Congregation of the Resurrection

St. Callistus
2026-10-14
FOCAL POINT:
“It is also important that the religious pray for unity, dialogue on differences and cooperate in common concerns. In this way, they can extend their love to all and give witness to Christ.” (Con. 197)

Deceased:
Fr. Charles Kiefer, 1936, Stratford, Canada
Fr. Stephen Bies, 1979, Chicago, USA
Fr. Wladyslaw Jarzab, 2000, Neuhaus, Germany

That we may imitate the example of our Founders and for the spirit of the resurrection.
For the deceased members of the Congregation of the Resurrection.
For the example of martyrdom for the faith which St. Callistus modeled for us.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Sister, Mother earth, … cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her.” (Laudato Si’, 2)

October 13
2026-10-13
FOCAL POINT:
Our ecumenical “activity will be in harmony with the faith which the Catholic Church has always professed.” (Con. 197)

Deceased:
Fr. Anthony Firetto, 1973, Waterloo, Canada

For our parents, relatives, friends and benefactors, and for all who have recommended themselves to our prayers.
For the members of our local house.
For healing for all those abused at home or in the Church.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Laudato Si’, mi’ Signore – ‘Praise be to you, my Lord.’ In the words of this beautiful canticle, Saint Francis of Assisi reminds us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us.” (Laudato Si’, 1)

Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
2026-10-12
FOCAL POINT:
“The Congregation strives to bring an ecumenical spirit to every apostolate. It is concerned about people of all persuasions yet avoids a false conciliatory approach, superficiality or imprudent zeal.” (Con. 197)

Deceased:
Fr. Wladyslaw Marszalkiewicz, 1927, Rome, Italy
Fr. Ignacy Badov, 2001, Belene, Bulgaria

Birthday:
Fr. Edson Siqueira da Silva, 1950, Brazil

For our country, for civil rulers, and for peace in the world.
For all of us, that we may be more concerned about salvation than about earthly success.
For the blessings of Mary upon our Church and our Congregation during this Marian Month of October.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Other indicators of the present situation have to do with the depletion of natural resources. We all know that it is not possible to sustain the present level of consumption in developed countries and wealthier sectors of society, where the habit of wasting and discarding has reached unprecedented levels.” (Laudato Si’, 27)

St. John XXIII
2026-10-11
FOCAL POINT:
“Let him [Resurrectionist] remember, too, that it is especially through brotherly love and the joyful fulfillment of his apostolate that he will attract others to share his religious consecration.” (Con. 196)

Deceased:
Fr. John Sobieszczyk, 1926, Chicago, USA
Fr. Thaddeus Zygowicz 1992, Des Plaines, USA

For our Congregation, our superiors, and vocations to our Congregation.
For peace in the world.
That the Holy Spirit, who inspired St. John XXIII to introduce the Second Vatican Council, continue to refresh the Church with its gentle breeze.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Many of the poor live in areas particularly affected by phenomena related to warming, and their means of subsistence are largely dependent on natural reserves and ecosystem services such as agriculture, fishing and forestry.” (Laudato Si’, 25)

October 10
2026-10-10
FOCAL POINT:
“Each member of the Congregation shall regard it his duty to be concerned about vocations. Let him ‘beg the harvest Master to send out laborers to gather His harvest’ (Mt. 9:38).” (Con. 196)

Deceased:
Fr. Peter Fiolek, 1986, Chicago, USA
Fr. John Miles, 1990, Chicago, USA
Fr. Joseph Przysucha, 1997, Chicago, USA
Fr. Stephen Juda, 2006, Des Plaines, USA

Birthdays:
Fr. Lucjan Krzywonos, 1949, Poland
Fr. Timothy Keppel, 1950, USA

For vocations to our Congregation.
For the Church, our Holy Father, and our local ordinary.
For the South American Region.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The melting in the polar ice caps and in high altitude plains can lead to the dangerous release of methane gas, while the decomposition of frozen organic material can further increase the emission of carbon dioxide.” (Laudato Si’, 24)

