Congregation of the Resurrection

The Dedication of the Basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul
2026-11-18
FOCAL POINT:
“The Congregation supports and encourages communities of the faithful. Such communities develop personal growth and promote friendship and cooperative efforts in the parish apostolate.” (Con. 216)

Deceased:
FATHER PETER SEMENENKO, 1886, Paris, France
Fr. Claire Girodat, 2016, Cambridge, Canada

Birthday:
Fr. Kamil Brozyna, 1996, Poland

For the conversion of sinners, and for all in affliction, temptation and agony.
May the Basilicas dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul be places of refuge, peace and worship for all who enter.
For the guidance of the Holy Spirit to watch over our Congregation.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The Earth Charter asked us to leave behind a period of self-destruction and make a new start.” (Laudato Si’, 207)

November 19
2026-11-19
FOCAL POINT:
“The center and source of true spiritual life among the members of the parish family is the liturgy, especially the Eucharist.” (Con. 217)

Deceased:
Br. Francis Curtis, 1984, Brantford, Canada
Fr. Joseph Korabik, 2011, Des Plaines, USA

For the Church, our Holy Father and the local ordinary.
That as Advent draws ever closer let us prepare to celebrate anew the incarnation of Christ.
For our benefactors, both living and deceased.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“If we can overcome individualism, we will truly be able to develop a different lifestyle and bring about significant changes in society.” (Laudato Si’, 208)

November 20
2026-11-20
FOCAL POINT:
“Through liturgical celebrations Christ, ever present in His Church, gives perfect praise to God and makes people holy.” (Con. 217)

Deceased:
Br. Nazareno Maurizi, 1913, Adrianople, Bulgaria
Fr. David Doran, 2005, Louisville, USA
Fr. John Miles, 2017, Louisville, USA

For our country, and for peace in the world.
For vocations to the Congregation of the Resurrection.
For all deceased members.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“An awareness of the gravity of today’s cultural and ecological crisis must be translated into new habits.” (Laudato Si’, 209)

The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
2026-11-21
FOCAL POINT:
“Because it is an action of Christ the High Priest and of His body, the Church, the liturgy is a sacred action surpassing all other activity in efficacy. Consequently, the religious will regard it as their duty to ensure that the faithful participate knowingly, actively and fruitfully.” (Con. 217)

For our Congregation and for our superiors and for vocations to the Congregation.
In thanksgiving for all the blessings we have received communally and individually.
In thanksgiving for the gift of the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially her gift of Motherhood to our Congregation.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“A person who could afford to spend and consume more but regularly uses less heating and wears warmer clothes, shows the kind of convictions and attitudes which help to protect the environment.” (Laudato Si’, 211)

St. Cecilia
2026-11-22
FOCAL POINT:
“In the liturgy, the priest or deacon acts in the person of Christ. Therefore, they will preach God’s word and not their own. They will prepare themselves diligently to proclaim the word of God and they will make their lives conform to the truth they speak.” (Con. 218)

Deceased:
Fr. Mario Lolli, 1983, Pescara, Italy
Fr. Richard Patulski, 1986, Panama City, USA

For the deceased novices and seminarians of our Congregation.
For fidelity to our vows, charism and mission.
May Saint Cecilia, patroness for music, continue to inspire those who exercise music ministry in the Church.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Reusing something instead of immediately discarding it, when done for the right reasons, can be an act of love which expresses our own dignity.” (Laudato Si’, 211)

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe - World Youth Day
2026-11-23
FOCAL POINT:
“Parishes will foster devotion to Mary, the Mother of the Church. Her spiritual maternity began at the Annunciation and will continue until Christ has been formed in all members of His body, the Church.” (Con. 219)

Deceased:
Fr. Patrick Mackan, 1990, Toronto, Canada

For the Sisters of the Resurrection.
For all youth on the journey of discovery of the Risen Lord, may they discover it is good to follow Jesus.
As our liturgical year draws to an end, may our liturgy’s continue to be a celebration of the Risen Lord’s gift of the Resurrection.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Ecological education can take place in a variety of settings: at school, in families, in the media, in catechesis and elsewhere.” (Laudato Si’, 213)

St. Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions
2026-11-24
FOCAL POINT:
“Mary prayed with the disciples for the outpouring of the Spirit on the Church at the first Pentecost. She continues to be active in the outpouring of the Spirit upon the Church, upon the Congregation and upon the people to whom the religious minister.” (Con. 219)

