Congregation of the Resurrection

St. Marguerite D’Youville - World Food Day
2026-10-16
FOCAL POINT:
“Religious working among people of nationalities other than their own are strongly exhorted to acquire a thorough knowledge of the language, culture and customs of the people they serve as well as their own. This knowledge will enable them to render greater service to the people of God, to witness more effectively for Christ and to insure their own greater self-fulfillment.” (Con. 200)

Deceased:
Fr. Claude Straus, 1958, Kitchener, Canada

For the conversion of sinners, and for all in affliction, temptation and agony.
On this “World Food Day” the Church invites us to deepen our care, concern and assistance for those who are deprived of the food necessary for health and survival.
In thanksgiving for the example Saint Marguerite D’Youville modeled for us in her care for the poor.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The urgent challenge to protect our common home includes a concern to bring the whole human family together to seek a sustainable and integral development for we know that things can change.” (Laudato Si’, 13)

St. Ignatius of Antioch
2026-10-17
FOCAL POINT:
“To better assess the needs of the time, each Province and Region should form both educational and parochial policies in the light of the Constitutions and according to the needs of the particular country.” (Con. 201)

For deceased members and benefactors.
For educational apostolates – for teachers, students and support workers.
For Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Patriarch of Antioch, who was martyred for the faith.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The continued acceleration of changes affecting humanity and the planet is coupled today with a more intensified pace of life and work which might be called ‘rapidification’.” (Laudato Si’, 18)

St. Luke
2026-10-18
FOCAL POINT:
“True to the spirit of its Founders, the Congregation considers its work in education to be a fruitful aspect of its apostolate and, under the guidance of the Church, directs its energies to all phases of this work, including the direction of educational institutions at every level.” (Con. 202)

Deceased:
Fr. Francis Breitkopf, 1904, Kitchener, Canada
Fr. Mieczylaw Sarnecki, 1995, Poznan, Poland

Birthday:
Cl. Kamil Sekula, 1992, Poland

For all the faithful departed and for the one who will die first among us.
On this feast day honoring Saint Luke, we are thankful for the inspired Word of God which the Evangelist gave to the Church.
For our members no longer involved in full-time active ministry.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth.” (Laudato Si’, 21)

St. Paul of the Cross
2026-10-19
FOCAL POINT:
May our “education and parochial apostolates work together to achieve the common goal of the Congregation, which is the resurrection of society.” (Con. 202)

Birthdays:
Fr. Dennis Sanders, 1940, USA
Bp. Wieslaw Spiewak, 1963, Poland

For fidelity to our religious vows, charism and mission, and for the spirit of the resurrection.
For the religious community, the Passionists, as they honour their founder Saint Paul of the Cross.
For all those preparing to receive the sacraments of initiation.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all. At the global level, it is a complex system linked to many of the essential conditions for human life.” (Laudato Si’, 23)

St. Hedwig and St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
2026-10-20
FOCAL POINT:
“The goal of the educational apostolate is the development of the entire human person. This end is accomplished by cultivating the intellect and fostering right judgment, thereby leading people to God, the source and end of all wisdom and knowledge.” (Con. 203)

Deceased:
Br. Marcin Wojciechowski, 1918, Krakow, Poland
Fr. Lawrence Vallimont, 2003, Clearfield, USA
Fr. Marian Gradziel, 2004, Krakow, Poland

Birthday:
Br. Edward Benson, 1944, USA
Fr. Gary Young, 1940, USA

For the Church, our Holy Father, and for the local ordinary.
For Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, who through her example, increased devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
For vocations to the Congregation of the Resurrection.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Climate change is a global problem with grave implications: environmental, social, economic, political and for the distribution of goods.” (Laudato Si’, 25)

October 21
2026-10-21
FOCAL POINT:
“In the educational apostolate … religious will instill in people a sense of personal dignity, freedom and mission and create a faith community alive with the spirit of the Risen Christ.” (Con. 203)

For the Congregation, our superiors and for vocations.
For peace in the world.
For perseverance in our vocations.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“There has been a tragic rise in the number of migrants seeking to flee from the growing poverty caused by environmental degradation.” (Laudato Si’, 25)

Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time - World Mission Sunday
2026-10-22
FOCAL POINT:
“In the educational apostolate, the religious are committed to a meeting of intellectual and spiritual values.” (Con. 203)

