earned his Master’s Degree in catechetics. He was ordained a deacon and then a priest (1985-1986) by Archbishop Jerzy Stroba-of Poznan. After ministering for two years in St. Stanislaus Kostka parish in Lubliniec, Poland, Fr. Stan was sent to Canada, arriving in November 1989. His first assignment took him to Holy Ghost parish in Winnipeg (1991-1993). He then went to St. Maximilian Kolbe parish in Mississauga (1993-1995) and later to Holy Rosary parish in Edmonton (1995-1999). Fr. Stan returned to St. Maximilian Kolbe parish in Mississauga, where he worked as pastor from 1999-2005. He was pastor at St. Hyacinth’s parish in Ottawa. Fr. Stan has two brothers, one of whom is a priest working in Germany. He also has two sisters. Fr. Stan was an avid sports fan and enjoys skiing, golf and team sports. He also enjoyed trouble-shooting.

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Fr. Francois Dyjak OMI (1992 ~ 2007)

Fr. Francois Dyjak OMI (1992 ~ 2007)

Fr. François Dyjak was born on October 11, 1 41 in France to a Polish family. His parents, Wojciech and Eleonor née Kowalczyk, had five children, of which, he was the youngest. After finishing high school in Vaudricourt, France, he entered the Oblate novitiate in Barvaux-sur-Ourthe, Belgium, and subsequently studied philosophy and theology in Velaines, Belgium. Fr. François was ordained at St. Elizabeth Parish at Lens, France, on June 4, 1 67 by Bishop Wladyslaw Rubin. The parish had been built the year before to commemorate the millennium of Christianity in Poland. That same year, Fr. François was sent to Sweden where he worked in various parishes for nine years. His last obedience in Sweden was in the northern city of Umea, where he worked as pastor, right up until his move to the United States. His first assignment in the United States was in Green Bay, Wisconsin, at St. John the Baptist Parish. In 1980, Fr. François directed the hospital chaplaincy in St. Paul, Minnesota. Fr. François’ upbringing in the Polish faith and tradition saw him ministering to the Polish community in Canada in 1983. From 1983-1987, he served at St. Casimir’s Parish in Toronto and later at St. Stanislaus’ Parish, from 1987-1992. Since 1992 to 2007, he has worked at our Holy Rosary Parish in Edmonton. Now he is working in St. Casimir's Parish and in Copernicus Lodge in Vancouver. Fr. François’ mother died in 1993, ten years later, his father passed away. Fr. François’ brother, Adalbert, died in 1997 and his other brother, Jean, died in 2002. His two sisters, Kasimira and Sophie, live in France. Fr. François’ hobbies are gardening and reading books.

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Fr. Władysław Karciarz OMI (1983 ~ 1984; 1987 ~ 1995)

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.

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Fr. Mieczysław Fidyka OMI (1987 ~ 1989)

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.

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Fr. Jan Rozmysłowski OMI (1985 ~ 1987)

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.

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Fr. Teofil Szendzielarz OMI (1984 ~ 1987)

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.

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Fr. Franciszek Frazik OMI (1977 ~ 1979)

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.

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Fr. Piotr Klita OMI (1971 ~ 1977)

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)

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Fr. Rudolph Nowakowski OMI (1965 ~ 1967)

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.

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Fr. C. Krystkowiak OMI (1963 ~ 1965)

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.

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Fr. Francis Kosakiewicz OMI (1962 ~ 1977)

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

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Fr. Stanley Wachowicz OMI (1961 ~ 1971)

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

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