On Sunday, June 22, 2026, the Zawada Elementary School near Tarnów, Poland, commemorated its former student, Blessed Zbigniew STRZAŁKOWSKI, who was martyred thirty-five years ago in Pariacoto, Peru.
With the support of the municipality, the parish, and the Province of St Anthony and Bl. James of Strepar in Poland (Cracow), to which the martyr belonged, the school conducted its 23rd annual “Commemorative Race.” The event was divided into four age categories and attracted 108 participants this year.
Before the sporting competitions began, the Minister Provincial, Friar Mariusz KOZIOŁ, presided over a Mass for the intention of the canonization of Blessed Zbigniew.
In his homily, Friar Mariusz recalled that Friar Zbigniew STRZAŁKOWSKI and his confrere, Friar Michał TOMASZEK, remained faithful to God and to the people until the very end. They did not abandon their parishioners when danger arose; instead, they stayed with them when they most needed support. At the decisive moment of trial, they courageously professed their faith in Jesus Christ.
He went on to emphasize that Christians today need the same courage when bearing witness to their faith. He noted that they have many ways to do this: through their words or through external signs such as the cross or the religious habit. Above all, they can do it through daily lifestyle and concrete actions.
“Let us ask for the courage not to be afraid to acknowledge God in the various situations of daily life,” he urged, adding that God makes this possible. “We will recognize Him when we have an authentic relationship with Him, when He is important to us, and when we love Him. Such love is stronger than fear.”
Also on this occasion, Friar Mariusz mentioned the opening of a museum dedicated to the Blessed Martyrs of Pariacoto in Kalwaria Pacławska, Poland, in June of this year.
After the Mass, the participants gathered at the bell tower, in front of a commemorative plaque, where they venerated the relics of their fellow countryman, Blessed Zbigniew, and invoked his intercession.
Friar Jan Maria SZEWEK
