The President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej DUDA, was given relics of Poland’s first blessed missionary martyrs, Friars Zbigniew STRZAŁKOWSKI and Michał TOMASZEK. Both friars belonged to the Order of Friars Minor Conventual (Conventual Franciscans).
The Conventual Franciscans of Cracow gave this very precious gift to the President on Sanctity of Life Day, Monday April 9, 2018. The presentation was made during a Mass at the presidential palace.
Friar Jan HRUSZOWIEC, OFM Conv., who promotes the cult of the martyrs of Pariacoto, solemnly processed with the relics to the president’s chapel. He was accompanied by two brothers of the Blessed Martyrs, Marek TOMASZEK and Bogdan STRZAŁKOWSKI.
At the end of the Mass, Friar Zdzisław GOGOLA, OFM Conv., the former Minister Provincial who sent Friars Zbigniew and Michał to Peru, recited the Prayer for Peace and Defense Against Terrorism. Pope Francis offered the same prayer in the Conventual Franciscan Basilica in Cracow, on July 30, 2016.
After the final blessing, Friar Mariusz KOZIOŁ, the Vicar Provincial of the Martyrs’ home Province of St. Anthony and Bl. James of Strepar in Poland (Cracow), presented the relics of the blessed friars so the faithful could venerate them with a kiss.
The Mass was presided over by the Most Reverend Henryk HOSER, Archbishop of Warszawa-Praga, Poland. Others participating included the President of the Republic and his wife, consultants and employees of the Office of the President, the Conventual Franciscans, family members of the Blessed Martyrs, and representatives from the parishes safeguarding the relics of Saint Gianna BERETTA MOLLA, a mother who gave her life for her child.
Friars Zbigniew STRZAŁKOWSKI and Michał TOMASZEK were martyred at the hands of communist terrorists in Pariacoto, Peru, on August 9, 1991. Pope Francis raised them to the glory of the altars on December 5, 2015. The Church celebrates their liturgical feast day on June 7th.
Communications Office / jms
