Congregation of the Resurrection

December 17
2026-12-17
FOCAL POINT:
As we strive to live Community, which is to be a true reflection of the Paschal Mystery, let us surrender ourselves to God, allowing the power of the Spirit to form Christ in us.

Deceased:
Fr. Piotr Szkodrov, 1889, Adrianople, Bulgaria
Fr. Paul Sobczak, 1922, Chicago, USA
Fr. Henry Schmidt, 1968, London, Canada
Fr. Louis Tusinski, 1973, Chicago, USA

Birthday:
Fr. Zygmunt Waz, 1950, Poland

Ordination:
Fr. Antonio Rencricca, 1966, Italy

For the grace to imitate our Founders, and for the spirit of the resurrection.
For Advent graces to all those seeking healing from abuse in the home or in the Church.
For our Superior General and his Curia.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Our teaching on marriage and the family cannot fail to be inspired and transformed by the message of love and tenderness; otherwise, it becomes nothing more than the defense of a dry and lifeless doctrine.” (Amoris Laetitia, 59)

December 18
2026-12-18
FOCAL POINT:
We are called to be open to the Church’s call for the preferential option for the poor in our present and future apostolates.

Deceased:
Cl. Pawel Dembinski, 1904, Siemianowice, Poland
Br. Giovanni Bevilaqua, 1912, Adrianople, Bulgaria
Br. John Lipski, 1926, St. Louis, USA
Fr. Josef Obuchowski, 2020, Gdansk, Poland

Birthday:
Fr. Adam Otrebski, 1964, Poland

For the grace of health and spiritual growth for all members of our Congregation.
For our country and for peace.
For vocations to the Congregation of the Resurrection.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The Synod Fathers noted that Jesus, in speaking of God’s original plan for man and woman, reaffirmed the indissoluble union between them.” (Amoris Laetitia, 62)

December 19
2026-12-19
FOCAL POINT:
“The Congregation of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ began in Paris, France, on February 17, 1836, under the leadership of Bogdan Janski.” (Historical Preface)

Deceased:
Br. Feliks Korman, 1922, Radziwillow, Poland
Fr. Kenneth Bratko, 2004, Schaumburg, USA

Birthday:
Fr. Dariusz Juliusz Teodorowski, 1957, Poland

For our parents, relatives, friends and benefactors.
That all Resurrectionists may renew their dedication to religious life.
For Advent blessings upon the Apostles of the Resurrection.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The Gospel of the family spans the history of the world, from the creation of man and woman in the image and likeness of God, to the fulfillment of the mystery of the covenant in Christ at the end of time with the marriage of the Lamb.” (Amoris Laetitia, 63)

December 24
2026-12-24
FOCAL POINT:
“They were now dead to sin and alive with the Risen Christ in a new life dedicated to truth and charity.” (Historical Preface)

For a strengthening of our hope, in order that we may receive Christ with joy.
For those in affliction, temptation or agony, may the coming feast be for them a source of peace and happiness.
For the grace to prepare our hearts to welcome Christ.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The Church can require that the wedding be celebrated publicly, with the presence of witnesses and other conditions that have varied over the course of time, but this does not detract from the fact that the couple who marry are the ministers of the sacrament.” (Amoris Laetitia, 75)

The Nativity of the Lord
2026-12-25
Deceased:
Cl. Josef Janaszkiewicz, 1893, Lwow, Poland
Br. Jan Widuch, 1912, Krakow, Poland

For the Church, our Congregation, parents, relatives, friends and benefactors.
For blessings upon all Resurrectionists and Apostles of the Resurrection on this Christmas day.
For the grace to use our giftedness to enrich the Church.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Marriage is firstly an intimate partnership of life and love which is a good for the spouses themselves.” (Amoris Laetitia, 80)

St. Stephen
2026-12-26
FOCAL POINT:
Love of God, for one another, and for the people we serve is a characteristic of the Congregation of the Resurrection.

