Congregation of the Resurrection

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
2026-02-09
FOCAL POINT:
“The goal of each of us who has been called to the Congregation of the Resurrection is to strive for his own personal resurrection with Christ in community and for the resurrection of society.” (Con. 5)

Deceased:
Br. Jozef Goj, 1923, Rome, Italy
Fr. William J. Kloepfer, 1942, St. Agatha, Canada
Fr. Leo Siess, 1977, Dundas, Canada
Fr. Zdzislaw Kmiecik, 1983, Gdansk, Poland

Birthdays:
Fr. Jan Nikel, 1953, Poland

For increased fidelity to our religious vows and to the spirit of our founders.
For perseverance in our vocation and fidelity to our charism and mission.
For peace in our world.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“One’s vocation takes on a new perspective and dynamism when one has come to see life primarily as a response to God’s love.” (Resurrectionist Formation, 11)

St. Scholastica
2026-02-10
FOCAL POINT:
“Our religious profession calls us to perfect our Christian life by following Christ so intimately that we live, die, and rise with Him.” (Con. 6)

Deceased:
Fr. Leo Jasinski, 1925, Chicago, USA
Fr. Alexandre Maluza, 2023, Osasco, Brazil

For the sick and the aged, and for those who are in any way incapacitated.
For those who are experiencing problems with their vocation.
For God’s blessings upon those parishes and institutions named for St. Scholastica.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Community life can be strengthened by the study of our Constitutions, supporting us and challenging us in our personal and communal life.” (Witnesses to the Resurrection, 4)

World Day of the Sick
2026-02-11
FOCAL POINT:
“Christ destroyed sin by dying and empowers us to remove sin and selfishness from our lives by dying to ourselves through the generous acceptance of the renunciation implied in the perfect observance of our vows and in the many difficulties and disappointments of daily life, which constitute some of the crosses that Christ invites us to carry.” (Con. 6)

Deceased:
Fr. Gioacchino Scipioni, 1980, La Spezia, Italy
Br. Vincenzo Beccerica, 1908, Rome, Italy
Fr. Boleslaw Micewski, 2020, Zlocieniec, Poland
Fr. Andrzej Kurek, 2024, Ostrowiec, Swietokrzyski, Poland

For the church, our Holy Father, for the local church and for the ordinary of the diocese.
For all of those who are considering joining our Congregation.
For all who have died in the faith of Christ, may the reward of heaven be theirs.
That we may not neglect our responsibility to care for the sick and suffering.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The Gospel according to Luke presented Jesus Christ as the first Christian, the model Christian, the one we are to imitate in living out the life of the Resurrection given us through the waters of baptism.” (Formation Policies and Procedures, 4)

February 12
2026-02-12
FOCAL POINT:
“We will empty and wholly deny ourselves, in order that Christ may dwell in us and act through us. Then we will be able to say with Saint Paul: ‘… the life I live now is not my own; Christ is living in me’ (Galatians 2:20).” (Con. 6)

Deceased:
Archbp. Salvatore Baccarini, 1962, Capua, Italy

Birthdays:
Fr. Marek Tomski, 1957, Poland

For our Congregation, our general, provincial and regional superiors and their councilors.
For our local community and our local superior.
For vocations to the Congregation of the Resurrection.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The fruitful exercise of obedience requires open and meaningful dialogue between the local superior and the members of his house, individually as well as collectively.” (Provincial Statutes, 10)

February 13
2026-02-13
FOCAL POINT:
“In order to rise with Christ, we need to be open to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit who sanctifies us and conforms us to Christ.” (Con. 7)

Deceased:
Fr. Francis Gordon, 1931, Chicago, USA
Bp. Brian Hennessy, 1997, Southhampton, Bermuda
Fr. Joseph Furmanek, 1998, Des Plaines, USA
Fr. Stanislaw Ignaczak, 2005, Poznan, Poland

Birthdays:
Fr. Grzegorz Wisniewski, 1956, Poland
Fr. Maciej A. Gawlik, 1968, Poland

For postulants, affiliates, novices and seminarians, that they may persevere in their vocations.
For vocations to our community.
For blessings on all married couples.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“If we persevere praying for vocations, God will surely inspire men with the same divine call that our Founders received and pledged in the church.” (Witnesses to the Resurrection, 9)

St. Cyril & St. Methodius
2026-02-14
FOCAL POINT:
“That just as Christ’s primary concerns were to be completely dedicated to performing the will of His Father and loving service for His brothers and sisters, so also will these be the animating principles of our consecrated life.” (Con. 7)

Deceased:
Fr. John Ratajczak, 1952, Chicago, USA

Birthdays:
Fr. Jozef Laniak, 1947, Poland
Cl. Brayan Edward Gigo, 1994, Tanzania
Cl. Emmanuel Ntula, 1987, Tanzania

