Revisiting the images from the past, I came across an album of pictures taken when Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere (the Father of the Nation and the first President of independent Tanzania) was visiting Kiabakari on his personal pilgrimages to Divine Mercy Shrine in Kiabakari and when we - from Kiabakari - were visiting him in Butiama. Here are few of them in no particular chronological order. Enjoy!
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Six Years Ago
It was six years ago when on the day like today, October 25, we celebrated Golden Jubilee of my parents wedding. We had a family small celebration at home with the Holy Mass which I presided and the little function afterwards. It was the last celebration while my parents were alive. Soon after 2008 Jubilee, my Mum passed on to better life in Heaven, on January 3, 2009. Then later my Dad, on May 29, 2012.
Today they would have celebrated with us their 56th anniversary of the wedding. As they continue celebrating in Heaven with the choirs of Angels as I believe strongly, we continue to celebrate here on Earth through prayer and Holy Mass for their intention. In fact, I have just finished celebration of the special Holy Mass for their intention. May Good Lord grant them eternal peace and fullness of happiness in His House.
I ask you kindly to say Rosary or any other prayer you deem suitable for my Parents intention. Thank you in advance!
Today they would have celebrated with us their 56th anniversary of the wedding. As they continue celebrating in Heaven with the choirs of Angels as I believe strongly, we continue to celebrate here on Earth through prayer and Holy Mass for their intention. In fact, I have just finished celebration of the special Holy Mass for their intention. May Good Lord grant them eternal peace and fullness of happiness in His House.
I ask you kindly to say Rosary or any other prayer you deem suitable for my Parents intention. Thank you in advance!
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| My Parents - Maria Halina and Wiesław Ferdynand on the day of their wedding |
Thursday, October 23, 2014
The Saint We Knew. The Saint Yet to be Discovered.
The celebration of yesterday's first time ever liturgical commemoration of St. John Paul II prompted me to put a few thoughts to paper today. As I celebrated the Holy Mass of the Saint with my parochial community in Divine Mercy Shrine which sheer existence I owe to the Holy Father himself through his lifelong secretary then - and Cardinal of Kraków now - as the majority of funds for its construction came from him back then in 1994-1997, I reminisced all the moments I was blessed with of my personal encounter with the Saint.
Before he was elected as the Pope, when he was our Archbishop of Kraków, the church bells resounding in the city on the evening of his election when I was on my way back home from Form I lessons in my secondary school in Nowa Huta. His first pilgrimage to Poland in 1979, in particular his visit to the Shrine in Mogiła. I was standing so close to the street that I could touch this white big Star truck carrying him.
Then the consecutive pilgrimages, when I was already in the major seminary in Kraków, performing various duties. His meeting with us in the courtyard of Archbishop's palace in Kraków. So many remarkable moments which deepened my admiration of this person and the desire to know him better - and what is most important - his teaching.
When I was on my way to Tanzania, in the first days of January 1991, I was granted a rare opportunity to concelebrate a morning private Holy Mass with the Saint in his chapel in the Apostolic Palace, and then - after the Mass - to exchange a few words with him, as he asked me where I was from (he was visibly happy to learn that I was from his home diocese of Kraków) and where I was going. When I told him that I go to Tanzania, he smiled broadly and exclaimed - "I know! I was there! The Land of Kilimanjaro!" (in fact, he was freshly from the pilgrimage to Tanzania in September 1990). He gave me his blessing for my future missionary work.
Then, so many other occasions, whenever I was on my way home from Tanzania or on my way back to Tanzania, I always passed through Rome and - thanks to Mons. Stanisław Dziwisz - was blessed with more encounters with the Holy Father. Celebrating two more private Holy Masses with the Saint - in the Vatican and Castel Gandolfo, having opportunities to chat with Holy Father and tell him about my and my colleagues from Poland work in Tanzania. He would always listen carefully and say something that stuck in my heart and mind.
