Dla wierzących, wątpiących i poszukujących

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In black and white

In black-and-white photographs from those years, a smiling John Paul II, newly elected pope, opens his arms wide. This openness would later be one of the most expressive features of his pontificate.

The funeral of Father Jerzy Popiełuszko took place on 3rd November 1984 at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Warsaw’s Żoliborz district. It is estimated that at least 450,000 people attended, with some sources suggesting as many as one million participants. The ceremony became a major anti-communist demonstration.

Death in an Orwellian year 1984

On the 40th anniversary of the martyrdom of Blessed Father Jerzy Popiełuszko, when the political and social context of those events had become blurred, their metaphysical dimension became more visible – the clash of evangelical Good and Evil.

Jerzy Popiełuszko with his parents on the day of his First Holy Communion.

Alek from Okopy

From a simple, difficult life – to great tasks...

From April 1982, Masses for the Fatherland were celebrated on the last Sunday of the month at 7:00 PM. From the end of February 1982 until 26th August 1984, 26 Eucharists were held at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Warsaw for the intention of the Fatherland.

Two hours of freedom

Officiated by Fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko, the Masses for the Fatherland became the main reason for his persecution and, ultimately, martyrdom, but also a source of hope and comfort for millions of Poles.

The power of attraction

A priest who “walked without shoes” because he gave them to those in need, was able to talk to a doctor, a professor, a simple cleaning woman or a steelworker from beneath the furnace – this is what those around him said.

Cardinal Józef Glemp: On various occasions, I told him to be careful, but he kept repeating that courage was needed, that one should not be afraid, and that people believed in him. He showed confidence that he was on the right path.

Before the crime took place

The martyrdom of Father Popiełuszko was no accident. The communist services had been surrounding him with their agents and harassing him in various ways since 1982.

The location on the dam in Włocławek where Father Jerzy’s body was thrown into the Vistula River. This is what it looked like a few days after the priest’s body was retrieved from the river.

How Father Jerzy was murdered

What do we know about the death of Fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko? What was established during the trial in the court in Toruń and later? How has knowledge about the circumstances of the murder of the Solidarity chaplain expanded in free Poland?

The cassock that Father Jerzy was wearing on the day of his abduction and murder – witness to the priest’s martyrdom and a precious relic – is kept in the museum at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Warsaw.

A decisive two hours

Dr. Tadeusz Jóźwik, the forensic physician who performed the autopsy on the martyr’s body on 31st October 1984, speaks about the course of martyrdom and the causes of death of Father Jerzy Popiełuszko.

Announcement of the verdict in the trial of those accused of the abduction, torture, and murder of Father Jerzy Popiełuszko. The panel of judges was chaired by Artur Kujawa, the President of the District Court in Toruń. The perpetrators of the crime – Grzegorz Piotrowski, Leszek Pękala, and Waldemar Chmielewski – were sentenced to prison. Adam Pietruszka was sentenced for inciting subordinates to commit the crime.

Crime without punishment

Jerzy Popiełuszko was kidnapped and murdered while returning home. He was a priest. The perpetrators of this crime have not yet been punished.

The gospel according to Fr. Jerzy

“The actors of the drama and trial of Christ are still alive,” said Fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko in his homily during the Mass for the Fatherland on 26th September 1982. “Only their names and faces have changed, the dates and places of their births have changed.”