For our country, for civil rulers on the local and national level, for justice and peace.
For the jobless, the homeless, the poor and the hungry.
In thanksgiving for the service to the Church which Saints Cyril and Methodius model for us.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“If the resurrection of Christ is our greatest certainty and our most precious treasure, how can we not run to proclaim it to others.” (Address by Pope Francis to General Chapter, 2017, 2)

February 15
2026-02-15
FOCAL POINT:
“We will thus begin to share in the new creation, the life of the Risen Saviour.” (Con. 7)

Deceased:
Cl. Adolfo Lanciotti, 1901, Rome, Italy
Fr. Mitchell Starzynski, 1976, Chicago, USA

Birthdays:
Fr. Jose Flavio Sotero Barbosa, 1992, Brazil

For our parents, relatives, friends and benefactors, and for all those who recommended themselves to our prayers.
For those we promised to pray for.
For those who we educated in our schools and parishes.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“I urge you to be builders of evangelical communities and not merely their consumers.” (Address by Pope Francis to General Chapter, 2017, 2)

February 16
2026-02-16
FOCAL POINT:
“Through the exercise of perfect fraternal charity, we rise with Christ and give witness to the world that we are His disciples: ‘I give you a new commandment: Love one another. Such as my love has been for you, so must your love be for one another. This is how all will know you as my disciples: your love for one another’ (John 13:34-35)”. (Con. 7)

Deceased:
Br. Jan Popowski, 1895, Rome, Italy

Birthdays:
Fr. Henry Licznerski, 1966, USA

First Vows:
Fr. Nelson da Silva Santos, 1992, Brazil
Fr. Renato Benassi, 1992, Brazil

For our members in the missions: in Bolivia, Brazil, Tanzania and Bulgaria.
For those who have asked us to pray for their intentions.
For all deceased Resurrectionists.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Fraternal life in community. It entails accepting the brothers the Lord has given us: not those whom we choose, but those the Lord has given us.” (Address by Pope Francis to General Chapter 2017, 2)

Founders’ Day
2026-02-17
FOCAL POINT:
For the glorification of our Founders in the hearts and minds of all Resurrectionists, and for fidelity to our call, our Charism, and our Mission which we share with the Founders.

First Vows:
Br. Miroslaw Kludka, 1997, Poland
Br. Mariusz Zieba, 1998, Poland
Br. Mariusz Biedal, 2005, Poland

Ordination:
Fr. Roberto Cachoeira Javorski, 2004, Brazil

For our community, in thanksgiving for blessings received, and asking continued blessings.
For vocations to our Congregation.
For our living and deceased benefactors.
In thanksgiving for our Founders and the early disciples of the Congregation.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“It is my hope that the unshakeable faith of our Fathers be for all of us an impetus to rediscover, revitalize and strengthen our faith, to share it with others, to spread it and to witness to it with our consistency in both its personal and communal dimension. … Our Founders, after having lived their conversion in France, sealed thereafter by the Sacrament of Reconciliation, began – with the help of God’s grace – the process of being transformed into ‘new men’; a process which de facto lasted (for so it must) for their whole lives.” (Circular Letter to the Brothers 2012, 3 – 4)

First Sunday of Lent
2026-02-18
FOCAL POINT:
“God has honoured Mary by choosing Her to be the Mother of our Saviour. She is also the Mother of the Church which is His body. In our tradition, we have claimed Her as the Mother of our Congregation and have been dedicated to promoting Her honour.” (Con.8)

Deceased:
Fr. Chester Szulc, 1949, Chicago, USA

Birthdays:
Fr. Tadeusz Gajda, 1952, Poland

For the conversion of sinners, and for all in affliction, temptation and agony.
For the Sisters of the Resurrection and their apostolates.
For the grace to respond to God’s call.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“May Mary, who in a singular way experienced and continues to experience the mystery of her Son’s Resurrection, watch over our journey with a mothers love.” (Address by Pope Francis to General Chapter 2017, 3)

February 19
2026-02-19
FOCAL POINT:
“She [Mary] is the model of what salvation is for each of us. In Her Immaculate Conception, She is freed from sin. As the Mother of Sorrows, She shared in the sufferings of Her Son. In Her Assumption, She was raised up to share in the risen life of Jesus.” (Con. 8)

Deceased:
Fr. Stanley Gembala 1984, Chicago, USA
Fr. Joseph Gluchowski, 1997, Des Plains, USA

Ordination:
Fr. Edward Zakowicz, 1994, Poland

For our deceased members and benefactors, for all the faithful departed, and for the one who will die first among us.
For a deeper understanding of the Paschal Mystery.
For our benefactors: in thanksgiving for their continued generosity to the Congregation.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Consider the elements of the Paschal Mystery: (1) dying is necessary as a condition for rising; (2) the new life that ensues is far more lovely than the dying has been; and (3) the new life could not possibly have been expected. Otherwise, the dying would not have been so hard and so deeply resisted.” (New Horizons of Hope, 2)