One day, when I was visiting Mons. Dziwisz in his office in the Vatican, I asked for Holy Father's blessing of my missionary cross (which hangs over my head in my bedroom till today). Mons. Dziwisz smiled, took the cross and left the office and came back after a while, smiling and saying that the Holy Father just blessed it and wishes me God's blessing in my work. To my astonishment, Mons. Dziwisz said the the Holy Father was in the next room working!
The last time I had a chance to talk to the Saint was in Castel Gandolfo, when, after the Holy Mass, I offered him a special album on Tanzania, thanking him for sending the first missionaries from Kraków to Tanzania and for praying for us as we continue the mission he started back then in 70'.
It would take a lot of pages to put to paper all thoughts that went through my heart and mind on this special day of the commemoration of the Saint I knew personally and had numerous encounters with him. The Saint so much connected to Kiabakari and Divine Mercy Vision we try to implement gradually - first with his personal help, then with the help of other friends - Foundation Kiabakari, Polish government, my personal friends, parishes, institutions, NGO's, well wishers, people who suffer and pray for us, volunteers and visitors who came to Kiabakari in those past years. And the pilgrims who come and pray here - now through the intercession of the Saint Apostles of Divine Mercy - Sr. Faustina and Holy Father John Paul II.
No wonder, the construction of St. John Paul II Center for Education and Formation in Kiabakari is so important and dear to my heart. We have started with the pre-school, continue with the primary school and hope to reach as high as the high school, vocational training center and the home craft school.
Is it too much to ask for? With the help of such a friend and powerful intercessor in Heaven as St. John Paul II, I will not be mistaken to state that - if this is the Will of God, with the power of Divine Mercy, it is possible!
Saint John Paul II the Great, our friend we know and yet we still need to discover you so much more, pray for us! Pray for Kiabakari! Pray for the Divine Mercy Vision in Kiabakari!
Before he was elected as the Pope, when he was our Archbishop of Kraków, the church bells resounding in the city on the evening of his election when I was on my way back home from Form I lessons in my secondary school in Nowa Huta. His first pilgrimage to Poland in 1979, in particular his visit to the Shrine in Mogiła. I was standing so close to the street that I could touch this white big Star truck carrying him.
Then the consecutive pilgrimages, when I was already in the major seminary in Kraków, performing various duties. His meeting with us in the courtyard of Archbishop's palace in Kraków. So many remarkable moments which deepened my admiration of this person and the desire to know him better - and what is most important - his teaching.
When I was on my way to Tanzania, in the first days of January 1991, I was granted a rare opportunity to concelebrate a morning private Holy Mass with the Saint in his chapel in the Apostolic Palace, and then - after the Mass - to exchange a few words with him, as he asked me where I was from (he was visibly happy to learn that I was from his home diocese of Kraków) and where I was going. When I told him that I go to Tanzania, he smiled broadly and exclaimed - "I know! I was there! The Land of Kilimanjaro!" (in fact, he was freshly from the pilgrimage to Tanzania in September 1990). He gave me his blessing for my future missionary work.
Then, so many other occasions, whenever I was on my way home from Tanzania or on my way back to Tanzania, I always passed through Rome and - thanks to Mons. Stanisław Dziwisz - was blessed with more encounters with the Holy Father. Celebrating two more private Holy Masses with the Saint - in the Vatican and Castel Gandolfo, having opportunities to chat with Holy Father and tell him about my and my colleagues from Poland work in Tanzania. He would always listen carefully and say something that stuck in my heart and mind.
One day, when I was visiting Mons. Dziwisz in his office in the Vatican, I asked for Holy Father's blessing of my missionary cross (which hangs over my head in my bedroom till today). Mons. Dziwisz smiled, took the cross and left the office and came back after a while, smiling and saying that the Holy Father just blessed it and wishes me God's blessing in my work. To my astonishment, Mons. Dziwisz said the the Holy Father was in the next room working!
