Congregation of the Resurrection

March 1 & World Day of Prayer
2027-03-01
FOCAL POINT:
“As members of the Congregation of the Resurrection we regard as the supreme rule of our lives the following of Christ, whom the Gospel presents as poor, chaste and obedient.” (Con. 12)

Deceased:
Br. Francesco di Norma, 1898, Rome, Italy

That we may seek to know Christ and the power flowing from his resurrection; likewise, to know how to share in his sufferings by being formed in the pattern of his death.
For those we promised to pray for.
For our benefactors – living and deceased.
That on this annual World Day of Prayer we may pause and pray earnestly for all ecumenical efforts.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The Risen Christ remains the first formator for men called to the Congregation of the Resurrection.” (Witnesses to the Resurrection, 7)

March 2
2027-03-02
FOCAL POINT:
“By our vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, we dedicate and commit ourselves totally to the Risen Christ in the consecrated life.” (Con. 13)

Deceased:
Br. Franciszek Markiel, 1918, Krakow, Poland
Fr. Gordon Ferguson, 1990, Dundas, Canada

That we may learn to internalize the vows, making them values that affect our daily life.
For increased fidelity to our religious vows and the spirit of our Founders.
For those who work in health care ministries.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Since religious center their lives on living relationships through religious vows, [a] lack of receptivity to love affects their very sense of personal identity. They become isolated from God, others and even themselves.” (Resurrectionist Formation, 96)

St. Casimir
2027-03-04
FOCAL POINT:
“Life according to the vows helps us to develop as persons and to attain Christian maturity.” (Con. 14)

Deceased:
Fr. Chester Mitoraj, 2005, Chicago, USA

Birthdays:
Fr. Czeslaw Kaszubowski, 1963, Poland
Fr. Maciej Sasiak, 1970, Poland

For the people entrusted to our care in parishes and schools.
For the conversion of sinners.
For all young people, may the guidance and example of their patron, Saint Casimir, lead them closer to Christ.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“A person begins life with nothing of their own making, and what they later possess is not something they have totally earned or deserved. They have it primarily because God wished them to have it.” (Resurrectionist Formation, 46)

March 5
2027-03-05
FOCAL POINT:
“The vows are the expression of the free and total gift of ourselves to God.” (Con. 14)

Deceased:
Fr. Stanislaw Suwala, 2016, Gdansk, Poland
Fr. Leonard Krzywda, 2017, Chicago, USA
Fr. Gerard Janikowksi, 2021, Koscierzyna, Poland

Birthdays:
Fr. Edward Howe, 1964, USA

For the sick, the suffering and the dying.
That during this season of Lent, we may die to ourselves and prepare for the great feast of the Resurrection.
For peace in the world.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“In order to realize the vocation in all its original freshness, beauty and final accomplishment, one must accept it always and constantly care for its development.” (Ongoing Formation, 2)

March 6
2027-03-06
FOCAL POINT:
“We accept the detachment implied in the observance of our vows in order to become more firmly attached to Christ.” (Con. 14)

Deceased:
Fr. Emil Stec, 2005, De Plaines, USA

Birthdays:
Fr. Slawomir Dominik Sobolewski, 1961, Poland

For our members in the missions.
For vocations to the Congregation of the Resurrection.
For the grace to fast, pray and give alms.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“A religious – a human being in the process of becoming – should then remain open to the influence of formation throughout his entire life.” (Ongoing Formation, 3)

Sts. Perpetua and Felicity
2027-03-07
FOCAL POINT:
“The practice of the vows contributes to the realization of our common life and to the fulfillment of our mission.” (Con. 14)

Deceased:
Fr. Teodor Dimitrov, 1962, Malko Tirnovo, Bulgaria
Br. Bronislaw Piaskowski, 1993, Gdansk, Poland

For the Church, for our Holy Father, and our local ordinary.
For a spirit of reconciliation during the Lenten season.
May the martyrdom of Saints Perpetua and Felicity assist us in our own faith journeys.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The joy we find in our common life is infectious and often the instrument through which future members are drawn to us.” (Witnesses to the Resurrection, 9)

St. John of God
2027-03-08
FOCAL POINT:
“The vows are a visible sign to the people of God. They point to the possibility of living according to the counsels of Jesus.” (Con. 15)

Deceased:
Fr. Giuseppe de Nardis, 1871, Rome, Italy
Fr. Franciszek Torbus, 1939, Lwow, Poland
Fr. Franciszek Bem, 1972, Gdansk, Poland