Deceased:
Fr. Mitchell Pawelko, 1996, Des Plaines, USA

Birthday:
Fr. Szczepan Matula, 1980, Poland

For our Congregation, our Holy Father and for our local ordinary.
For bricklayers and stonemasons who celebrate their patron saint today, Saint Stephen.
For all families during this Christmas Season.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The Synod Fathers also wished to emphasize that one of the fundamental challenges facing families today is undoubtedly that of raising children, made all the more difficult and complex by today’s cultural reality and the powerful influence of the media.” (Amoris Laetitia, 84)

St. John, Apostle and Evangelist
2026-12-27
FOCAL POINT:
“May the generous living of these Constitutions encourage all the members of this institute to an ever-deeper commitment to announce and give witness to the Paschal Mystery with the spirit of their Founder, Bogdan Janski, and co-founders, Rev. Frs. Peter Semenenko and Jerome Kajsiewicz.” (Joao Braz Card. De Aviz)

Deceased:
Cl. Ignacy Sztukowski, 1940, Dachau, Germany
Br. Kazimierz Palys, 1950, Radziwillow, Poland
Fr. Walter Galus, 1991, Chicago, USA

For the Church, our Holy Father and for our local ordinary.
For our country and for peace.
That we may be inspired to respond to the call to follow Christ by the example of Saint John.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The Church is a family of families, constantly enriched by the lives of all those domestic churches.” (Amoris Laetitia, 87)

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
2026-12-28
FOCAL POINT:
Reflection on the Charism and Mission of the Congregation will bring greater appreciation for our call to the Congregation.

Deceased:
Fr. John Bulbrook, 1969, Quebec, Canada

For the grace to imitate our Founders, and for the spirit of the resurrection.
For all families, may the example of the Holy Family inspire them.
For vocations to the Congregation of the Resurrection.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The experience of love in families is a perennial source of strength for the life of the Church.” (Amoris Laetitia, 88)

December 29
2026-12-29
FOCAL POINT:
By the example of love of Community we give witness to the fact that Christ is alive and present in the world today.

Deceased:
Fr. Gary Palangio, 2016, Kitchener, Canada

Birthday:
Fr. Fabio de Siqueira Fonseca, 1970, Brazil

For ever greater fidelity to our religious vows and to the charism and mission of the Congregation.
For a spirit of hope as we approach a new year.
For all deceased members of the Congregation.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The family is the setting in which a new life is not only born but also welcomed as a gift of God.” (Amoris Laetitia, 166)

December 30
2026-12-30
FOCAL POINT:
Resurrectionists strive, with the help of God, to remove from their lives anything that can separate them from God.

Deceased:
Fr. Anthony Fischer, 1939, London, Canada
Fr. Wilfrid Zettel, 1984, Hamilton, Canada
Br. Clifford Bringleson, 2012, Waterloo, Canada
Fr. Krzysztof Wojcicki, 2013, Skierniewice, Poland

For living and deceased parents of member of the Congregation.
For living and deceased benefactors of the Congregation.
For blessings on all families.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“A mother joins with God to bring forth the miracle of new life.” (Amoris Laetitia, 168)

Saint Sylvester I
2026-12-31
FOCAL POINT:
The Congregation is a faith community, in which each member is shown the same love and acceptance which he enjoys from God.

Deceased:
Br. Aloysius Jeske, 1906, Chicago, USA
Fr. Walenty Khaun, 1917, Mentorella, Italy
Br. Andrzej Szafranko, 1943, Rome, Italy
Br. Peter Durkota, 1957, North Bay, Canada
Fr. Andrew Kloska, 1987, Chicago, USA

Birthday:
Br. Christopher Trimpe, 1960, USA
Fr. Daniel Szkubera, 1985, Poland

In thanksgiving for the graces received during the past year, and for further graces in the year ahead.
For all those who have died this past year.
For all popes, and especially Saint Sylvester I whom we honour today.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“If a family is centered on Christ, he will unify and illumine its entire life.” (Amoris Laetitia, 317)