The last time I had a chance to talk to the Saint was in Castel Gandolfo, when, after the Holy Mass, I offered him a special album on Tanzania, thanking him for sending the first missionaries from Kraków to Tanzania and for praying for us as we continue the mission he started back then in 70'.
It would take a lot of pages to put to paper all thoughts that went through my heart and mind on this special day of the commemoration of the Saint I knew personally and had numerous encounters with him. The Saint so much connected to Kiabakari and Divine Mercy Vision we try to implement gradually - first with his personal help, then with the help of other friends - Foundation Kiabakari, Polish government, my personal friends, parishes, institutions, NGO's, well wishers, people who suffer and pray for us, volunteers and visitors who came to Kiabakari in those past years. And the pilgrims who come and pray here - now through the intercession of the Saint Apostles of Divine Mercy - Sr. Faustina and Holy Father John Paul II.
No wonder, the construction of St. John Paul II Center for Education and Formation in Kiabakari is so important and dear to my heart. We have started with the pre-school, continue with the primary school and hope to reach as high as the high school, vocational training center and the home craft school.
Is it too much to ask for? With the help of such a friend and powerful intercessor in Heaven as St. John Paul II, I will not be mistaken to state that - if this is the Will of God, with the power of Divine Mercy, it is possible!
Saint John Paul II the Great, our friend we know and yet we still need to discover you so much more, pray for us! Pray for Kiabakari! Pray for the Divine Mercy Vision in Kiabakari!
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
All You Beasts, Wild And Tame, Bless The Lord!
One hundred images from the recent day trip to Serengeti with volunteers of Foundation Kiabakari, Teresa and Urszula. Enjoy the beauty of God's creation.
Monday, September 22, 2014
Stoned To Death With Popcorn
It's a pity that the beatification process of Fulton J. Sheen - the remarkable human being, Catholic, famous preacher, archbishop and most of all - faithful follower of Christ - has been stalled by two disputing dioceses in USA. Hopefully, they will resolve quickly their differences and the process will come to its completion.
As we await it with great anticipation, let's remind ourselves some of his most famous quotes (click here). I must admit cheekily, that my favorite quote, certainly one of his most popular, is this:
“Hearing nuns' confessions is like being stoned to death with popcorn.”
As we await it with great anticipation, let's remind ourselves some of his most famous quotes (click here). I must admit cheekily, that my favorite quote, certainly one of his most popular, is this:
“Hearing nuns' confessions is like being stoned to death with popcorn.”
Somehow, being a Catholic priest and a long-time confessor of nuns of numerous congregations, both in active and contemplative service of the Church, I can attest to the truth of this quote!
Against Malefice
Found this prayer in the internet. I think we need to pray with living faith and full trust in God's Omnipotence and Mercy - for ourselves and for each other in this manner.
Prayer Against Malefice from the Greek Ritual
Kyrie eleison. God, our Lord, King of ages, All-powerful and All-mighty, You Who made everything and Who transform everything simply by Your will. You Who in Babylon changed into dew the flames of the ‘seven-times hotter’ furnace and protected and saved the three holy children. You are the doctor and the physician of our soul. You are the salvation of those who turn to You. We beseech You to make powerless, banish, and drive out every diabolic power, presence, and machination; every evil influence, malefice, or evil eye and all evil actions aimed against Your servant [name of person/s]. Where there is envy and malice, give us an abundance of goodness, endurance, victory, and charity. O Lord, You Who love man, we beg You to reach out Your powerful hands and Your most high and mighty arms and send the angel of peace over us, to protect us, body and soul. May he keep at bay and vanquish every evil power, every poison or malice invoked against us by corrupt and envious people. Then, under the protection of Your authority may we sing, in gratitude, ‘The Lord is my salvation; whom should I fear? I will not fear evil because You are with me, my God, my strength, my powerful Lord, Lord of peace, Father of all ages.”