Birthdays:
Fr. Steven Bartczyszyn, 1958, USA

For our congregation, our superiors, and for vocations to our congregation.
In thanksgiving for our benefactors.
For the Brothers Hospitallers of St. John as they celebrate their founder, Saint John of God.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The Risen Lord poured out upon his disciples two forms of consolation: interior joy and the light of the Paschal Mystery.” (Address by Pope Francis to General Chapter 2012, 3)

St. Frances of Rome
2027-03-09
FOCAL POINT:
“They [vows] are a prophetic witness to the primacy of God and higher values: the supernatural and the eternal as contrasted with the natural and temporal.” (Con. 16)

Deceased:
Fr. Daniel Apostolov, 1954, Dragomirovo, Bulgaria
Fr. Fabian Ayers, 1997, Louisville, USA
Fr. Antoni Chabraszewski, 2010, Szamotuly, Poland
Fr. John Lesousky, 2021, Louisville, USA

That, mindful of our tradition, we may place special emphasis on co-operation with the laity in our apostolic ministry.
For our deceased parents, relatives, friends and benefactors.
Saint Frances of Rome dedicated her life to the service of the poor of Rome, may others continue her great ministry.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“We invite the laity to join us and work beside us as witnesses to the Resurrection.” (Provincial Pastoral Handbook, 3)

Fourth Sunday of Lent
2027-03-10
FOCAL POINT:
“Our faithfulness in living the vows will serve as an inspiration to all, encouraging them to live their own Christian vocation more fully.” (Con. 15)

Deceased:
Br. Andrea Gaczka, 1931, Rome, Italy
Fr. Tomasz Kasztelan, 1968, Rome, Italy
Fr. Jose Wyrwinski, 2002, Resende, Brazil

That we may learn to appreciate ongoing formation as a way of life rather than any specific program.
For vocations to the Congregation of the Resurrection.
For those who were our formation directors, living and deceased.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“We pastor and shepherd as stewards of God’s abundant love and grace poured out upon us as members of the Congregation of the Resurrection.” (Provincial Pastoral Handbook, 2)

March 11
2027-03-11
FOCAL POINT:
“In order that we may achieve a complete union of our life with the Risen Christ, and to express our love for Him, we freely oblige ourselves by the vow of chastity to perfect continence within the celibate life.” (Con. 16)

Deceased:
Fr. Tomasz Zdechlik, 1936, Lwow, Poland

Ordinations:
Fr. Richard Grek, 1967, USA
Bp. Robert Kurtz, 1967, USA
Fr. Dennis Sanders, 1967, USA
Fr. Donald Suberlak, 1967, USA
Fr. Eugene Szarek, 1967, USA
Fr. Gerald Watt, 1967, USA

For all those who have asked for our prayers; for those we have promised to pray for; for those whom we have responsibility to pray for.
For the Bishops and people of the dioceses in which we serve.
For all deceased Resurrectionists.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The possibility exists for our experience of God’s love to surpass our experience of all other loves extended to us. This is true because that is the nature of God’s love for us.” (Resurrectionist Formation, 4)

March 12
2027-03-12
FOCAL POINT:
“By keeping this vow [chastity], we die to the pursuit of inordinate self-love and choose to direct our lives in a spirit of love for the Risen Christ.” (Con. 16)

Birthdays:
Fr. Martin Bratek, 1943, USA
Fr. Zbigniew Eduardo Skora, 1971, Poland

For our parents, relatives, friends and benefactors.
That we may be men of faith, believing in God’s love for us, trusting that we are accepted by Him.
For the gift of healing for those struggling with health issues.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Sacrifice, personal discipline, and the setting aside of personal agendas are necessary for the religious to become more active members in their local houses and to advance the common good of the Congregation.” (A Vision of Hope, 3)

Anniversary of the Election of Pope Francis (2013)
2027-03-13
FOCAL POINT:
“This consecration of ourselves to Christ manifests itself through the love and service which we give to others, who are all Christ’s brothers and sisters, and through the exercise of a spiritual fatherhood.” (Con. 17)

Deceased:
Fr. Valentine Swientek, 1943, Chicago, USA
Br. Andrzej Poniewierski, 1944, Rome, Italy

Birthdays:
Fr. Marian Banski, 1953, Poland

For Pope Francis, may the Spirit continue to guide him as he shepherds the Church.
For our local Bishop(s).
For peace in the world.