Deceased:
Fr. Theobald Spetz, 1921, Kitchener, Canada
Fr. Wojciech Cyrwus, 1970, Krakow, Poland

For the Church, our Holy Father and for our local ordinary.
May the example of the martyrs lead others to profess faith in Jesus.
For all who have died, may eternal life be theirs.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“All Christian communities have an important role to play in ecological education.” (Laudato Si’, 214)

St. Catherine of Alexandria
2026-11-25
FOCAL POINT:
“Her aid [Mary] and intercession are important if the apostolic activities of the Congregation are to be fruitful.” (Con. 219)

Deceased:
Fr. Josef Gieburowski 1932, Lwow, Poland
Fr. Josef Jelinek, 1935, Warsaw, Poland

Birthdays:
Fr. Mariusz Kiniorski, 1968, Poland

For our parents, relatives, friends and benefactors.
For peace in our world.
May the intercession of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, martyr of Church, inspire us to greater fidelity to our vows.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“If we want to bring about deep change, we need to realize that certain mindsets really do influence our behaviour.” (Laudato Si’, 215)

November 26
2026-11-26
FOCAL POINT:
“The Congregation will be involved in the missions to the extent which the Church expects an active religious institute to be involved.” (Con. 222)

Deceased:
Br. Franciszek Myrczyk, 1875, Rome, Italy
Fr. Joseph Halter, 1896, Guelph, Canada
Br. Alexander Heimburger, 1896, Kitchener, Canada
Br. Giovanni Jani, 1927, Rome, Italy
Fr. Wladyslaw Pietrzyk, 1970, Warsaw, Poland

Ordination:
Fr. Andre Malta Martins, 2016, Brazil

For our Congregation, our superiors and for vocations.
For the deceased members of the Congregation.
As the Season of Advent draws near let us open our minds and hearts to receive Jesus in his Incarnation.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience.” (Laudato Si’, 217)

November 27
2026-11-27
FOCAL POINT:
Resurrectionists “will exercise missionary activity in those areas where there exists great spiritual and material need. It will focus its activity on developing and forming the local Church into a community of faith, hope and love according to its culture.” (Con. 222)

Deceased:
Fr. Felix Ladon, 1920, Chicago, USA
Fr. Jan Zalesinski, 1926, Poznan, Poland

Birthdays:
Fr. Wieslaw Hnatejko, 1974, Poland
Fr. Grzegorz Sosnowski, 1974, Poland
Fr. Mikolaj Lipitak, 1976, Poland

For the blessings of God upon the work of directors of formation and vocation directors.
For our confreres who have died this past year.
For the grace to welcome the Advent season as a time of preparation for the Incarnation.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“In calling to mind the figure of Saint Francis of Assisi, we come to realize that a healthy relationship with creation is one dimension of overall personal conversion, which entails the recognition of our errors, sins, faults and failures, and leads to a heartfelt repentance and desire to change.” (Laudato Si’, 218)

November 28
2026-11-28
FOCAL POINT:
“Major superiors shall respond to the needs of missionaries with special attention … assure the religious going into the missions are well prepared for their assignment; … encourage all Community members to support the men in the missions with personal interest and prayer.” (Con. 223)

Deceased:
Fr. Joseph Osowski, 1971, Chicago, USA
Fr. Charles Dantzer, 1925, Kitchener, Canada

For our members in the missions.
For our superiors, may they be guided by the Holy Spirit.
For all who have died in the faith of Christ.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The ecological conversion needed to bring about lasting change is also a community conversion.” (Laudato Si’, 219)

November 29
2026-11-29
FOCAL POINT:
“We will have at heart the study of our Constitutions since we have obliged ourselves to live by these Constitutions and regard them as our Rule of Life.” (Con. 224)

Deceased:
Fr. Henry Opperman, 1975, Louisville, USA
Fr. Henry Feeney, 1978, Warwick, Bermuda
Fr. Joseph Samborski, 1982, Chicago, USA
Fr. Francis Rog, 2021, Chicago, USA

Birthday:
Fr. Szymon Zaniewski, 1987, Poland

For increased fidelity to our religious vows, and the charism and mission of the Congregation.
For deceased parents of members of the Congregation.
For vocations to the Congregation of the Resurrection.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Christian spirituality purposes an alternative understanding of the quality of life, and encourages a prophetic and contemplative lifestyle, one capable of deep enjoyment free of the obsession with consumption.” (Laudat Si’, 222)