Yes, Lord our God, be merciful to us, Your image, and save your servant [name of person/s] from every threat or harm from the evil one, and protect him/her by raising him/her above all evil. We ask You this through the intercession of our Most Blessed, glorious Lady, Mary ever Virgin, Mother of God, of the most splendid archangels and all Your saints. Amen!
Kyrie eleison. God, our Lord, King of ages, All-powerful and All-mighty, You Who made everything and Who transform everything simply by Your will. You Who in Babylon changed into dew the flames of the ‘seven-times hotter’ furnace and protected and saved the three holy children. You are the doctor and the physician of our soul. You are the salvation of those who turn to You. We beseech You to make powerless, banish, and drive out every diabolic power, presence, and machination; every evil influence, malefice, or evil eye and all evil actions aimed against Your servant [name of person/s]. Where there is envy and malice, give us an abundance of goodness, endurance, victory, and charity. O Lord, You Who love man, we beg You to reach out Your powerful hands and Your most high and mighty arms and send the angel of peace over us, to protect us, body and soul. May he keep at bay and vanquish every evil power, every poison or malice invoked against us by corrupt and envious people. Then, under the protection of Your authority may we sing, in gratitude, ‘The Lord is my salvation; whom should I fear? I will not fear evil because You are with me, my God, my strength, my powerful Lord, Lord of peace, Father of all ages.”
Yes, Lord our God, be merciful to us, Your image, and save your servant [name of person/s] from every threat or harm from the evil one, and protect him/her by raising him/her above all evil. We ask You this through the intercession of our Most Blessed, glorious Lady, Mary ever Virgin, Mother of God, of the most splendid archangels and all Your saints. Amen!
Power Of Attraction
I personally find this gem of a thought as one of the most important statements of the Holy Father Francis.
"When a person is secure of his or her own beliefs, there is no need to impose or put pressure on others: there is a conviction that truth has its own power of attraction." (Pope Francis to interreligious leaders in Albania, 21/9/2014)
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Invitation To The Philippines
The National Coordinator of The Divine Mercy in the Philippines invites us all to take part in the upcoming Fourth World Apostolic Congress on Mercy in his country in 2017. Check the info on the national shrine of Divine Mercy in Marilao, Bulacan here.
Thank you, Father Bruce! We are coming, but first - our Continental African Congress on Mercy in Rwanda in September/October 2016.
From Zero To Hero
Coming back to Kiabakari has been always a special experience - like getting a shot of pure adrenaline straight into the main vain or like jumping straight into the deep cold sea. This time this adrenaline shot kicks stronger. This time the sea is a bit rougher and colder.
Monday evening, upon my arrival back to Kiabakari, I have found on my desk a heap of correspondence and documents waiting for me to go through. Among them a schedule of the upcoming pastoral visit of the Apostolic Nuncio in Tanzania in our diocese of Musoma (Sept 11-17). The first point in the itinerary of the Nuncio - Kiabakari, on September 11. Interesting thing - as I type this post, in general the people in Kiabakari have no idea the Nuncio is coming. I guess the one who substituted me while I was away, did not publicized the news to the faithful.
Now, you don't need a flourishing imagination to figure out how long it took me to switch from the holiday mood to the full combat mode.
Yes, you are right. A millisecond.
So, after holding an emergency meeting last night with the executive council of the parish and the Sisters, things are beginning to move quickly ahead. We have exactly one week left to go from zero to hero. Keep your fingers crossed!
We have hosted Apostolic Nuncios in Kiabakari twice already.
First time, on July 28, 1992, The Archbishop Agostino Marchetto blessed and opened officially the mission in Kiabakari and the quasi-parish of Kiabakari was initiated by the then Bishop of Musoma Rt. Rev. Justin Samba.
Second time, Archbishop Luigi Pezzuto came to Kiabakari on August 17, 2001, to raise the parochial church in Kiabakari to the dignity of the diocesan shrine of Divine Mercy.