Mary, the Holy Mother of God - World Day of Peace
2027-01-01
FOCAL POINT:
“We desire to be faithful to the grace received by our Founders, a grace we now share by our call to the Congregation of the Resurrection.” (Charism Statement)

Deceased:
Fr. Wladyslaw Witkowski, 1998, Paris, France
Br. Michal Buchert, 1958. Vienna, Austria
Br. Clarence Gregory, 2001, Kitchener, Ontario
Fr. Wladyslaw Piaskowski, 2009, Poznan, Poland
Birthdays:
Fr. Steven Thoma, 1963, USA
Fr. Mieczyslaw Mlynarczyk, 1967, Poland
Cl. Leonsi Simoni Ignasi, 1995, Tanzania

For our Congregation, that throughout this year our Risen Lord may help us to know and fulfill the will of God.
For God’s blessings upon family, relatives, friends and benefactors through the intercession of Mary, the Mother of God.
For continued blessings on all those who exercise leadership in the Congregation of the Resurrection.
May the transforming power of God’s love bring peace to our world and to our hearts.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Mary intercedes on our behalf for the graces we need to live out our call to be disciples of Jesus by living the Paschal Mystery, and She serves as a source of support and encouragement for us in a manner that surpasses that of all other members of the communion of saints.” (Resurrectionist Formation, 194)

Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen
2027-01-02
FOCAL POINT:
“We recognize certain truths to be especially important for our life and work as Resurrectionists because they give expression to this grace and call.” (Charism Statement)

Birthdays:
Fr. James Link, 1949, Kentucky
Fr. Gregoria Stachowiak, 1956, Poland
Fr. Krzysztof Janik, 1980, Poland

For the Holy Catholic Church, our Holy Father and for our Bishops.
For peace in the world.
In thanksgiving for the theologians St. Basil, the Great and St. Gregory Nazianzen.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“We Resurrectionists are called to be men of hope – a hope founded on God’s unconditional love, ongoing conversion (personal resurrection) and, ultimately, our participation in Christ’s resurrection and glory.” (A Vision of Hope, 9)

January 3
2027-01-03
FOCAL POINT:
“We believe that God’s love for us is merciful and unfailing. We have not earned His love.” (Charism Statement)

Deceased:
Br. Thomas Roszyk, 1926, Chicago, USA
Fr. Jozef Ziemba, 1938, Krakow, Poland
Br. Christo Gogorov, 1953, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
Fr. John Nowak, 2022, Chicago, USA
Birthdays:
Fr. Eugene Szarek, 1941, USA
Fr. Andrzej Pakula, 1963, Poland
Fr. Pawel Kruczek, 1980, Poland

For our Congregation and our superiors, and for vocations to our Congregation.
For our benefactors living and deceased.
For the Societies of the Holy Name of Jesus who promote reverence for Jesus.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Hope is founded on the unconditional love of God, which is expressed in the Paschal Mystery of Jesus and has as its object our own resurrection and that of society, and, ultimately, the full sharing in Christ’s resurrection.” (Vision of Hope, 3)

January 4
2027-01-04
FOCAL POINT:
“We are nothing, have nothing, and can do nothing without God.” (Charism Statement)

Deceased:
Br. Marco Jafrate, 1924, Rome, Italy

For our country, and for all civil leaders.
For all those who have recommended themselves to our prayers.
That this season of Christmas may be a graced time to fully experience the Incarnation of the Lord.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Our Charism also calls us to work with other groups: lay, clerical and religious. These groups are seen as collaborators and not as competitors and subservients.” (Resurrectionist Formation, 182)

The Epiphany of the Lord
2027-01-05
FOCAL POINT:
“We are attracted to evil. We are sinners. Yet, God continues to draw us to Himself.” (Charism Statement)

Deceased:
Fr. Karol Kobrzynski, 1905, Rome, Italy
Fr. Lawrence Kurlandski, 1990, Chicago, USA

