On Sunday, March 16, 2025, Friar Marian GOŁĄB, the former Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Anthony and Bl. James of Strepar in Poland (Cracow), and the current Guardian of the shrine in Kalwaria Pacławska (Poland), was awarded the Blessed Father Jerzy Popiełuszko Military Ordinariate Medal.
The honor was bestowed by Colonel Father Zbigniew KĘPA, Dean of the Border Guard. Others present included Brigadier General Tomasz ZYBIŃSKI, Commander of the Bieszczady Department of the Border Guard, and officers and employees of the Bieszczady Department of the Border Guard. The ceremony took place at the shrine in Kalwaria Pacławska.
Writing in the award document, the Most Reverend Wiesław LECHOWICZ, Bishop of Poland, Military, stated: “As a token of recognition and gratitude for his assistance and commitment to the mission of military pastoral ministry, Friar Marian GOŁĄB is awarded the Blessed Father Jerzy Popiełuszko Military Ordinariate Medal.”
The obverse of the medal features a portrait of Blessed Father Jerzy POPIEŁUSZKO from the period when he served as a cleric-soldier in the military in Bartoszyce (Poland) during 1966-1968. The reverse features the logo of the Military Ordinariate of the Polish Army: a cross and a stole with the motto, “God – Honor – Fatherland,” an image of Our Lady of Częstochowa, and the words, “Overcome Evil with Good.”
The medal was established by the Military Ordinary of the Polish Army in a decree dated October 5, 2011. It is awarded to clergy and laity who “following Father Jerzy’s example, serve truth, love and forgiveness.” For more information, visit the website wojsko-polskie.pl
Friar Jan M. SZEWEK