First Sunday of Advent
2026-11-30
FOCAL POINT:
“The loving and faithful observance of the Constitutions – not by mere attachment to the letter, which kills, but by loving submission to the spirit that gives life – will help us to know God’s will more clearly and intimately and lead each member of the Resurrectionist Community to the fullness of his consecration to the Risen Christ.” (Con. 224)

Deceased:
Fr. Theodore Zurek, 1980, Maywood, USA
Br. Donald Taylor, 2005, Kitchener, Canada

Birthday:
Fr. Edward Zakowicz, 1968, Poland

For our Congregation, our superiors, and for vocations.
As we enter the Season of Advent may we prepare well to celebrate the Incarnation of the Lord.
For all the faithful departed.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“We are speaking of an attitude of the heart, one which approaches life with serene attentiveness, which is capable of being fully present to someone without thinking of what comes next, which accepts each moment as a gift from God to be lived to the full.” (Laudato Si’, 226)

December 1
2026-12-01
FOCAL POINT:
Resurrectionists will continue to study and pray with the Constitutions, as well as, reflect upon the charism and mission of the Congregation.

Deceased:
Fr. Theobald Spetz, 1921, Kitchener, Canada

Birthday:
Fr. Henry Ruszel, 1926, USA

First Vows:
Fr. Marek Tomski, 1982, Poland

Ordination:
Fr. Rafal Wasilewski, 2012, USA

For the Church, our Holy Father and for our local ordinary.
During this Season of Advent let us prepare ourselves with prayer and reflection to celebrate the Incarnation.
For living and deceased benefactors of the Congregation.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The couple that love and beget life are a true, living icon – not an idol like those of stone or gold prohibited by the Decalogue – capable of revealing God the Creator and Saviour.” (Amoris Laetitia, 11)

December 2
2026-12-02
FOCAL POINT:
Consecrated religious are invited to live their vows authentically, credibly, radically, prophetically and joyfully.

Deceased:
Fr. Michal Oleksy, 1918, Zakopane, Poland
Fr. Wladyslaw Orpiszewski, 1942, Krakow, Poland

Birthdays:
Fr. Kasimierz Mikucki, 1951, Poland
Fr. Stanislaw Jankowski, 1966, USA

For our Congregation, superiors, and for vocations.
For peace in the world.
For parents, relatives, friends and benefactors who have died.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“A family’s living space could turn into a domestic Church, a setting for the Eucharist, the presence of Christ seated at its table.” (Amoris Laetitia, 15)

Saint Francis Xavier
2026-12-03
FOCAL POINT:
Our Constitutions exhort us to work towards having them become a guiding force in our life as a Resurrectionist.

Deceased:
Fr. William Kloepfer, 1910, Guelph, Canada
Br. John Popko, 1939, Chicago, USA
Br. Marian Misiorny, 1961, Poznan, Poland
Fr. Edward Dietrich, 1989, Kitchener, Canada
Fr. Joseph Palubeski, 2011, Hamilton, Canada

Birthdays:
Fr. Timothy Uniac, 1958, Canada
Fr. Jacek Praski, 1964, USA

For our directors of formation on every level.
For vocations to the Congregation.
For the members of the Society of Jesus as they celebrate their co-founder, Saint Francis Xavier.
For blessings upon all Resurrectionists and Apostles of the Resurrection, during this Advent Season.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Against this backdrop of love so central to the Christian experience of marriage and the family, another virtue stands out, one often overlooked in our world of frenetic and superficial relationships. It is tenderness.” (Amoris Laetitia, 28)

St. John Damascene
2026-12-04
FOCAL POINT:
One of the responsibilities of the Superior General is to function as a unifying force, and to promote the international character of our Congregation.

Birthday:
Fr. Christopher Buda, 1949, Poland

Ordination:
Fr. Paul Smith, 2010, USA

For our seminarians, novices, affiliated and aspirants.
For the conversion of sinners.
For the inspiration of St. John Damascene to rest upon all artists who create icons for whom he is their patron.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Every family should look to the icon of the Holy Family of Nazareth.” (Amoris Laetitia, 30)

December 5
2026-12-05
FOCAL POINT:
That superiors, especially local superiors, will fulfill their responsibility to assist the members in their spiritual life and development.