Deceased:
Fr. David Fennessy, 1913, St. Louis, USA
Br. John Brzykcy, 1917, Chicago, USA

Birthday:
Fr. Patrick Aiello, 1930, Canada

For our country, for justice and for peace.
For our parents, relatives, friends and benefactors.
On this “World Mission Sunday” let us pray for the missionary activity of the Church throughout the world, and for a spirit of generosity in our support for the missions.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Many of those who possess more resources and economic or political power seem mostly to be concerned with masking the problems or concealing their symptoms, simply making efforts to reduce some of the negative impacts of climate change. However, many of these symptoms indicate that such effects will continue to worsen if we continue with current models of production and consumption.” (Laudato Si’, 26)

St. John of Capistrano
2026-10-23
FOCAL POINT:
“The religious will strive to nourish in others a deep appreciation and love for truth whose source is Christ, ‘the way, the truth and the life’ (John 14:6).” (Con. 204)

Deceased:
Fr. Wladyslaw Motala, 1987, Drawsko Pom, Poland

For all those who have recommended themselves to our prayers.
For respect for life from conception to natural death.
For the Franciscans, as they celebrate the feast of St. John of Capistrano.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The exploitation of the planet has already exceeded acceptable limits and we still have not solved the problem of poverty.” (Laudato Si’, 27)

St. Anthony Mary Claret
2026-10-24
FOCAL POINT:
“By their teaching and research, religious encourage others to become actively involved in the search for truth through scholarly investigation with due freedom, through reflecting on their own life experiences and through questioning the world around them.” (Con. 204)

Deceased:
Fr. Julio Blazejewski, 2022, Poland

For the grace to imitate our Founders, and for the spirit of the resurrection.
For continued blessings upon all our members and their ministries.
For the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary whose founder, St. Anthony Mary Claret, they honor today.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Fresh drinking water is an issue of primary importance, since it is indispensable for human life and for supporting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.” (Laudato Si’, 28)

October 25
2026-10-25
FOCAL POINT:
“The religious will endeavor to instill in others a sense of personal dignity, freedom and mission.” (Con. 205)

Birthdays:
Fr. Andrzej Napiecek, 1952, Poland
Fr. Romuald Poltorak, 1963, Poland

For our members in the missions.
For religious experiencing problems or living on the margins of the community.
For peace in our world.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Water poverty especially affects Africa where large sectors of the population have no access to safe drinking water or experience droughts which impede agricultural production.” (Laudato Si’, 28)

October 26
2026-10-26
FOCAL POINT:
“The sense of mission prompts the individual to respond to the needs of other people at every social level and to take an active part in one’s own parish, country and world community with a view to the resurrection of society.” (Con. 205)

Birthday:
Fr. Norbert Raszeja, 1942, USA

For the conversion of sinners, and for all in affliction, temptation and agony.
For blessings upon our families.
For all living and deceased benefactors.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“One particularly serious problem is the quality of water available to the poor. Every day, unsafe water results in many deaths and the spread of water-related diseases, including those caused by microorganisms and chemical substances.” (Laudato Si’, 29)

October 27
2026-10-27
FOCAL POINT:
“Of special concern is developing leaders in every professional field, not the least of which is the development of spiritual leaders in the consecrated life and priesthood.” (Con. 205)

Deceased:
Fr. Thomasz Brzeska, 1900, Rome, Italy
Br. Maksymilian Depczynski, 1915, Verdun, France
Fr. John Poreda, 1981, Chicago, USA
Fr. John Dzielski, 1987, Chicago, USA

Birthday:
Fr. Wlodzimierz Sobolewski, 1951, Poland

For our deceased members and benefactors, and for the one who will die first among us.
For vocations to the Congregation of the Resurrection.
For peace in the world.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Our world has a grave social debt towards the poor who lack access to drinking water, because they are denied the right to a life consistent with their inalienable dignity.” (Laudat Si’, 30)

Sts. Simon and Jude
2026-10-28
FOCAL POINT:
“The religious will strive to create faith communities described in the Acts of the Apostles and the writings of Bogdan Janski which provide an experience of Christian life, worship, friendship and affirmation.” (Con. 206)

Deceased:
Cl. Josef Kowalczyk, 1988, Mszana Goma, Poland
Fr. Carl Fritz, 1989, Somerset, Bermuda