St. Denis and St. John Leonardi
2026-10-09
FOCAL POINT:
“Let us minister joyfully so that the new order established by the Risen Christ is made manifest.” (Con. 195)

Deceased:
Br. Joseph Olszewski, 1929, Chicago, USA
Cl. Eugene Jasinski, 1934, St. Louis, USA
Fr. Cornelius Mellen, 1956, St. Mary, USA
Fr. Arkadiusz Stepien, 2002, Bytow, Poland
Fr. Ernst Varosi, 2020, Waterloo, Canada

Ordination:
Fr. James Link, 1976, Canada

For fidelity to our vows, charism and mission, and for the spirit of the resurrection.
In thanksgiving for the martyr, St. Denis, and for St. John Leonardi founder of the Clerks Regular of the Mother of God of Lucca.
During this month of October, we continue to pray for the inspiration and guidance of Mary, Mother of our Congregation.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Concentrated in the atmosphere, these gases do not allow the warmth of the sun’s rays reflected by the earth to be dispersed in space. The problem is aggravated by a model of development based on the intensive us of fossil fuels.” (Laudato Si’, 23)

October 8
2026-10-08
FOCAL POINT:
Resurrectionists “will actuate the spirit of the Congregation which demands that he dies to self and rises with Christ in order that his new life with Christ will benefit the people of God.” (Con. 195)

Deceased:
Br. Patrick Galvin, 1968, London, Canada

For our deceased members and benefactors, for all the faithful departed, and for the one who will die first among us.
For the provincial leadership.
For blessings upon those who minister in pastoral and educational apostolates.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“A serious consideration of this issue would be one way of counteracting the throwaway culture which affects the entire planet, but it must be said that only limited progress has been made in this regard.” (Laudato Si’, 22)

Our Lady of the Rosary
2026-10-07
FOCAL POINT:
The religious “will learn to renounce his own convenience in order to exercise greater efforts in fulfilling his pastoral duties and in implementing new approaches to pastoral ministry under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.” (Con. 195)

Birthday:
Fr. Artur Traczewski, 1973, Poland

For the conversion of sinners, and for all those in affliction, temptation and agony.
For fidelity to the recitation of the rosary as a Marian devotion, especially in this month dedicated to Mary.
For respect for life from the moment of conception to natural death.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“I urgently appeal, then, for a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all.” (Laudato Si’, 14)

Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher & St. Bruno
2026-10-06
FOCAL POINT:
“In this spirit, each Resurrectionist can be occupied with the work of Christ and acquire a spirituality proper to a pastor of God’s people.” (Con. 195)
Final Vows:
Br. Edward Hohenadel, 1979, Canada
Deceased:
Cl. Mieczyslaw Lesinski, 1951, Krakow, Poland
Fr. James Prusinski, 1975, Chicago, USA
Fr. John Pawelczak, 1993, Chicago, USA

For our country and for peace in the world.
For vocations to the Congregation of the Resurrection.
In thanksgiving for the communion of saints.
For all who have died, and for the one who will die first among us.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Rather than a problem to be solved, the world is a joyful mystery to be contemplated with gladness and praise.” (Laudato Si’, 12)

Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
2026-10-05
FOCAL POINT:
For the religious “his entire consecrated life will be filled with an apostolic spirit, and his apostolic life permeated with a religious spirit.” (Con. 194)

Deceased:
Br. Giuseppe Valeriani, 1893, Mentorella, Italy

Birthday:
Fr. Lukasz Pecyna, 1991, Poland

For our members in the missions.
For vocations to consecrated life, especially to our own Congregation.
For all deceased family, friends and benefactors.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“What is more, Saint Francis, faithful to Scripture, invites us to see nature as a magnificent book in which God speaks to us and grants us a glimpse of this infinite beauty and goodness.” (Laudato Si’, 12)

