Congregation of the Resurrection

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)

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)