For increased fidelity to our vows and our community charism and mission.
For a deepening of our prayer lives.
May the example of the response to the call of Christ by Saints Simon and Jude, inspire us to ever-deeper commitment to our own call.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Greater scarcity of water will lead to an increase in the cost of food and the various products which depend on its use.” (Laudato Si’, 31)

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
2026-10-29
FOCAL POINT:
“In such communities, people can deepen their appreciation for their Christian cultural and national heritage, while simultaneously learning to transcend the limitations of personal background and the prejudices of social class, culture and nationality.” (Con. 206)

For the Church, our Holy Father and the local ordinary.
For vocations to the Congregation of the Resurrection.
For peace in the world.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The environmental repercussions could affect billions of people; it is also conceivable that the control of water by large multinational businesses may become a major source of conflict in this century.” (Laudato Si’, 31)

Day of Prayer for Peace in Province of Quebec
2026-10-30
FOCAL POINT:
“The religious will look upon their educational institutions as excellent places in which to develop Christian community. In these institutions, they seek to create an atmosphere of freedom and responsibility while maintaining the discipline necessary to attain the ideals of the Christian community.” (Con. 207)

Deceased:
Fr. Walter Bartylak, 1978, Chicago, USA
Cl. Wojciech Bulinski, 1995, Krakow, Poland

Birthday:
Fr. Herbert Sojka, 1958, Poland

For our Congregation and our superiors, and for vocations to our Congregation.
That Mary may continue to be a model of all that we are called to be and do.
On this day the assembly of bishops in Quebec invite all Christians to pray for peace as we conclude the annual disarmament week established by the United Nations.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The earth’s resources are also being plundered because of shortsighted approaches to the economy, commerce and production.” (Laudato Si’, 32)

October 31
2026-10-31
FOCAL POINT:
“They [religious] also strive to maintain a fundamental and reverent respect for the integrity and individuality of both students and teachers. Openness and availability to their students and co-workers will be an important means of fostering Christian community.” (Con. 207)

Deceased:
Fr. Tadeusz Barglik, 1979, Radziwillow, Poland

For the sick, the suffering and the dying, and for those who are lonely.
For living parents and benefactors of members of the Congregation.
For peace in the world.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“In assessing the environmental impact of any project, concern is usually shown for its effects on soil, water and air; yet few careful studies are made of its impact on biodiversity, as if the loss of species of animals and plant groups were of little importance.” (Laudato Si’, 35)

All Saints Day
2026-11-01
FOCAL POINT:
“The religious will strive to lead those with whom they work in the educational apostolate to share in the educational goals and objectives of the Congregation.” (Con. 210)

Deceased:
Br. Joseph Skornog, 1942, Chicago, USA

Birthdays:
Br. Tadeusz Kuras, 1944, Poland
Fr. Piotr Korycinski, 1981, Poland

For our personal sanctification through a life of union with the Risen Christ.
For all the saintly people that have gone before us in our families and in our Congregation.
For those who are actively dying, for the grace of hope and peace.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Some countries have made significant progress in establishing sanctuaries on land and in the oceans where any human intervention is prohibited which might modify their features or alter their original structures.” (Laudato Si’, 37)

All Souls Day
2026-11-02
FOCAL POINT:
“In the educational apostolate, the religious will work in cooperation with the local Church through their own participation in its life and by leading their students to a similar active participation.” (Con. 211)

Deceased:
Cl. Ludwik Pawlicki, 1883, Rome, Italy
Fr. Michael Cundari, 1986, Burk’s Falls, Canada

For our deceased members, parents, relatives, friends and benefactors.
For all the faithful departed, and for the one who will die first among us.
For vocations to the Congregation.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Oceans not only contain the bulk of our planet’s water supply, but also most of the immense variety of living creatures, many of them still unknown to us and threatened for various reasons.” (Laudato Si’, 40)

St. Martin de Porres
2026-11-03
FOCAL POINT:
“The Congregation considers one of it principal works to be the parish apostolate since the parish constitutes the basic unit of the ecclesial community.” (Con. 212)

Deceased:
Br. Ignacy Mamczarz, 1940, Radziwillow, Poland
Fr. Casimir Guziel, 1986, Chicago, USA
Fr. Wladzslaw Kosinski, 1996, Rome, Italy