Deceased:
Fr. Bruno Ostrega, 1986, Chicago, USA

Birthday:
Fr. Bartlomiej Gzella, 1973, Poland

For those who have commended themselves to our prayers, and for those for whom we have promised to pray.
That during this Season of Advent, we may take the time to make space for the Lord to be incarnate in our hearts and lives.
For the leaders of our Congregation at the local, provincial and general level.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The treasury of Mary’s heart also contains the experiences of every family, which she cherishes. For this reason, she can help us understand the meaning of these experiences and to hear the message God wishes to communicate through the life of our families.” (Amoris Laetitia,30)

St. Nicholas
2026-12-06
FOCAL POINT:
Members are encouraged to provide affirmation and support for our superiors at every level.

Deceased:
Fr. Andrew Spetz, 1918, St. Louis, USA
Br. Jan Opanowicz, 1950, Rome, Italy
Fr. Tadeusz Sikorski, 1981, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Fr. Stephen Gira, 2010, St. Louis, USA

For the Church, our Holy Father and our local ordinary.
For all Christians preparing to celebrate the Incarnation of our Saviour.
For all people and institutions named in honour of St. Nicholas.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The welfare of the family is decisive for the future of the world and that of the Church.” (Amoris Laetitia,31)

Second Sunday of Advent
2026-12-07
FOCAL POINT:
For the common life to flourish we must promote trust and communication among the members.

Deceased:
Cl. Andrzej Piasecki,1898, San Francisco, USA

Birthdays:
Fr. Andrzej Gieniusz, 1958, Poland
Fr. Leslaw Ogryzek, 1960. Poland
Fr. Marcin Paca, 1984, Poland

First Vows:
Fr. Adam Otrebski, 1985, Poland

Ordination:
Fr. Delwyn Haroldson, 2012, USA

For the deceased members and benefactors of the Congregation.
For all Resurrectionists in the world.
In thanksgiving for the gift of Saint Ambrose, noted theologian and scholar.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“As Christians, we can hardly stop advocating marriage simply to avoid countering contemporary sensibilities, or out of a desire to be fashionable or a sense of helplessness in the face of human and moral failings.” (Amoris Laetitia, 35)

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
2026-12-08
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. Josef Zabowka, 2020 Lomianki, Poland

First Vows:
Fr. Henry Ruszel, 1946, USA
Br. Nucinaldo Bezerra de Arruda, 2011, Final Sept. 8, 2017 Brazil
Fr. Jose Flavio Sotero Barbosa, 2011, Brazil
Fr. Ricardo Michelin de Souza, 2015, Brazil
Cl. Lucas Freitas da Cruz, 2019, Brazil
Cl. Diogo Sousa Dos Santos, 2021, Brazil
Cl. Gabriel Melore Ramos Bastos, 2022, Brazil
Cl. Tiago Dos Santos Teixeira, 2022, Brazil

Ordination:
Fr. Vitalis Masika, 2022, Tanzania

For God’s blessings upon the Congregation through the intercession of Mary.
For fidelity to our vows, and the charism and mission of the Congregation.
In thanksgiving for the gift and example of the Virgin Mary.
For all deceased Resurrectionists and Apostles of the Resurrection.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The weakening of faith and religious practice in some societies has an effect on families, leaving them more isolated amid their difficulties.” (Amoris Laetitia, 43)

December 9
2026-12-09
FOCAL POINT:
“The Congregation of the Resurrection announces and gives witness to the Paschal Mystery.” (Mission Statement)

Deceased:
Cl. Stefan Zelev, 1896, Nettuno, Italy
Fr. Josef Per, 1957, Poznan, Poland

Birthdays:
Fr. Andrzej Skrzypczak, 1958, Poland
Fr. Kazimierz Siwiec, 1965, Poland

For our country and for peace.
For all who hunger and thirst for God.
For peace in the world this Advent.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The lack of dignified or affordable housing often leads to the postponement of formal relationships.” (Amoris Laetitia, 44)

Our Lady of Loreto
2026-12-10
FOCAL POINT:
“Convinced of God’s unconditional love for us, we herald the liberation and salvation of each person and society as a passage from death to life in which every situation of evil and injustice is overcome.” (Mission Statement)