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)

March 14
2027-03-14
FOCAL POINT:
“Our consecration is also a prophetic sign of the resurrected life after death when people ‘neither marry nor are given in marriage’ (Matthew 22:30), but when all will be directly united with Christ and with one another in complete love and peace.” (Con. 17)

Deceased:
Fr. Nicolaus Radev, 1992, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Br. Lloyd Michaud, 2011, Kitchener, Canada

Birthdays:
Fr. Harry Reitzel, 1938, Canada

That we may be faithful to our Constitutions as a special revelation of God’s purpose for us.
For our country, for justice and peace.
For vocations to the Congregation of the Resurrection.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“We acknowledge that it is the responsibility of each member of the Congregation to promote vocations. We need to be bold in imitating Jesus.” (Witnesses to the Resurrection, 9)

March 15
2027-03-15
FOCAL POINT:
“Since chastity is a gift of God, we pray that God grant it to us and assist us to grow in this virtue.” (Con. 18)

Deceased:
Fr. John Bujalski, 1970, Chicago, USA
Fr. James Johnstone, 2015, Kitchener, Canada
Fr. Jan Mazurek, 2016, Vienna, Austria

For our Congregation, and for our superiors.
For those seeking employment.
For a spirit of reconciliation during the Lenten Season.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“How wonderful to be able to … say, ‘God loves me and that is the basis of my life.” (Resurrectionist Formation, 1)

March 16
2027-03-16
Focal Point:
“In addition to prayer, we shall add the practice of mortification to help us to grow in self-discipline, which enables us to avoid what endangers our observance of chastity.” (Con. 18)

Birthdays:
Br. John Cline, 1942, Canada
Fr. Josef Domoradski, 1951, Poland
Fr. Mariusz Mazur, 1969, Poland

For increased fidelity to our community charism and to our religious vows.
For vocations to our Congregation.
For peace in our world.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The effects of personal sin disorient religious from their goals and increases their inclination to evil.” (Resurrectionist Formation, 97)

Fifth Sunday of Lent & Development and Peace Sunday
2027-03-17
FOCAL POINT:
“True fraternal charity realized in our community life is a strong aid to chastity.” (Con. 18)

Deceased:
Fr. Francis Repinski, 1927, Chicago, USA
Fr. Walenty Flieger, 2019, Gdansk, Poland.

For all those who have recommended themselves to our prayers.
That through the intercession of St. Patrick, we may be evangelizers to the unchurched.
For peace in the world.
May our efforts in support of Canadian Development and Peace bring greater peace of all God’s creation.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The common life lived in a manner which promotes unity and love with the Lord and among the members is a lofty goal.” (Resurrectionist Formation, 155)

St. Cyril of Jerusalem
2027-03-18
FOCAL POINT:
“In response to Christ’s invitation, and recalling the example of His own personal life, we vow to live a life of evangelical poverty.” (Con. 19)

Deceased:
Br. Benedetto Benedetti, 1921, St. Angelo, Italy

That the Lord may help us to remove from our lives anything that separates us from Him, or that hinders His work in us and through us.
For our members in the missions.
May the example of Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, theologian, inspire us to deepen our theological knowledge.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“We will promote stewardship as a way of life in our pastoral apostolates.” (Provincial Pastoral Handbook, 3)

Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Virgin Mary & Principal Patron of Canada
2027-03-19
FOCAL POINT:
“That the profession of poverty for the sake of following Christ implies a life of labor and moderation.” (Con. 20)

Deceased:
Fr. Constantinus Chaulland, 1883, Adrianople, Bulgaria
Fr. Piotr Kaglik, 2003, Vienna, Austria
Fr. Wieslaw Langner, 2006, Koscierzyna, Poland

Ordination:
Fr. Marian Szablewski, 1965, Poland

For our bishop, and for our local superior.
That this season of Lent may be enriched with prayer, fasting and alms giving.
For the people of Canada, may our patron, Saint Joseph, continue to watch over us and protect us.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“In our human condition we are weak, vulnerable and broken. When we fail to admit our condition, we can destroy our community life and eat away at personal relationships with our brothers.” (Witnesses to the Resurrection, 4)

March 20
2027-03-20
FOCAL POINT:
“By force of the vow [poverty], a complete dependence on our Superiors in the use and disposition of goods as well as the renouncing of at least the administration of our own patrimony.” (Con. 20)

Deceased:
Fr. Carl Benninger, 1956, Louisville, USA
Fr. Peter Pigott, 2022, Kitchener, Canada

Birthdays:
Fr. Wincenty Suwala, 1931, Poland
Fr. Marek Perzynski, 1955, Poland

That the spirit of prayer and mortification may take root in our Congregation of the Resurrection.
For the people of Canada as we celebrate the patron saint of Canada, for blessings upon our lands and people.
For vocations to the Congregation of the Resurrection.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Personal growth means opening an inner space of freedom in order to allow God to be more present in us and to act in us more freely.” (Ongoing Formation,6)