For the deceased, forgotten by others, who are in special need of prayers.
For the Church, our Holy Father, and for our local ordinary.
For the order of Dominicans as they celebrate and honour St. Martin de Porres today.
For those who shepherd and guide and Church.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Greater investment needs to be made in research aimed at understanding more fully the functioning of ecosystems and adequately analyzing the different variables associated with any significant modification of the environment.” (Laudato Si’, 42)

St. Charles Borromeo
2026-11-04
FOCAL POINT:
“The religious working in the parish apostolate will exercise special care so that the parish will become one family, united in the Spirit and love of Christ, on the model of the first Christian community in Jerusalem where ‘the community of believers were of one heart and one mind’ (Acts 4:32).” (Con. 212)

Deceased:
Fr. John Nagorznik, 1908, San Antonio, USA
Br. Giuseppe Mastropietro, 1928, Rome, Italy
Fr. Walter Barron, 1990, Des Plaines, USA

For the Congregation and for our superiors.
In thanksgiving for St. Charles Borromeo, known for his introduction of reforms and for the founding of the first seminaries.
For deceased parents and family members.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Human beings too are creatures of this world, enjoying a right to life and happiness, and endowed with unique dignity. So, we cannot fail to consider the effects on people’s lives of environmental deterioration, current models of development and the throwaway culture.” (Laudato Si’, 43)

November 5
2026-11-05
FOCAL POINT:
“The building up of the Church is effected in the parish especially by means of the family. The family deserves special attention so that, as the domestic church, it will find its rightful place in the mission of the parish.” (Con. 213)

Deceased:
Fr. Magnus Fedy, 1975, North Bay, Canada
Fr. Stanislaw Rosiek, 2005, Czchow, Poland
Fr. Raymond Hughes, 2017, Fort Myers, USA
Fr. Melvin Rybarczyk, 2020, Chicago, USA

For our country, for peace and justice.
For the souls of all our departed Apostles of the Resurrection.
For vocations to the Congregation of the Resurrection.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Many cities are huge, inefficient structures, excessively wasteful of energy and water.” (Laudato Si’, 44)

November 6
2026-11-06
FOCAL POINT:
“The family will realize its apostolic vocation through mutual love and common prayer, by living a life of mercy, justice and charity and by serving all people, especially those in need.” (Con. 213)

Deceased:
Fr. John Steffan, 1896, New Hope, USA
Fr. Pawel Scheppe, 1915, Vienna, Austria
Fr. Tadeusz Kondrowski, 2012, Kirchheim, Austria

Birthdays:
Cl. Michal Kowalczyk, 1995, Poland

For fidelity to the spirit of our Founders.
For the souls of all our deceased benefactors.
For peace in the world.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Furthermore, when media and the digital world become omnipresent, their influence can stop people from learning how to live wisely, to think deeply and to love generously.” (Laudato Si’, 47)

November 7
2026-11-07
FOCAL POINT:
“The formation of the new person is the common mission of the family and of the Church.” (Con. 214)

Deceased:
Br. Leonard Kowalski, 1887, Rome, Italy
Fr. Edmund Bujalski, 1975, Chicago, USA
Fr. Donald Zinn, 2016, Niles, USA

Birthdays:
Fr. Stanislaw Stenka, 1954, Poland
Fr. Dariusz Szczecinski, 1969, Poland

For our Congregation and for vocations.
For peace in our world.
For our Holy Father as he continues his mission to shepherd the flock of the Church.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The human environment and the natural environment deteriorate together; we cannot adequately combat environmental degradation unless we attend to causes related to human and social degradation.” (Laudato Si’, 48)

November 8
2026-11-08
FOCAL POINT:
“The fundamental motive for all the Congregation’s pastoral efforts in its parishes for the benefit of children and youth, will be the concern for the new person, reborn through the Sacrament of Baptism, the Christian’s first resurrection.” (Con. 214)

Deceased:
Fr. Stanislaus Swierczek, 1969, Woodstock, USA

Birthday:
Fr. Stanislaus Pankiewicz, 1958, Poland

For our members in the missions.
For all our deceased superior generals and their curia.
For vocations to the Congregation of the Resurrection.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The deterioration of the environment and of society affects the most vulnerable people on the planet.” (Laudato Si’, 48)

The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
2026-11-09
FOCAL POINT:
“The formation of children and youth is accomplished through catechesis, retreats, liturgy and other pastoral means. All ministry should reflect the joy of the Paschal Mystery.” (Con. 214)