St. Francis of Assisi
2026-10-04
FOCAL POINT:
“The desire to bring each person to Christ vivifies his apostolate and makes him ready and capable of overcoming any obstacle and, if need be, of laying down his life for the salvation of all.” (Con. 194)

Deceased:
Br. Antoni Kaczmarek, 1948, Rome, Italy
Fr. Henry Stec, 1969, Chicago, USA
Fr. Anthony Rybarczyk 1970, Loma Linda, USA
Fr. Stefan Michalczyk, 1974, Pescara, Italy
Fr. Antoni Petrov, 1977, Povdiv, Bulgaria

First Vows:
Fr. Antonio Rencricca, 1958, Italy

That we may imitate the spirit of the Founders.
For God’s blessings on the people of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Kitchener.
For those named in honour of Saint Francis.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Just as happens when we fall in love with someone, whenever St. Francis would gaze at the sun, the moon or the smallest of animals, he would burst into song, drawing all other creatures into his praise.” (Laudato Si’, 11)

October 3
2026-10-03
FOCAL POINT:
“He [Resurrectionist] loves people with the love of Christ, and he is concerned for their spiritual welfare.” (Con. 194)

Deceased:
Fr. Terrance McGuire, 2015, Kitchener, Canada

For our parents, relatives, friends and benefactors, and for the one who will die first among us.
For the gift of wisdom for our superiors.
That during this “Marion Month” we will continue to seek the intercession and guidance of Mary.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“St. Francis … shows us just how inseparable the bond is between concern for nature, justice of the poor, commitment to society, and interior peace.” (Laudato Si’, 10)

The Holy Guardian Angels
2026-10-02
FOCAL POINT:
“Christ lives and acts in him [Religious] and he grows in Christ through his ministry” (Con. 194)

For our Congregation, Father General and his curia, the provincial/regional superiors and their councils, and for our local superior.
For novices, seminarians and for vocations to the Congregation.
For the protection of the Guardian Angels upon us.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Authentic human development has a moral character. It presumes full respect for the human person, but it must also be concerned for the world around us and ‘take into account the nature of each being and of its natural connection in an ordered system.” (Laudato Si’, 5)

Saint Therese of the Child Jesus
2026-10-01
FOCAL POINT:
“Under the pressure of apostolic activity, the Resurrectionist will maintain a unity in his work and spirituality.” (Con. 194)

Deceased:
Fr. Joseph Zwierzycki, 1963, Chicago, USA
Fr. Ernest Schumacher, 2001, Louisville, USA

Bishop Ordination:
Bishop Wesley Spiewak, 2015, Bermuda

For the Church, our Holy Father, and for our local ordinary.
For all doctors of the Church, may the example of Saint Theresa guide them in their scholarly pursuits.
For our parents, relatives, friends and benefactors, and for those who have commended themselves to our prayers.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“This is why the earth herself, burdened and laid waste, is among the most abandoned and maltreated of our poor; she ‘groans in travail’ (Rom. 8:22).” (Laudato Si’ 1)

St. Jerome
2026-09-30
FOCAL POINT:
“Faith is the necessary condition for effective apostolic activity. The religious are to pray for this faith along with the apostles: ‘Lord, increase our faith’ (Luke 17:5). This faith will permeate the religious’ entire life, mobilizing his efforts in the apostolate.” (Con. 193)

Deceased:
Fr. Czeslaw Falkiewicz, 1974, Vienna, Austria
Fr. Tadeusz Switek, 1997, Gdansk, Poland
Fr. Joseph Kamieniecki, 2009, Dundas, Canada

For the grace to imitate the faith, hope and love of our Founders, and their courage in facing trials in their apostolates.
That all those engaged in scholarly pursuits will be inspired by the example of St. Jerome.
For all our benefactors, both living and deceased.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The fact that a person is attracted to evil as well as to good makes it imperative that they have a norm by which they can distinguish whether or not that which attracts them is truly good.” (Eight Principles of Resurrectionist Spirituality, 78)

St. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael
2026-09-29
FOCAL POINT:
“For the Resurrectionist, the apostolate represents a call through Christ to lead an apostolic life imbued with a deep and lasting faith, ‘without which it is impossible to please God’ (Hebrew 11:6)”. (Con. 193)

Birthday:
Michal Osuch, 1953, Poland

For our community apostolates of parish work and teaching, and for the people we serve, as well as, for those who assist us in our ministry.
For all benefactors of the Congregation, both living and deceased.
For the blessing and protection of the Angels upon us.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The intellect was created to seek the truth; the will is intended to choose freely what is good for the person. Original sin interferes with the intellect and the will pursuing their proper objects.” (Eight Principles of Resurrectionist Spirituality, 72)

Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time - World Day of Migrants and Refugees
2026-09-28
FOCAL POINT:
“The Congregation recognizes as its own those ministries in which religious – themselves being a model of Christian community – will be able to create communities, to work together with the laity, and to maintain and deepen their international character.” (Con. 192)

For fidelity to our religious vows and for the spirit of the resurrection.
For continued blessings on all Resurrectionists throughout the world.
For all migrants and refugees, may they find a hospitable welcome and peace in their new home.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Failure to realize the need to step back in order to evaluate the options presented in the light of revelation, faith and theology leaves a person at the whim of ever-changing attractions and their own undisciplined desires.” (Eight Principles of Resurrectionist Spirituality, 69)

St. Vincent de Paul - World Tourism Day
2026-09-27
FOCAL POINT:
“Examples of ministries which have had and still have a great significance for us are education and parish work.” (Con. 192)

Deceased:
Fr. Charles Mrowinski, 2008, Des Plaines, USA

Birthday:
Fr. Stanislaw Zaryczny, 1966, Poland

Ordination:
Fr. Jim Marcos Penaloza Polo, 2008, Brazil

For the deceased members of the Congregation, and for the one who will die first among us.
For all who travel as tourists, may they extend blessings of peace upon the houses they enter and the people who live there.
For the many Societies of St. Vincent de Paul – for their care and concern for the poor in their midst.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Blindness to this tendency to evil within a person is especially dangerous today when choices are so multiple and change happens so quickly,” (Eight Principles of Resurrectionist Spirituality, 69)

St. Jean De Brebeuf, St. Isaac Jogues and Companions
2026-09-26
FOCAL POINT:
“Apostolic endeavors always take into account the demands of a changing world and the needs of the contemporary Church as well as the needs of community life.” (Con. 191)

Deceased:
Fr. Waclaw Nowacki, 1895, Krakow, Poland
Br. Rajmund Jaszczynski, 1939, Warsaw, Poland
Fr. James O’Connor, 1969, La Paz, Bolivia
Fr. Walter Strub, 1969, La Paz, Bolivia
Fr. Jan Tyminski, 2023, Gdansk, Poland

Birthdays:
Fr. Andrzej Duda, 1963, Poland
Cl. Joseph Juma Chacha, 1992, Tanzania

For the living and deceased parents of members of the Congregation and our benefactors.
For peace in our world.
For the French Jesuit martyrs, the first North American saints, may we honor them on this day.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“We need to be aware of our emotions, feel at ease when they well up within us, see them as friends which enable us to live or lives more fully.” (Eight Principles of Resurrectionist Spirituality, 67)

Blessed Emilie Tavernier-Gamelin
2026-09-24
FOCAL POINT:
“The feasts of the Resurrection, the Immaculate Conception, the Assumption and Our Lady of Sorrows are considered Community feasts and are to be celebrated in a solemn manner. On the vigil of these feasts, each religious should offer some form of mortification.” (Con. 78)

Deceased:
Fr. Mitchell Tadla, 1984, Chicago, USA
Fr. Patrick McKelvie, 2022, Kitchener, Canada