For our members in the missions: Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria and Tanzania.
For those who pray for us and for our ministries.
May the star of the Epiphany guide us to a closer relationship with the Lord.
That through the intercession of all the faithful departed Resurrectionists, our parishioners and parish ministers may work together to form vibrant communities of faith.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Encourage the faithful to pray for the missions, the intention of missionaries and where possible, to create missionary prayer groups for the mission.” (Witnesses to the Resurrection, 13)

January 6
2027-01-06
FOCAL POINT:
“We believe that in His love the Father calls us to conversion: to personal resurrection in union with Jesus, to a new life filled with the power of His Spirit.” (Charism Statement)

First Vows:
Bp. Robert Kurtz, 1959, USA
Br. Edward Jaszkowski, 1960, Final 1965, USA
Fr. Joseph Malczyk, 1961, USA
Br. William Hallas, 1967, Final 1972, USA
Fr. C. Frank Phillips, 1970, USA
Fr. Rafal Wasilewski, 2008, USA
Fr. Delwyn Haroldson, 2009, USA

For the conversion of sinners, and for all in affliction, temptation and agony.
For those who were at one time members of the Congregation of the Resurrection.
For continued blessings on the Congregation of the Resurrection in this new year.
For the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox Churches who begin the celebration of Christmas today.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Nostalgia for a past that was rich in vocations and impressive achievements must not prevent you from seeing the life that the Lord is causing to bloom, today too, in your midst.” (Address by Pope Francis to General Chapter 2017, 1)

St. Andre Bessette
2027-01-07
FOCAL POINT:
“With Jesus, we die to ourselves when we surrender our lives to the Father, renouncing anything that separates us from Him.” (Charism Statement)

Deceased:
Fr. Alfonse Eicheldinger, 1983, Guelph, Canada

Birthdays:
Fr. Ivan Hamburg, 1981, Poland
Fr. Rafal Wasilewski, 1982, USA
Cl. Tiago Santos Teixeira, 2002, Brazil

For our deceased members, Apostles of the Resurrection, benefactors, and for all the faithful departed, and for the one who will die first among us.
For vocations to the Congregation of the Resurrection.
May the gift of hospitality, modeled to us by Saint Brother Andre, guide our lives and our ministry.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Be men who, moved by faith in the God of history and of life, proclaims the coming of the dawn amid the darkness of the night.” (Address by Pope Francis to General Chapter 2017, 1)

January 8
2027-01-08
FOCAL POINT:
“The power of the Spirit forms Christ in us, and moves us to respond with love to the Father’s great love for us.” (Charism Statement)

Deceased:
Fr. Edmund Przybyla, 1980, Gdansk, Poland

Birthday:
Fr. Michal Kruszewski, 1983, Poland

Ordination:
Fr. Gregory Helminski, 1977, USA
Fr. C. Frank Phillips, 1977, USA

For increased fidelity to our vows and the spirit of our founders.
For vocations to the Congregation of the Resurrection.
For our deceased benefactors, friends and family members.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Be men capable of proclaiming, with the boldness born of the Spirit, that Jesus Christ is alive and is Lord.” (Address by Pope Francis to General Chapter 2017, 1)

January 9
2027-01-09
FOCAL POINT:
“We believe that God calls us to live together as brothers – sharing the gifts that we have received, supporting one another, praying and working together for His glory.” (Charism Statement)

Deceased:
Br. Francis Mierzwa, 1911, Chicago, USA
Fr. Jozef Rozalczak, 1976, Krakow, Poland
Fr. Zbigniew Wesierski, 2021, Zlocieniec, Poland

Birthdays:
Fr. Marek Flasinski, 1963, Poland
Fr. Marcio Correa Mendes, 1980, Brazil

For fidelity to our community charism and traditions.
For the Sisters of the Resurrection.
For all deceased Resurrectionists.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“This invitation to be loved by God originates in God’s loving creation of each human person, continues in God’s loving provision of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, and reaches an apogee in God’s loving call to a distinct state of life.” (Resurrectionist Formation, 11)