Deceased:
Fr. Vincent Grzybowski, 1984, San Bernardino, USA
Fr. Joseph Polinski, 1991, Des Plaines, USA
Fr. Eugene Tyson, 2003, Chepstow, Canada
Fr. Roman Lebiedziuk, 2020, Mentorella, Italy

For the one who will die first among us.
For a greater belief in our own resurrection with the Risen Lord.
Today we recognize the Lateran Basilica in Rome as the mother and mistress of all the churches; may this day call us to a deeper devotion of the death and rising of Christ.
This feast reminds us of the unity of the Holy Father and the universal Church, may this unity continue under the care of our Most Holy Saviour.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“It needs to be said that, generally speaking, there is little in the way of clear awareness of problems which especially affect the excluded. Yet they are the majority of the planet’s population, billions of people.” (Laudato Si’, 49)

St. Leo the Great
2026-11-10
FOCAL POINT:
“The religious will help the laity to discover the power of the Holy Spirit working in the sacraments of Christian initiation, and in this way, introduce them to responsibility for the mission of the Church.” (Con. 198)

Deceased:
Fr. Michael Jaglowicz, 1943, St. Mary, USA
Fr. Leo Cukierski, 1958, Chicago, USA

Birthday:
Fr. Miroslaw Bania, 1964, Poland

For those who have recommended themselves to our prayers.
For the gift the Popes have been to the life of the Church.
For those who have no one to pray for them.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Today, however, we have to realize that a true ecological approach always becomes a social approach; it must integrate questions of justice in debates on the environment, so as to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.” (Laudato Si’, 49)

St. Martin of Tours - Remembrance Day
2026-11-11
FOCAL POINT:
Religious “will acknowledge the dignity of the role of the laity in the life of the Church, listening to their voice with fraternal concern and taking into account their desires, points of view, experience and competence.” (Con. 198)

Deceased:
Br. Ignacy Kurowiak, 1935, Rome, Italy
Fr. Edward Dentinger, 2003, Kitchener, Canada
Fr. Eugeniusz Matys, 2012, Krakow, Poland

For our country, civil rulers, and for peace.
That we share the gift of mercy in our ministry as we follow the example of St. Martin of Tours.
For all Canadians who died in war while serving their country; for peace in our hearts and the world, and for an end to all forms of war.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Inequity affects not only individuals but entire countries; it compels us to consider an ethics of international relations.” (Laudato Si’, 51)

Saint Josaphat
2026-11-12
FOCAL POINT:
“The religious recognize that the laity have a specific ministry in the service of the Church, and they will therefore give them a free hand and encourage their initiative.” (Con. 198)

Deceased:
Fr. Eugene Winkelman, 1965, Chicago, USA
Fr. Wincenty Suwala, 2024, Sandomierz, Poland

For the conversion of sinners, and for all in affliction, temptation and agony.
For deceased directors of formation.
For the example of martyrdom which Saint Josaphat offered for the Church.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The foreign debt of poor countries has become a way of controlling them.” (Laudato Si’, 52)

November 13
2026-11-13
FOCAL POINT:
“They [religious] will provide opportunities for the religious education and continuing formation for the laity.” (Con. 198)

Deceased:
Fr. Tadeusz Przybylowicz, 1984, Krakow, Poland
Fr. Jerzy Jedynak, 2005, Krakow, Poland

For our members in the missions.
For parents, relatives, friends and benefactors of the Congregation.
For deceased members of the Congregation, and for he who will die first among us.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Never have we so hurt and mistreated our common home as we have in the last two hundred years.” (Laudato Si’, 53)

November 14
2026-11-14
FOCAL POINT:
“The sick, the aged, the lonely and all people finding themselves in any other kind of need, await the special care and attention of the religious.” (Con. 215)

Deceased:
Novice Teofil Kubik, 1902, Rome, Italy
Fr. Francis Lapinski, 1991, Las Vegas, USA
Fr. Alexander McCauley, 2013, Kitchener, Canada

Birthday:
Fr. Sebastian Habowski, 1979, Poland

For living parents, relative, friends and benefactors of the Congregation.
For peace in the world.
For vocations to the Congregation of the Resurrection.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The failure of global summits on the environment make it plain that our politics are subject to technology and finance.” (Laudato Si’, 54)
