Fr. Jarosław Wysoczański, OFM Conv., our Order’s Secretary General for the Animation for the Missions (SGAM), came to the USA on a speaking tour that included many sites around our Province. In this photo he was engaging students from our parish school at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr, in Chicopee, MA. His presentations included information about two Franciscan Friars, Michał Tomaszek and Zbigniew Strzałkowski , who were martyred in Peru. In the past, he had served as their Guardian.

February 3, 2015: the Ordinary Session of the Cardinals and Bishops of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints voted to recognize the martyrdom of Polish Conventual Franciscan Friars Michał (Miguel) Tomaszek and Zbigniew Strzałkowski, as well as Father Alessandro (Sandro) Dordi, a priest in Valle del Santa in the Diocese of Chimbote, all martyred in Peru, in hatred of the Faith.

News.VA (Official Vatican Network) February 3, 2015 Post

Please visit the Pastoral Centre for English Speakers article, “A Witness to the Life and Martyrdom of Friars Michał Tomaszek and Zbigniew Strzałkowski,” written by Fr. Jarosław Wysoczański, OFM Conv., for an in depth account of the lives and sacrificial service of these brave men. Included on that page is this prayer:

Lord, You anointed your sons Miguel, Zbigniew and Sandro
with the gift of the priesthood.
You sent them as messengers of the Good News
and crowned them with the Palm of Martyrdom.
Glorify them also with the Crown of the Saints.
By their blood shed for You,
give us constancy in the faith,
protect our lives and give us the gift of peace.
Receive the the innocent victims of violence
into Your kingdom
and grant them the everlasting reward.
Amen.

March 5th marked the start of a 9 month preparation, in anticipation of the December 5, 2015 Beatification.