Congregation of the Resurrection

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)

March 16
2026-03-16
Focal Point:
“In addition to prayer, we shall add the practice of mortification to help us to grow in self-discipline, which enables us to avoid what endangers our observance of chastity.” (Con. 18)

Birthdays:
Br. John Cline, 1942, Canada
Fr. Josef Domoradski, 1951, Poland
Fr. Mariusz Mazur, 1969, Poland

For increased fidelity to our community charism and to our religious vows.
For vocations to our Congregation.
For peace in our world.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The effects of personal sin disorient religious from their goals and increases their inclination to evil.” (Resurrectionist Formation, 97)

Fifth Sunday of Lent & Development and Peace Sunday
2026-03-17
FOCAL POINT:
“True fraternal charity realized in our community life is a strong aid to chastity.” (Con. 18)

Deceased:
Fr. Francis Repinski, 1927, Chicago, USA
Fr. Walenty Flieger, 2019, Gdansk, Poland.

For all those who have recommended themselves to our prayers.
That through the intercession of St. Patrick, we may be evangelizers to the unchurched.
For peace in the world.
May our efforts in support of Canadian Development and Peace bring greater peace of all God’s creation.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The common life lived in a manner which promotes unity and love with the Lord and among the members is a lofty goal.” (Resurrectionist Formation, 155)

St. Cyril of Jerusalem
2026-03-18
FOCAL POINT:
“In response to Christ’s invitation, and recalling the example of His own personal life, we vow to live a life of evangelical poverty.” (Con. 19)

Deceased:
Br. Benedetto Benedetti, 1921, St. Angelo, Italy

That the Lord may help us to remove from our lives anything that separates us from Him, or that hinders His work in us and through us.
For our members in the missions.
May the example of Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, theologian, inspire us to deepen our theological knowledge.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“We will promote stewardship as a way of life in our pastoral apostolates.” (Provincial Pastoral Handbook, 3)

Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Virgin Mary & Principal Patron of Canada
2026-03-19
FOCAL POINT:
“That the profession of poverty for the sake of following Christ implies a life of labor and moderation.” (Con. 20)

Deceased:
Fr. Constantinus Chaulland, 1883, Adrianople, Bulgaria
Fr. Piotr Kaglik, 2003, Vienna, Austria
Fr. Wieslaw Langner, 2006, Koscierzyna, Poland

Ordination:
Fr. Marian Szablewski, 1965, Poland

For our bishop, and for our local superior.
That this season of Lent may be enriched with prayer, fasting and alms giving.
For the people of Canada, may our patron, Saint Joseph, continue to watch over us and protect us.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“In our human condition we are weak, vulnerable and broken. When we fail to admit our condition, we can destroy our community life and eat away at personal relationships with our brothers.” (Witnesses to the Resurrection, 4)

March 20
2026-03-20
FOCAL POINT:
“By force of the vow [poverty], a complete dependence on our Superiors in the use and disposition of goods as well as the renouncing of at least the administration of our own patrimony.” (Con. 20)

Deceased:
Fr. Carl Benninger, 1956, Louisville, USA
Fr. Peter Pigott, 2022, Kitchener, Canada

Birthdays:
Fr. Wincenty Suwala, 1931, Poland
Fr. Marek Perzynski, 1955, Poland

That the spirit of prayer and mortification may take root in our Congregation of the Resurrection.
For the people of Canada as we celebrate the patron saint of Canada, for blessings upon our lands and people.
For vocations to the Congregation of the Resurrection.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Personal growth means opening an inner space of freedom in order to allow God to be more present in us and to act in us more freely.” (Ongoing Formation,6)

March 21
2026-03-21
FOCAL POINT:
“By evangelical poverty, we worship God by acknowledging our total dependence on Him.” (Con. 21)

Deceased:
Fr. John Iwicki, 1992, Bensenville, USA

Birthdays:
Fr. Joseph Glab, 1945, USA
Fr. Pedro Loll, 1947, Poland
Br. Miroslaw Kludka, 1969, Poland

For our parents, relatives, friends and benefactors.
For those seeking employment.
For the terminally ill, for the grace to let go and welcome the invitation of the Risen Lord to eternity.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“We believe that God continues to call people to a religious vocation in the midst of a contemporary culture of death and unfreedom.” (A Vision of Hope, 11)

March 22
2026-03-22
FOCUS POINT:
“We detach ourselves from material things so that we may give ourselves more fully to the imitation of the poor Christ and to the exercise of the apostolate.” (Con. 21)