Birthdays:
Fr. Delwyn Haroldson, 1958, USA
Fr. Edward Hering, 1961, Poland

For our members in the missions in Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria and Tanzania.
For those families struggling with addiction, communication or financial issues.
For the Sisters of Providence of Montreal as they celebrate their foundress Blessed Emilie Tavernier-Gamelin.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The Constitutions present us with a set of ideals. … A person can achieve them only by cooperating with God’s grace.” (Eight Principles of Resurrectionist Spirituality, 61)

St. Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio)
2026-09-23
FOCAL POINT:
“Mass will be offered in each House for the Superior General and for the Provincial or Regional Superior on the anniversary of their election.” (Con. 76)

Deceased:
Fr. Ignatius Perius, 1926, Louisville, USA

Birthday:
Fr. Michal Szlachciak, 1984, Poland

For the grace to imitate our Founders.
For all of those in formation and for our directors of formation.
In thanksgiving for the gift to the Church of Padre Pio, stigmatist and mystic.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The Constitutions, like the Scriptures, become a source of wisdom and power to which the person can continually turn.” (Eight Principles of Resurrectionist Spirituality, 60)

September 22
2026-09-22
FOCAL POINT:
“Mass shall be offered in each House for the Ordinary of the diocese on the anniversary of his ordination as Bishop.” (Con. 75)

Birthdays:
Fr. Andre Malta Martins, 1979, Brazil
Fr. Tomasz Koperek, 1984, Poland

Ordination:
Fr. Patrick Aiello, 1956, Canada

For our parents, relatives, friends and benefactors, and for all those who have commended themselves to our prayers.
For a recommitment to our consecrated life as religious in and for the Church.
For blessings upon all families.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Our status as part of God’s creation has implications for the manner in which we view ideals and goals, and, specifically, our Constitutions.” (Eight Principles of Resurrectionist Spirituality, 59)

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
2026-09-21
FOCAL POINT:
“One hundred Masses will be celebrated for each deceased member or novice of the Congregation.” (Con. 74)

Deceased:
Cl. Kazimierz Szyberna, 1905, Mentorella, Italy

Birthday:
Fr. Wladyslaw Tarnowski, 1934, Poland

For our country, for civil rulers on the local and national levels.
The second reading for today’s Mass encourages that prayer be offered to God for all, and so we offer prayer today for all friends, family and benefactors, and for those we serve.
For peace in the world.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“It is obvious that the vows are defined in strong and bold concepts which can be accepted only by a person who has recognized the inherent limits of their power and autonomy, and the dignity that is theirs when they share in the omnipotence and sovereignty of God.” (Eight Principles of Resurrectionist Spirituality, 58)

St. Andrew Kim Tae-Gon, Paul Chong Ha-Sang, and Companions
2026-09-20
FOCAL POINT:
“The Community shall offer Mass once a month in each house for the following intentions: for the Holy Father; for blessings for our Congregation; for living and deceased benefactors and parents of members of the Congregation; for the deceased members of the Congregation; and for vocations to the consecrated life and priesthood.” (Con. 73)

Deceased:
Fr. Denis Oross, 1991, Chicago, USA

For our Congregation, our superior and for vocations.
For the people of Korea as they honour and celebrate their many martyrs who gave their lives in order to advance the faith.
For those who are actively dying, for the grace to embrace the Risen Lord.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Notwithstanding the fact that vowed life and formation to it are a mutual discernment process involving both the candidate and the community, through the vows the religious commit themselves personally.” (Eight Principles of Resurrectionist Spirituality, 57)

St. Januarius
2026-09-19
FOCAL POINT:
“The Congregation has the right to make itself known in order to foster vocations and seek candidates.” (Con. 171)