January 10
2027-01-10
FOCAL POINT:
“God has called us to BE a community, which is a living sign of the Gospel values of justice, truth and love.” (Charism Statement)

Deceased:
Br. Adrian Kaczynski, 1924, Chicago, USA
Fr. Wladyslaw Hormanski, 1977, Krakow, Poland
Fr. Ludwik Jurzak, 1981, Kety, Poland

Birthdays:
Fr. Raymond Reitzel, 1935, Canada
Fr. Kazimierz Zaranski, 1951, Poland

For the church, our Holy Father, and for the bishops whose dioceses we serve.
For the sick, the suffering and those who are lonely.
For those who were our formation directors, living and deceased.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“A religious community achieves its goals of being a faith community only if the members have an active relationship with the Lord, manifesting this relationship in their life together, and assisting one another to deeper relationships with God.” (Resurrectionist Formation, 156)

January 11
2027-01-11
FOCAL POINT:
“We believe that God calls us to work together for the resurrection of society, bringing His life and love to all.” (Charism Statement)

Deceased:
Br. Szymon Walukanis, 1918, Krakow, Poland
Br. John Sojda, 1951, Oshkosh, USA
Fr. Jerome Klingsporn, 1977, Poznan, Poland
Fr. Franciszek Lechowicz, 2000, Poznan, Poland
Fr. Witold Hryniewicki, 2011, Gdansk, Poland

Birthdays:
Fr. Hieronim Doering, 1965, Poland

For our Congregation and our superiors, especially our own local superior.
For vocations to our Congregation.
For those in our Congregation who are struggling with their faith.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The Spirit is calling you too, Brothers of the Resurrection, to be men who set out, to be an institute on the move towards every human periphery, wherever the light of the Gospel needs to be brought.” (Address by Pope Francis to General Chapter 2017, 1)

The Baptism of the Lord
2027-01-12
FOCAL POINT:
“That we may work together for the resurrection of society through our personal witness, through the witness of our life in Community, and through our community apostolates, primarily through parish work and teaching.” (Charism Statement)

Deceased:
Fr. Jozef Gruca, 1993, Krakow, Poland
Fr. Jan Marian Traczynski, 2014, Krakow, Poland

First Vows:
Fr. Michal Kruszewski, 2008, Poland

For parents, relatives, friends and benefactors, and for all those who have recommended themselves to our prayers.
For the gift of wisdom for our superiors.
For the Notre Dame Sisters of Montreal as they celebrate the anniversary of the death of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, their foundress.
For a deeper awareness of our baptismal committee to be priest, prophet and king.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The Spirit is calling you to be seekers of the face of God wherever it is to be found: not in the tombs – but where it lives – in the community and in mission.” (Address by Pope Francis to General Chapter 2017, 1)

St. Hilary
2027-01-13
FOCAL POINT:
“This also requires that we build, and teach others to build, a Christian community in which all can experience the hope, joy and peace of Christ’s Resurrection.” (Charism Statement)

For our country, for peace and prosperity.
For blessings upon the members of our local house.
For St. Hilary, Doctor of the Church.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Now we are called to be a witness of the presence of the Risen Lord to the world, especially through our proclamation of God’s unconditional love for us, which is revealed more clearly in the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ.” (Witnesses to the Resurrection, 1)

January 14
2027-01-14
FOCAL POINT:
“We believe that Mary is our model for all that we are called to be and do as Resurrectionists.” (Charism Statement)

Deceased:
Fr. John Kruszynski, 1917, Tucson, USA

For the conversion of sinners, and for all in affliction, temptation and agony.
For all those who have separated themselves from the community, for whatever reason.
For blessings upon our parishioners, students and co-workers.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“By referring to Mary as Mother of the Congregation our community tradition wishes to recognize that She is interested in our welfare and assists us, individually and communally, to fulfill our vocational goals.” (Resurrectionist Formation, 194)