I wonder what this third coming of the Nuncio to Kiabakari means to us this time? For sure, we will receive the Nuncio as the Holy Father Francis himself. The meaning, the value and the outcome of this pastoral visit I leave entirely to the freedom of action of the Holy Spirit.
Monday evening, upon my arrival back to Kiabakari, I have found on my desk a heap of correspondence and documents waiting for me to go through. Among them a schedule of the upcoming pastoral visit of the Apostolic Nuncio in Tanzania in our diocese of Musoma (Sept 11-17). The first point in the itinerary of the Nuncio - Kiabakari, on September 11. Interesting thing - as I type this post, in general the people in Kiabakari have no idea the Nuncio is coming. I guess the one who substituted me while I was away, did not publicized the news to the faithful.
Now, you don't need a flourishing imagination to figure out how long it took me to switch from the holiday mood to the full combat mode.
Yes, you are right. A millisecond.
So, after holding an emergency meeting last night with the executive council of the parish and the Sisters, things are beginning to move quickly ahead. We have exactly one week left to go from zero to hero. Keep your fingers crossed!
We have hosted Apostolic Nuncios in Kiabakari twice already.
First time, on July 28, 1992, The Archbishop Agostino Marchetto blessed and opened officially the mission in Kiabakari and the quasi-parish of Kiabakari was initiated by the then Bishop of Musoma Rt. Rev. Justin Samba.
Second time, Archbishop Luigi Pezzuto came to Kiabakari on August 17, 2001, to raise the parochial church in Kiabakari to the dignity of the diocesan shrine of Divine Mercy.
I wonder what this third coming of the Nuncio to Kiabakari means to us this time? For sure, we will receive the Nuncio as the Holy Father Francis himself. The meaning, the value and the outcome of this pastoral visit I leave entirely to the freedom of action of the Holy Spirit.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Maria Madre Del Buen Pastor
One of my favorite presentations of Our Lady in Bogota numerous churches. Revisiting today in my heart and mind and in prayer to Mary, Mother of the Good Shepherd, as I get ready to arrive tomorrow to my mission in Kiabakari to continue relentless quest of fulfilling the Lord's Will and the Vision of Divine Mercy in Kiabakari. Praying for all of you at the feet of Our Lady in that church in Bogota in my spirit and asking for your kind prayers for my safe trip back home and for God's Mercies and Blessings for the challenges that lie ahead of me there.
Our Mother of the Good Shepherd, pray for us!
Our Mother of the Good Shepherd, pray for us!
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Post-WACOM Bogota 2014 Documents
If you wish to browse through the wealth of the Congress teachings, videos, see the works of mercy in Bogota or to download an applet for WACOM for easier mobile access, please visit the official website of World Apostolic Congress on Mercy here.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
'Our Father' In Swahili Language
ORIGINAL
COVER
THE PRAYER
Baba Yetu uliye mbinguni,
Jina lako litukuzwe;
Ufalme wako ufike,
Utakalo lifanyike
Duniani kama mbinguni.
Utupe leo mkate wetu wa kila siku,
Utusamehe makosa yetu,
Kama nasi tunavyowasamehe waliotukosea.
Usitutie katika kishawishi,
Lakini utuopoe maovuni.Amina.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
WACOM Bogota 2014 - The Fourth Day
So much has happened yesterday on the fourth day of our congress that I will more time to prepare images and videos and to upload them here. First, we traveled outside of Bogota to the extinct salt mine in Zipaquira turned into a museum and a place of worship, where deep inside the mountain we had our fourth day talks, testimonies and the Holy Mass. We listened to the official letter of the Archbishop of Kraków, His Eminence Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz, to the participants of the Congress, read to us by his delegate, Mons. Jan Machniak, the rector of the International Academy of Divine Mercy in Kraków.
