Congregation of the Resurrection

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)

St. Albert the Great
2026-11-15
FOCAL POINT:
“Programs of sacramental and social ministry to the sick and elderly will constitute an integral part of the Resurrectionist parish apostolate.” (Con. 215)

Deceased:
Br. Giuseppe Piciotti, 1896, Rome, Italy
Fr. Jakub Panek, 1963, Rogoznik, Poland
Fr. Edward Janas, 1995, Des Plaines, USA

For all who have recommended themselves to our prayers.
For the Dominican community as they celebrate the feast of St. Albert the Great.
For peace in the world.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Some countries are gradually making significant progress, developing more effective controls and working to combat corruption. People may well have a growing ecological sensitivity but it has not succeeded in changing their harmful habits of consumption which, rather than decreasing, appear to be growing all the more.” (Laudato Si’, 55)

Thirty-Third Sunday & World Day of the Poor
2026-11-16
FOCAL POINT:
“When united with the sufferings of Christ, their [the sick] suffering has great value for the Church and for themselves since it can lead to their own participation in the glory of the resurrection.” (Con. 215)

Deceased:
Br. Anthony Korzuchowski, 1920, Chicago, USA
Fr. Joseph Hoffarth, 1949, Guelph, Canada
Fr. Maciej Maciejewski, 1999, Krzemienca, Bielorussia

For the grace of fidelity to our religious vows and the charism and mission of the Congregation.
That our care of the poor may truly be a sign of Christ’s charity for all those in need.
That we may prepare ourselves spiritually for the approaching season of Advent.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“It is foreseeable that, once certain resources have been depleted, the scene will be set for new wars, albeit under the guise of noble claims.” (Laudato Si’, 57)

St. Elizabeth of Hungary
2026-11-17
FOCAL POINT:
“The parish is a community made up of smaller communities through which the faithful will be able to realize their responsibility for the Church.” (Con. 216)

Deceased:
Fr. Joseph Sharfenberger, 1994, Louisville, USA
Fr. Andrzej Sosnowski, 2023, Rome, Italy

For vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life, especially to our Congregation.
For all benefactors, living and deceased.
May the Communion of Saints inspire us to ever-greater fidelity to the Lord.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“A change in lifestyle could bring healthy pressure to bear on those who wield political, economic and social power. This is what consumer movements accomplish by boycotting certain products.” (Laudato Si’, 206)

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

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

Birthday:
Fr. Kamil Brozyna, 1996, Poland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Birthdays:
Fr. Mariusz Kiniorski, 1968, Poland

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

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

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

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

Ordination:
Fr. Andre Malta Martins, 2016, Brazil

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Birthday:
Fr. Szymon Zaniewski, 1987, Poland

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

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

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

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

Birthday:
Fr. Edward Zakowicz, 1968, Poland

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

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

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

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

Birthday:
Fr. Henry Ruszel, 1926, USA

First Vows:
Fr. Marek Tomski, 1982, Poland

Ordination:
Fr. Rafal Wasilewski, 2012, USA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Birthday:
Fr. Christopher Buda, 1949, Poland

Ordination:
Fr. Paul Smith, 2010, USA

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

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

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

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

Birthday:
Fr. Bartlomiej Gzella, 1973, Poland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

First Vows:
Fr. Adam Otrebski, 1985, Poland

Ordination:
Fr. Delwyn Haroldson, 2012, USA

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

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

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
2026-12-08
FOCAL POINT:
“We believe that Mary is our model for all that we are called to be and do as Resurrectionists.” (Charism Statement)

Deceased:
Fr. Josef Zabowka, 2020 Lomianki, Poland

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

Ordination:
Fr. Vitalis Masika, 2022, Tanzania

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

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