March 21
2027-03-21
FOCAL POINT:
“By evangelical poverty, we worship God by acknowledging our total dependence on Him.” (Con. 21)

Deceased:
Fr. John Iwicki, 1992, Bensenville, USA

Birthdays:
Fr. Joseph Glab, 1945, USA
Fr. Pedro Loll, 1947, Poland
Br. Miroslaw Kludka, 1969, Poland

For our parents, relatives, friends and benefactors.
For those seeking employment.
For the terminally ill, for the grace to let go and welcome the invitation of the Risen Lord to eternity.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“We believe that God continues to call people to a religious vocation in the midst of a contemporary culture of death and unfreedom.” (A Vision of Hope, 11)

March 22
2027-03-22
FOCUS POINT:
“We detach ourselves from material things so that we may give ourselves more fully to the imitation of the poor Christ and to the exercise of the apostolate.” (Con. 21)

Birthdays:
CI. Petro Kushaha Francis, 1998, Tanzania
CI. Gabriel Malone Ramos Bastos, 2001, Brazil

That we may hear and accept the gospel call to repent.
For the one who will die first among us.
For peace in the world.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“By the process of personal conversion, a person lives the Paschal Mystery.” (Resurrectionist Formation, 111)

St. Turibius of Mogrovejo
2027-03-23
FOCAL POINT:
[Through poverty] “We give witness to the world of the supreme importance of storing up treasure in heaven.” (Con. 21)

Birthdays:
Fr. Lucjan Bartkowiak, 1974, Poland

Ordinations:
Fr. Edward Lipiec, 1969, Poland
Fr. Tadeusz Nosal, 1969, Poland

That we may identify with Christ and with his mission, accepting our call ‘to serve the needs of all.’
For the members of the Polish Province.
For the indigenous people of South America, may their patron, Saint Turibius, bless them and enrich them.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“We have hope and confidence in the Risen Lord who continues to walk with us, inviting us to encounter him in new and surprising ways.” (Witnesses to the Resurrection, 1)

Passion (Palm) Sunday
2027-03-24
FOCAL POINT:
“Since Christ was a person who was poor both in fact and in spirit, our practice of evangelical poverty will be both external and internal.” (Con. 22)

Deceased:
Archbp. Joseph Weber, 1918, Chicago, USA
Fr. Joseph Prusinski, 1980, Chicago, USA
Br. Andrzej Gierczak, 1981, Rome, Italy
Fr. James Antosz, 1989, Du Bois, USA
Fr. Mario Troiani, 2002, Pescara, Italy

Birthdays:
Fr. Kazimierz Linkiewicz, 1929, Poland
Fr. Stanislaw Szklarczyk, 1977, Poland

That the Church may be renewed constantly and purified by penance.
For the conversion of sinner.
In thanksgiving for the passion of Christ, may his great gift to us not be forgotten.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Our emotions are an integral and essential part of our human nature. As such, they are good in enriching our lives, giving us a zest for life, warning us of danger, strengthening us in difficult times.” (Resurrection Formation, 67)

Holy Week
2027-03-25
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. Franciszek Anders, 1985, Poznan, Poland
Br. Carl Voll, 2000, Kitchener, Canada

That we may recognize and accept ourselves as religious with vows which must be lived authentically, credibly, radically, prophetically and joyfully.
For vocations to our Congregation.
That in our words and deeds, we will announce the presence of the Lord in our lives.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Mary, you will conceive and bear a son.” (Luke 1:27)

Holy Week
2027-03-26
FOCAL POINT:
“In our practice of external poverty, before we seek a permission from our Superior, we need to be convinced honestly that our request is in conformity with the spirit of the vows.” (Con. 22)

Deceased:
Fr. Andrzej Drabik, 1941, Skole, Poland
Fr. Peter Fehrenbach, 1980, Toronto, Canada

For faithfulness to the vows, and for the spirit of resurrection.
For blessings upon all Resurrectionists throughout the world.
For peace in the world.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“A religious – a human being ‘in the process of becoming’ – should then remain open to the influence of formation throughout his entire life.” (Ongoing Formation, 3)

Holy Week
2027-03-27
FOCAL POINT:
“In forming this conviction [to practice external poverty], we will weigh our personal needs and the needs of our apostolate against the call of our vocation to imitate the poverty of Christ.” (Con. 22)