Birthdays:
CI. Petro Kushaha Francis, 1998, Tanzania
CI. Gabriel Malone Ramos Bastos, 2001, Brazil

That we may hear and accept the gospel call to repent.
For the one who will die first among us.
For peace in the world.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“By the process of personal conversion, a person lives the Paschal Mystery.” (Resurrectionist Formation, 111)

St. Turibius of Mogrovejo
2026-03-23
FOCAL POINT:
[Through poverty] “We give witness to the world of the supreme importance of storing up treasure in heaven.” (Con. 21)

Birthdays:
Fr. Lucjan Bartkowiak, 1974, Poland

Ordinations:
Fr. Edward Lipiec, 1969, Poland
Fr. Tadeusz Nosal, 1969, Poland

That we may identify with Christ and with his mission, accepting our call ‘to serve the needs of all.’
For the members of the Polish Province.
For the indigenous people of South America, may their patron, Saint Turibius, bless them and enrich them.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“We have hope and confidence in the Risen Lord who continues to walk with us, inviting us to encounter him in new and surprising ways.” (Witnesses to the Resurrection, 1)

Passion (Palm) Sunday
2026-03-24
FOCAL POINT:
“Since Christ was a person who was poor both in fact and in spirit, our practice of evangelical poverty will be both external and internal.” (Con. 22)

Deceased:
Archbp. Joseph Weber, 1918, Chicago, USA
Fr. Joseph Prusinski, 1980, Chicago, USA
Br. Andrzej Gierczak, 1981, Rome, Italy
Fr. James Antosz, 1989, Du Bois, USA
Fr. Mario Troiani, 2002, Pescara, Italy

Birthdays:
Fr. Kazimierz Linkiewicz, 1929, Poland
Fr. Stanislaw Szklarczyk, 1977, Poland

That the Church may be renewed constantly and purified by penance.
For the conversion of sinner.
In thanksgiving for the passion of Christ, may his great gift to us not be forgotten.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Our emotions are an integral and essential part of our human nature. As such, they are good in enriching our lives, giving us a zest for life, warning us of danger, strengthening us in difficult times.” (Resurrection Formation, 67)

Holy Week
2026-03-25
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. Franciszek Anders, 1985, Poznan, Poland
Br. Carl Voll, 2000, Kitchener, Canada

That we may recognize and accept ourselves as religious with vows which must be lived authentically, credibly, radically, prophetically and joyfully.
For vocations to our Congregation.
That in our words and deeds, we will announce the presence of the Lord in our lives.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Mary, you will conceive and bear a son.” (Luke 1:27)

Holy Week
2026-03-26
FOCAL POINT:
“In our practice of external poverty, before we seek a permission from our Superior, we need to be convinced honestly that our request is in conformity with the spirit of the vows.” (Con. 22)

Deceased:
Fr. Andrzej Drabik, 1941, Skole, Poland
Fr. Peter Fehrenbach, 1980, Toronto, Canada

For faithfulness to the vows, and for the spirit of resurrection.
For blessings upon all Resurrectionists throughout the world.
For peace in the world.

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)

Holy Week
2026-03-27
FOCAL POINT:
“In forming this conviction [to practice external poverty], we will weigh our personal needs and the needs of our apostolate against the call of our vocation to imitate the poverty of Christ.” (Con. 22)

Deceased:
Fr. Andrzej Paszkiewicz, 1932, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Fr. Michael Weiler, 1970, Detroit, USA
Fr. Piotr Kobus, 1975, Krakow, Poland

Birthdays:
Fr. Krzysztof Kasperek, 1962, Poland

For an awareness that we are religious in the Church and for the Church, and for a spirit of docility to the wishes of the Holy Father.
For the sick, the aged and the lonely. For the one who will die first among us.
For the needs of the Church and the Congregation in developing countries.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“As an international community, our call is to become an intercultural community in which there is a deep understanding and respect for all cultures, the mutual exchange of ideas and cultural norms, as well as the development of deep relationships.” (Witnesses to the Resurrection, 15)

Holy Thursday of the Lord’s Supper
2026-03-28
FOCAL POINT:
“Our imitation of Christ’s poverty gives witness that we are indeed seeking God above all things, and that we value spiritual goods above material good.” (Con. 22)

Deceased:
Fr. Isidor Georgiev, 1909, Malko Tirnovo, Bulgaria
Br. Giovanni Cinti, 1929, Rome, Italy
Fr. John Obyrtacz, 1935, Chicago, USA
Fr. Jan Zdechlik, 1940, Rome, Italy
Fr. Thaddeus Ligman, 1950, Chicago, USA