Ordination:
Fr. Renato Benassi, 1995, Brazil

Deceased:
Fr. Joseph Tarasiuk, 1947, Chicago, USA

For the grace to imitate our Founders and for the spirit of the resurrection.
For the safety of all who travel.
That during Advent let us prepare the way of the Lord.
For the Loreto Sisters, may they continue to proclaim the Good News.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Migration is another sign of the times to be faced and understood in terms of its negative effects on family life.” (Amoris Laetitia, 46)

Saint Damasus I
2026-12-11
FOCAL POINT:
“We call others, especially youth and families, to communities of the Risen Christ in which faith, hope and love radiate as a sign of union with Christ and His Mother, Mary, in the Church.” (Mission Statement)

Deceased:
Fr. Luigi Scafuro, 1948, Pescara, Italy
Fr. Lucjan Krawiec, 2021, Poznan, Poland

Birthday:
Br. Nucinaldo Bezerra de Arruda, 1983, Brazil

For our members in the missions.
For the intercession of Saint Damasus upon our Holy Father.
For Advent blessings upon the members of the Congregation of the Resurrection.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“If the family, in the light of faith, accepts the presence of persons with special needs, they will be able to recognize and ensure the quality and value of human life, with its proper needs, rights and opportunities.” (Amoris Laetitia, 47)

St. Lucy
2026-12-13
FOCAL POINT:
“We reach out to all people through our pastoral-educational ministry but especially join in solidarity with people diminished by unjust structures.” (Mission Statement)

Deceased:
Fr. Franciszek Zachara, 1931, Radziwillow, Poland
Br. Stanislaw Baba, 2000, Poznan, Poland
Deacon Brian Karley, 2019, Louisville, USA

Birthdays:
Fr. Krzysztof Swol, 1967, Poland

Ordination:
Pope Francis, 1969, Argentina

For deceased members, friends and benefactors of the Congregation.
For Advent blessing upon the Congregation.
For those suffering from blindness and other vision difficulties, may they be comforted through the intercession of Saint Lucy, patroness for the blind.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“In many cases, parents come home exhausted, not wanting to talk, and many families no longer even share a common meal.” (Amoris Laetitia, 50)

Third Sunday of Advent
2026-12-14
FOCAL POINT:
“We assist the laity in their own efforts to become prophets to the world and to transform it by providing them with a deeper experience of the paschal dynamic in their lives.” (Mission Statement)

Deceased:
Fr. Ladislaus Okulczyk, 1964, Winnetka, USA
Fr. Jan Reinke, 1975, Krakow, Poland
Fr. John Mix, 1988, Des Plaines, USA

For those members of the laity who join with us in our educational and parish apostolates.
For fidelity to our vows and our Congregation charism and mission.
On this third Sunday of Advent let us deepen our preparations for the Incarnation.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“No one can think that the weakening of the family as that natural society founded on marriage will prove beneficial to society as a whole, the contrary is true.” (Amoris Laetitia, 52)

December 15
2026-12-15
FOCAL POINT:
“As an international Community, we assist each other in various parts of the world by sharing our ministries, experiences and resources.” (Mission Statement)

Deceased:
Br. Antonio Folcarelli, 1875, Rome, Italy

Birthdays:
Br. David Ernst, 1938, Canada
Fr. Joseph Malczyk, 1941, USA
Fr. Jerzy Zieba, 1965, USA

Ordination:
Fr. Andrzej Pakula, 2002, Poland

For the Church, our Holy Father and for our local ordinary.
In thanksgiving for the generosity of all our benefactors.
For peace in the world.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“I thank God that many families, which are far from considering themselves perfect, live in love, fulfill their calling and keep moving forward, even if they fall many times along the way.” (Amoris Laetitia, 57)

December 16
2026-12-16
FOCAL POINT:
“We share Christ’s own desire to enkindle the fire of divine love in the heart of every person on this earth.” (Mission Statement)

Deceased:
Fr. Walerian Kalinka, 1886, Lwow, Poland
Fr. Francis Ruetz, 2012, Waterloo, Canada

Birthday:
Fr. Ryszard Bala, 1961, Poland

For our Congregation, our superiors, and for vocations.
For those who have left our Congregation or are living on the margin of the Community.
For peace in the world.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“In and among families, the Gospel message should always resound; the core of that message, the kerygma, is what is most beautiful, most excellent, most appealing and at the same time most necessary.” (Amoris Laetitia, 58)

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)
