Markiewicz as the one who knew how to read the signs of time, as the one who through his holy life inspired others to dedicate one's life to those who are poor, abandoned and neglected this holy man is a challenge for the Michaelites of today to read anew their chrism in the service for the Church said bishop Ronald. P. Fabbro, CSB, the bishop of London to those gathered at the chapel of the Michaelite House Retreat Centre.
Despite unpleasant weather conditions, Monday January 30th gathered over 40 priests and sisters for the 100th anniversary of the blessed Fr. Markiewicz's death. The Mass was presided by Bishop R. P. Fabbro, CSB of the Diocese of London, Bishop Emeritus Matthew Ustrzycki of Hamilton Diocese also joined us for the festivity. Several religious communities were present: Salesians Fathers with their superior Fr. John Puntino, SDB from Toronto; Oblate Fathers with their Provincial Fr. Marian Gil, OMI; Society of Christ Fathers with their vice-Provincial Fr. Jacek Walkiewicz, SCh; Resurrectionists Fathers; and Pallottines Fathers with their Superior Fr. Piotr Machnacki SAC. A number of diocesan priest also joined us for this joyous occasion, among them were; Fr. Steve Wlusek Rector of St. Peter's Seminary in London and Fr. John Sharp, vicar General of the Diocese of London. In addition two Ursulines' sisters from Windsor with their Mother Superior Sr. Pawla joined us for the celebration.
Our anniversary Mass started off at noon, at the exact time a special Mass was celebrated in our motherhouse in Miejsce Piastowe, Poland. It was a place where blessed Markiewicz lived, worked and died 100 years ago. At the end of the anniversary Mass celebrated in our chapel, all gathered there venerated the relic of the Blessed Fr. Markiewicz. Following the Mass, sisters, priests and bishops met for conversation, meal and relaxation in our religious house. The gathering had finished with bishop's blessings.
To mark this special anniversary we have prepared a unique exhibition dedicated to the blessed Founder in our Retreat Centre. Each parish run by the Michaelite prepared a special bulletin insert depicting Fr. Markiewicz or his legacy or Father gave a beautiful and inspiring homily.
May this anniversary and its celebration be for us an opportunity to remember the past and looking to the future with trust and hope in God's Providence.
After the Second World War, many veterans came to Sarnia. The population of Polish immigrants increased. In 1952, the Polish
In 1953, the Polish community in London was growing slowly but surely. Under the wise leadership of Msgr. Francis Pluta,
Saint Teresa’s Parish in Toronto was established in 1924 in order to provide spiritual care for the local Catholics. Soon
Saint Mary’s Church in London, Ontario was built in 1902 and is the second oldest Roman Catholic Church in the
St. Clare Parish in Grosse Pointe Park, MI, USA was founded in 1926 by the Augustinians Friars of the Province
Christ the King Church in Long Branch began as an idea in the mind of its first pastor, Father Stephen