For the sick, the suffering, the dying and for the one who will die first among us.
For the members of our local house.
For our Jewish and Muslim brothers and sisters.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“We as members of the Congregation of the Resurrection are called to administer our financial patrimony with due diligence, so as not to endanger the continuation of our mission or even our very survival as a religious community of consecrated religious.” (Witnesses to the Resurrection, 15)

Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion
2026-03-29
FOCAL POINT:
“In our practice of interior poverty, which was commended so highly by Christ, we grow ever more aware that our possessions, out talents and our very being have been given to us by God, and that we are completely dependent on Him.” (Con. 22)

Deceased:
Fr. Stanislaw Szyller, 1905, Adrianopel, Bulgaria
Fr. Vincent Rapacz, 1931, Chicago, USA
Br. Stanislaus Glinski, 1943, Kankakee, USA
Fr. Edward Sala, 1970, Chicago, USA
Fr. Theodore Sobisch, 1987, Waterloo, Canada

For our deceased members, members of our families, friends and benefactors.
For those we promised to pray for.
For healing for those abused by family, friends and the Church.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The Church invites us to use our temporal goods to serve humanity and to continue the mission of the Church.” (Witnesses to the Resurrection, 17)

Holy Saturday
2026-03-30
FOCAL POINT:
“We are stewards of all that God has given us, and therefore we give of ourselves generously in service to the people of God.” (Con. 22)

Ordination:
Fr. David Mowat, 1963, Canada

For the Church and our Holy Father.
For those seeking employment.
For peace in the world.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“For most members apostolic work is a very rewarding experience, a source of affirmation and joy, an activity to which they fervently give of themselves.” (Resurrectionist Formation, 179)

Easter Octave - April 1
2026-04-01
FOCAL POINT:
“We should be convinced that the faithful observance of poverty is an important factor contributing to the joyful experience of common life.” (Con. 23)

Deceased:
Br. Ignacy Cieliczka, 1969, Vienna, Austria
Fr. Joseph Germanov, 1969, Bulgaria
Fr. Ryszard Dabek, 2017, Zlocieniec, Poland

For our local communities as they share their Christian values, celebrate the Sacraments and pray together.
For our living and deceased parents.
For those seeking employment.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“We have experienced a call to community, to live and labor with other disciples, to fulfill the mission of Jesus in the Church.” (Witnesses to the Resurrection, 2)

Easter Octave - April 2 & Pope John Paul II Day in Canada
2026-04-02
FOCAL POINT:
“Although the Congregation has the right to possess goods, nevertheless, by its corporate poverty it will give evidence that it is poor in spirit and in fact.” (Con. 23)

Deceased:
Br. Michele Jafrate, 1905, Adrianople, Bulgaria
Br. Adalabert Goralski, 1917, Chicago, USA
Fr. Kazimierz Pieniazek, 1940, Palmiry, Poland
Fr. Bronislaus Lazarowicz, 1951, Chicago, USA
Fr. Frederick Bechely, 2008, Waterloo, Canada
Fr. Dominic Kirwan, 2014, Cambridge, Canada
Fr. Frank Reitzel, 2019, Kitchener, Canada

Birthdays:
Fr. Rafal Golina, 1967, Poland

That in our concern for vocations we may not concentrate only on numbers, but that our prayers give priority to Spirit-filled people.
For our Congregation and for our superiors, especially our local superior.
For Father General and his Curia.
We pray for Saint John Paul II on this his anniversary of death (2005).

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Every member must seek out, encourage and invite prospective candidates for our community.” (Provincial Statutes, 83)

Easter Octave - April 3
2026-04-03
FOCAL POINT:
“In the practice of poverty, the Congregation will be guided by the values of the Gospel as well as by the nature and needs of its apostolates.” (Con. 24)

Deceased:
Cl. Michal Barylak, 1889, Adrianople, Bulgaria

That interest in our community charism may lead us to a more intense study and deeper appreciation of the theology of the Resurrection.
For our country, for justice and peace.
For those seeking employment.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Resurrectionists … will strive to share our Resurrection charism and spirituality with the laity on a regular basis.” (Witnesses to the Resurrection, 3)

Easter Octave - April 4
2026-04-04
FOCAL POINT:
“We will use temporal goods to benefit the people of God, especially the poor and needy.” (Con. 24)