Then, in the afternoon we were transferred to the Centro Convenciones Compensar where were had a nice surprise - a taste of a great Colombian wine and a water, light, music and color show. We sat in the stands and marveled at the latest technology. We listened to the message of the Holy Father Francis who spoke us from a projection shown on a curtain of water mist. Incredible. We were given paper hats, masks, candles, whistles, you name it. A truly joyful end to the long and eventful day. Such a nice touch by the organizers!
Just a few images below as I could not manage to upload videos from the light show.
Have a great day and may Divine Mercy be you light, strength, consolation, inspiration and motivation!
ZIPAQUIRA SALT MINE
CENTRO CONVENCIONES COMPENSAR
Then, in the afternoon we were transferred to the Centro Convenciones Compensar where were had a nice surprise - a taste of a great Colombian wine and a water, light, music and color show. We sat in the stands and marveled at the latest technology. We listened to the message of the Holy Father Francis who spoke us from a projection shown on a curtain of water mist. Incredible. We were given paper hats, masks, candles, whistles, you name it. A truly joyful end to the long and eventful day. Such a nice touch by the organizers!
Just a few images below as I could not manage to upload videos from the light show.
Have a great day and may Divine Mercy be you light, strength, consolation, inspiration and motivation!
ZIPAQUIRA SALT MINE
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| Mons. Jan Machnak delivering Cardinal Dziwisz's message to WACOM 2014 |
CENTRO CONVENCIONES COMPENSAR
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| Celebrating WACOM Bogota 2014 in joyful mood |
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| The message of the Holy Father Francis projected on the water mist screen |
Monday, August 18, 2014
Third Day Of WACOM Bogota 2014 - A Festival Of Mercy
On the third day of World Apostolic Congress on Mercy we have moved to the open space of Colegio San Pedro Claver at Fontibon district of Bogota City. The entrance was open to anybody, it was a Divine Mercy invitation day for all inhabitants of Bogota. We started the day as usual with Laudes, proceeding with talks from various speakers, confessions for all participants and the Holy Mass presided by His Eminence, Cardinal Francisco Javier Errazuriz Ossa from Santiago de Chile, one of the nine Cardinals to assist Holy Father in the governance of the Holy Church.
The Presentation
Tonight I had an opportunity to share some insights into the personal and missionary experience of Divine Mercy in Tanzania during the meeting of Cardinals and Bishops with the continental and national coordinators of World Apostolic Congress on Mercy.
Speakers who wanted to share similar insights were many thus we were allocated just a few minutes. This forced me to cut short what I prepared on behalf of Divine Mercy followers in Tanzania. Here I present the full text of my presentation.
Speakers who wanted to share similar insights were many thus we were allocated just a few minutes. This forced me to cut short what I prepared on behalf of Divine Mercy followers in Tanzania. Here I present the full text of my presentation.
WACOM III Bogota 2014 - Videos
Here a videos from the day of registration to the WACOM III and the first two days (Friday and Saturday). You may spot me somewhere in there.
Official TV advert
Day of registration
Official TV advert
Friday
Saturday
Saturday, August 16, 2014
WACOM 2014 - Day One - Impressions
I will comment on the proceedings of the congress in upcoming posts. Today just a bunch of images from the first day of the congress. Enjoy!
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Registration For WACOM Bogota 2014
There was a couple of hours delay when the actual registration process has finally begun. It took me an hour to get through the all stages but at the end it all went fine and I have become a happy owner of my congress participant special kit. See below what I found in that lovely bag (no, that scarf is not a stole to celebrate sacraments. This is in fact a poncho!).
The congress first session begins tomorrow morning but tonight there is going to be a concert in the city.
Time to find a coffee shop nearby and work on my address I was asked to give on this coming Sunday. I know what I would love to share with the people but time allocated for speakers is only 8 minutes. Some editorial work to make my speech precise and straight to the point.
Have a blessed day! Staying together in prayer!
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