Deceased:
Br. Michael Oleksiewicz, 1942, Chicago, USA

Birthdays:
Fr. Michael Yohana Henrico Kachwele, 1990, Tanzania

For the Church, our Holy Father, and for our local ordinary.
For vocations to the Congregation of the Resurrection.
May St. Januarius, martyr and patron saint for blood banks, continue to encourage us to live our faith with boldness.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Religious vows are intended primarily to express a bond between the individual and God, and to specify this relationship.” (Eight Principles of Resurrectionist Spirituality, 56)

September 18
2026-09-18
FOCAL POINT:
“Each member is charged with the serious obligation and responsibility of fostering and developing vocations for the Congregation.” (Con. 171)

Deceased:
Fr. Piotr Athanasov, 1894, Adrianople, Bulgaria

For fidelity to our religious vows and for the spirit of the resurrection.
For those who have left the Congregation.
For deceased benefactors, in thanks for their generosity.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Living out our status as part of God’s wonderful creation affects the goals we set for ourselves and others, as well as the means we employ to attain those goals.” (Eight Principles of Resurrectionist Spirituality, 54)

Sts. Hildegard of Bingen and Robert Bellarmine
2026-09-17
FOCAL POINT:
“In order to meet these demands [of continuing formation], the religious have an obligation to foster their own spiritual and professional growth by spiritual direction, personal reading, private study and attendance at seminars, workshops and other study programs.” (Con. 172)

Deceased:
Fr. Peter Graf, 1960, Sudbury, Canada
Fr. Jerome Kroetsch, 2012, Kitchener, Canada

For our deceased members and benefactors, and for the one who will die first among us.
For the international formation commission.
In thanksgiving for the communion of Saints and their place in our journey of faith.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Sacred Scripture teaches that while the human person has dignity by the very fact that they are a part of God’s creation, that dignity is dependent on a proper relationship to God and the rest of creation.” (Eight Principles of Resurrectionist Spirituality, 52)

Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian
2026-09-16
FOCAL POINT:
“Those responsible for formation will be careful to respect the human dignity and the special divine vocation of persons entrusted to their care. In guiding the growth and development of the individual, Formators will take into account his natural and supernatural endowments, as well as, interests and inclinations, so as to enable the individual with these God-given talents to make the greatest possible contribution to the work and progress of the Congregation.” (Con. 169)

Birthdays:
Fr. Pawel Marek Szymanowski, 1982, Poland
Fr. Lukasz Wasikiewicz, 1989, Poland

For the conversion of sinners, and for all in affliction, temptation and agony.
For the grace of perseverance for those who are in initial formation.
For the continued intercession of St. Cornelius and St. Cyprian upon the Church.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“A formation program in which the person is recognized and treated as having dignity flowing from God’s creation will have the characteristics of compassion, encouragement, forgiveness, unity and especially gratitude.” (Eight Principles of Resurrectionist Spirituality, 53)

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross
2026-09-14
FOCAL POINT:
“The ministry of a brother embraces all the areas of the apostolic work of the Congregation except those which require Holy Orders.” (Con. 167)

Deceased:
Fr. Henry Gryczman, 1935, Chicago, USA

For the grace to imitate our Founders, and for fidelity to our charism and mission.
For the courage and hope to address the sorrows of our people.
For the strength to take up the cross and follow Christ.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“A false appropriation of God’s gifts dooms a person to a limited and restricted existence because it closes the door to the full action of the Lord’s Spirit within him.” (Eight Principles of Resurrectionist Spirituality, 46)

St. John Chrysostom
2026-09-13
FOCAL POINT:
“Doctrinal formation continues through growth in the personal assimilation of the mysteries of faith and in the ability to communicate these mysteries in terms understandable to the culture and the times.” (Con. 164)

Deceased:
Fr. Aloysius Orzechowski, 1998, Chicago, USA

For our parents, relatives, friends and benefactors, and for those who have recommended themselves to our prayers.
For couples preparing for marriage.
John Chrysostom was known for his great preaching and teaching, may we be graced to follow his example in our proclamation of faith.

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. He has it primarily because God wished them to have it.” (Eight Principles of Resurrectionist Spirituality, 46)