Deceased:
Fr. Andrzej Paszkiewicz, 1932, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Fr. Michael Weiler, 1970, Detroit, USA
Fr. Piotr Kobus, 1975, Krakow, Poland

Birthdays:
Fr. Krzysztof Kasperek, 1962, Poland

For an awareness that we are religious in the Church and for the Church, and for a spirit of docility to the wishes of the Holy Father.
For the sick, the aged and the lonely. For the one who will die first among us.
For the needs of the Church and the Congregation in developing countries.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“As an international community, our call is to become an intercultural community in which there is a deep understanding and respect for all cultures, the mutual exchange of ideas and cultural norms, as well as the development of deep relationships.” (Witnesses to the Resurrection, 15)

Holy Thursday of the Lord’s Supper
2027-03-28
FOCAL POINT:
“Our imitation of Christ’s poverty gives witness that we are indeed seeking God above all things, and that we value spiritual goods above material good.” (Con. 22)

Deceased:
Fr. Isidor Georgiev, 1909, Malko Tirnovo, Bulgaria
Br. Giovanni Cinti, 1929, Rome, Italy
Fr. John Obyrtacz, 1935, Chicago, USA
Fr. Jan Zdechlik, 1940, Rome, Italy
Fr. Thaddeus Ligman, 1950, Chicago, USA

For the sick, the suffering, the dying and for the one who will die first among us.
For the members of our local house.
For our Jewish and Muslim brothers and sisters.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“We as members of the Congregation of the Resurrection are called to administer our financial patrimony with due diligence, so as not to endanger the continuation of our mission or even our very survival as a religious community of consecrated religious.” (Witnesses to the Resurrection, 15)

Easter Sunday of the Lord’s Resurrection
2027-03-31
FOCAL POINT:
“After our profession of evangelical poverty, whatever we obtain through our work, our own personal efforts, or in the name of the Congregation becomes community property.” (Con. 23)

Deceased:
Fr. Stanislaw Paduch, 1906, Krakow, Poland
Fr. Jan Czekaj, 1939, Rome, Italy
Fr. Franciszek Wilemski, 1939, Poznan, Poland
Fr. Louis Batte, 1991, Waterloo, Canada

Birthdays:
Fr. Tomasz Sulkowski, 1984, Poland

For a spirit of reconciliation in our personal lives, in community relationships, carrying over into our ministry and shared with the faithful we serve.
In thanksgiving for the generosity of our benefactors.
May our Alleluia on this day proclaim loudly and boldly the good news of the Resurrection.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Since all the ideals of religious life, as outlined in the Constitutions, come into focus in the local community, it is important that the members of the local community enter into a never-ending process of conversion to promote and foster growth in these ideals.” (Provincial Statutes, 49a)

Easter Octave - April 1
2027-04-01
FOCAL POINT:
“We should be convinced that the faithful observance of poverty is an important factor contributing to the joyful experience of common life.” (Con. 23)

Deceased:
Br. Ignacy Cieliczka, 1969, Vienna, Austria
Fr. Joseph Germanov, 1969, Bulgaria
Fr. Ryszard Dabek, 2017, Zlocieniec, Poland

For our local communities as they share their Christian values, celebrate the Sacraments and pray together.
For our living and deceased parents.
For those seeking employment.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“We have experienced a call to community, to live and labor with other disciples, to fulfill the mission of Jesus in the Church.” (Witnesses to the Resurrection, 2)

Easter Octave - April 2 & Pope John Paul II Day in Canada
2027-04-02
FOCAL POINT:
“Although the Congregation has the right to possess goods, nevertheless, by its corporate poverty it will give evidence that it is poor in spirit and in fact.” (Con. 23)

Deceased:
Br. Michele Jafrate, 1905, Adrianople, Bulgaria
Br. Adalabert Goralski, 1917, Chicago, USA
Fr. Kazimierz Pieniazek, 1940, Palmiry, Poland
Fr. Bronislaus Lazarowicz, 1951, Chicago, USA
Fr. Frederick Bechely, 2008, Waterloo, Canada
Fr. Dominic Kirwan, 2014, Cambridge, Canada
Fr. Frank Reitzel, 2019, Kitchener, Canada

Birthdays:
Fr. Rafal Golina, 1967, Poland

That in our concern for vocations we may not concentrate only on numbers, but that our prayers give priority to Spirit-filled people.
For our Congregation and for our superiors, especially our local superior.
For Father General and his Curia.
We pray for Saint John Paul II on this his anniversary of death (2005).

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Every member must seek out, encourage and invite prospective candidates for our community.” (Provincial Statutes, 83)