January 15
2027-01-15
FOCAL POINT:
“God loves each of us with a personal, unconditional love.” (Con. 1)

Deceased:
Br. Enrico Pacilli, 1906, Adrianople, Bulgaria
Fr. Bronislaus Cieslak, 1927, Chicago, USA
Br. Giuseppe Ceccarelli, 1955, Rome, Italy
Fr. William Borho, 1977, Waterloo, Canada
Fr. Norbert Lavigne, 1992, Hamilton, Canada
Fr. Kazimierz Kryzel, 2018, Koscierzyna, Poland

For our deceased members and benefactors, and for the one who will die first among us.
For all the faithful departed.
For blessings on all families and especially for those families struggling to survive.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“To be a Resurrectionist means to be men of hope, and thus men of the Paschal Mystery. Therefore, we must be committed to daily dying and rising with Christ, who is our source of hope.” (Continuing A Vision of Hope, 17)

St. Anthony
2027-01-17
FOCAL POINT:
“It is in the Paschal Mystery that we are reconciled to the Father, united in the one body of Christ and enlivened with the life of the Spirit.” (Con. 1)

Deceased:
Fr. Marian Kaleth, 1996, Burlington, USA

Birthdays:
Fr. Bogdan Bareja, 1977, Poland

For all novice masters, their associates and novices.
For postulants, affiliates and associates.
In thanksgiving for the example of prayer and a life of solitude that St. Anthony modeled for us.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The Paschal Mystery … assures us that God will do the improbable and impossible if we share in his life and grace.” (Witnesses to the Resurrection, 4)

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (18th to 25th)
2027-01-18
FOCAL POINT:
“Our personal participation in the Paschal Mystery begins with our conversion, the acceptance of the Lord Jesus as our personal Saviour, and our union with Him in Baptism, Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist.” (Con. 1)

Deceased:
Fr. Albert Zinger, 1948, Kitchener, Canada

Birthdays:
Fr. Henryk Krajewski, 1959, Poland
Fr. Paulo Solak, 1963, Poland

For rectors of students and their assistants, as well as the students committed to their care.
For the spiritual directors of our seminarians.
For those who asked us to pray for them.
For unity among all Christian denominations.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The Paschal Mystery or process of conversion involved dying and penance as well as celebration and glorification.” (Resurrectionist Formation, 113)

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
2027-01-19
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (18th – 25th)
FOCAL POINT:
“Our conversion is a dynamic, lifelong process. We will constantly die to self (self-will, self-love, self-activity) in order to rise by the power of the Holy Spirit to a new life of love in Christ.” (Con. 1)

For our vocation directors and their associates, and for vocations to our Congregation.
For victims of war, the displaced, the poor and the hungry.
For peace in our world.
That all Christians may fulfill their responsibility to work for Christian unity.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Our vocation to religious life is a specific instance in which God invites us in a particular way to deepen the loving relationship between Himself and us.” (Resurrectionist Formation, 12)

Sts. Fabian and Sabastian
2027-01-20
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (18th – 25th)
FOCAL POINT:
“A similar life-long process is involved in our coming to know God’s unconditional love for each of us as the most fundamental fact of our lives.” (Con. 1)

Deceased:
Br. Giuseppe Maiorani, 1901, Mentorella, Italy
Fr. Anthony Mayer, 1982, Kitchener, Canada

For all those involved in retreat work, especially with young people.
For all of those who are in the process of discerning a vocation.
In thanksgiving for St. Fabian who shepherded our Church as Pope, and for St. Sabastian who gave his life for the faith through martyrdom.
For an end to all divisions that separate Christians one from another.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Consecrated life is based on a relationship with Jesus who expresses the limitless love of God for us. Thus, religious choose to live the vows because of Jesus; they choose to model their life on the Paschal Mystery because Jesus did so.” (Resurrectionist Formation, 121)