February 20
2026-02-20
FOCAL POINT:
“If we follow Her [Mary] as our model, we learn to share in the passion, death and resurrection of Her Son and we too will be freed from sin and will share in His new life in the Spirit.” (Con. 8)

Deceased:
Fr. Wiktor Skorka, 1950, Poznan, Poland
Fr. Albert Ruetz, 1980, Waterloo, Canada

Birthdays:
Fr. Jim Donohue, 1955, Canada
Cl. Diogo Sousa Dos Santos, 2002, Brazil

For increased fidelity to our religious vows and to the spirit of our Founders.
For continued interest in the sources of our history and spirituality.
For those who have asked us to pray for their intentions.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“As Resurrectionists, we pledge ourselves to promote the efficacy and validity of the Paschal Mystery wherever and whenever the occasion presents itself in our apostolic work and communal life according to our Constitutions.” (Provincial Statutes, 1)

St. Peter Damian
2026-02-21
FOCAL POINT:
“In its apostolic life, the Congregation shares Christ’s own mission of teaching and sanctifying, establishing His kingdom in the hearts of people.” (Con. 9)

Deceased:
Fr. Wincenty Moszynski, 1920, Rome, Italy
Br. Lucian Budzinski, 1990, St. Louis, USA
Fr. Jan Franciok, 2019, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Birthday:
Fr. Edward Jaskula, 1929, USA

Ordination:
Fr. Zdzislaw Korcz, 1959, Poland

For God’s blessings on the work of the International Formation Commission.
For the members of the various provincial and regional commissions.
For the Benedictine Community as they celebrate the feast of St. Peter Damian.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“As religious at the service of the Church, our special gift and charism is to witness to the Paschal Mystery.” (Provincial Pastoral Handbook, 1)

The Chair of St. Peter
2026-02-22
FOCAL POINT:
“In carrying out its mission, the members of the Congregation will always be open to the needs of the Church and society in our times.” (Con. 9)

Deceased:
Fr. Clement Weiss, 1980, Chicago, USA

Birthday:
Fr. Kazimierz Wojtowicz, 1945, Poland

That the Holy Spirit may guide our vocation directors in their ministry, and for vocations to the Congregation.
For our parents living and deceased.
On this day let us celebrate Saint Peter and all his successors.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“We must always be aware in exercising our active apostolate that the members of our Congregation, our students, our parishioners and all with whom we come in contact enjoy priority over our own personal desires, and even over the regulations of our religious house as long as our religious life in common does not suffer.” (Provincial Statutes, 56).

St. Polycarp
2026-02-23
FOCAL POINT:
“True to the spirit of the Founders, the Congregation strives for the resurrection of society, especially through the parish and educational apostolates.” (Con. 9)

Deceased:
Br. Adam Schwaba, 1939, Kitchener, Canada
Br. Stanislaus Gorzkowski, 1946, Chicago, USA
Br. Joseph Barber, 1972, St. Mary, USA

For the Church, for our Holy Father, for all Bishops, preachers and teachers of faith.
For all members of our local house.
For Saint Polycarp, known as a fortress of faith even in the face of martyrdom.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“As a community we are called to be witnesses to the world of the presence of the Risen Lord.” (Witnesses to the Resurrection, 1)

February 24
2026-02-24
FOCAL POINT:
“We zealously strive to overcome sin, ignorance, injustice and misery. Our work builds community in which they experience the hope, peace and joy, which the Risen Lord desires to share with them. (Con. 9)

Deceased:
Fr. Anthony Bocian, 1917, Oconomowoc, USA
Fr. Leonard Oberle, 1970, Kitchener, Canada
Fr. Donald Marrokal, 2007, Niles, USA

For our local community, the superior and all of the members.
For a spirit of reconciliation in our personal lives, in community relationships, carrying over into our ministry shared with the faithful we serve.
For peace in the world.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
A particular expression of our charism is collaboration with the laity as well as creating together communities of Christian life.” (Continuing A Vision of Hope, 14)

Second Sunday of Lent
2026-02-25
FOCAL POINT:
“The Congregation carries out this mission in submission to the Holy Father, holding him in filial regard and acknowledging him as its highest Superior through the vow of obedience.” (Con. 9)

For our Congregation throughout the world, for the general, provincial and regional curias, and for vocations.
For peace in the world.
For those struggling with addictions, marital problems, finances and health issues – for the gift of peace.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“In a society that tends to reduce everything to flat uniformity, where injustice gives rise to divisions and hostility, in a world torn and aggressive, ensure that the witness of fraternal life in community will never be lacking.’ (Address by Pope Francis to General Chapter 2017, 2)

March 1 & World Day of Prayer
2026-03-01
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)

St. Casimir
2026-03-04
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
2026-03-05
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
2026-03-06
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
2026-03-07
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
2026-03-08
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
2026-03-09
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
2026-03-10
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
2026-03-11
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
2026-03-12
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)
2026-03-13
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
2026-03-14
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
2026-03-15
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)