Ordination:
Fr. Jan Tyminski, 1971, Poland

For our superiors on the general, provincial and regional level, especially for our local superior.
For vocations to the Congregation of the Resurrection.
For peace in the world.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“The profession of poverty for the sake of following Christ implies a life of labor and moderation and, by the force of the vow, a complete dependence on our Superiors in the use and disposition of goods as well as renouncing of at least the administration of our own patrimony.” (Provincial Statutes, 20)

Easter Octave - April 5
2026-04-05
FOCAL POINT:
“Jesus came to proclaim the good news to the poor, to feed the hungry, to heal the sick, to free the oppressed, to comfort the afflicted and to forgive the sinner.” (Con. 25)

Deceased:
Br. Beniamino DeLuca, 1914, Rome, Italy
Fr. Kazimierz Wojcik, 1951, Rome, Italy
Fr. Francis Uzdrowski, 1987, Chicago, USA

Birthdays:
Fr. Jaroslaw Kinka, 1966, Poland

Ordinations:
Fr. Andrzej Madry, 1997, Poland
Fr. Waldemar Nowaczyk, 1997, Poland

That our experience of listening to the voice of the Lord and walking in his ways during these days may help deepen our understanding of the Paschal Mystery.
For our Congregation and our superiors.
For vocations to the Congregation of the Resurrection.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“Religious are called to be leaders in the fight for social justice. To show this leadership the Province should invest and donate funds in a way that will promote social justice.” (Provincial Statutes, 9)

Easter Octave - April 6
2026-04-06
FOCAL POINT:
“Since our Congregation shares in the mission of Jesus, we are called to respond to these same needs through our ministry and through the use of our material good.” (Con. 25)

Deceased:
Fr. Gregory Palubicki, 1972 Milwaukee, USA

Ordination:
Fr. Gabriel Koch, 2002, Poland

For the grace to be aware of the Paschal Mystery each time we celebrate the Eucharist.
For the conversion of sinners.
For the gift of wisdom for our superiors.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“As Resurrectionists we are profoundly grateful and joyful that we have been called to follow the Risen One in the Congregation of the Resurrection.” (Witnesses to the Resurrection, 9)

Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)
2026-04-07
FOCAL POINT:
“We will assess regularly our apostolic commitments to determine whether our ministry is guided by the priorities that Jesus established for His ministry.” (Con. 25)

Deceased:
Fr. Franciszek Palys, 1929, Lwow, Poland
Fr. Tadeusz Olejniczak, 1933, Rome, Italy
Deacon Philip Tremblay, 2020, Kitchener, Canada

That love for God, for one another, and for the people we serve, may always be an outstanding characteristic of the Congregation of the Resurrection.
For the sick, the suffering and the dying.
For vocations to the Congregation of the Resurrection.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“We will build team ministry among priests, deacons, brothers, other religious and lay pastoral minister.” (Provincial Pastoral Handbook, 3)

The Annunciation of the Lord
2026-04-08
FOCAL POINT:
“Since our Congregation is called to work for the resurrection of society, the issues of social justice are very important to us.” (Con. 26)

Ordination:
Fr. Martin Bratek, 1972, USA
Fr. Thomas Kubik, 1972, USA
Fr. Norbert Raszeja, 1972, USA
Fr. Marian Banski, 1979, Poland
Fr. Roman Kotewicz, 1979, Poland
Fr. Stanislaw Lasota, 1979, USA
Fr. Andrzej Napiecek, 1979, Poland

Birthdays:
Fr. Alexander Prosche, 1975, Poland

For our deceased members and benefactors, parents and friends.
For those who pray for us and our ministries.
For those who were at one time members of the Congregation of the Resurrection.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“We foster hope and a sense of Resurrection identity by assisting one another to live more deeply the Paschal Mystery.” (A Vision of Hope, 4)

April 9
2026-04-09
FOCAL POINT:
“We will strive to raise our own social consciousness and to speak out against all forms of social injustice, and to be a model and challenge for others through our practice of social justice.” (Con. 26)

Deceased:
Fr. Jakub Jagalla, 1934, Rome, Italy
Fr. Humphrey Ruszel, 2011, Apple Valley, USA

Birthdays:
Fr. George Nowak, 1950, Poland
Fr. Anthony Bus, 1955, USA
Fr. Krzysztof Szkubera, 1985, Poland

For increased fidelity to our religious vows and to the spirit of the founders.
For those who were educated in our schools and parishes.
For those who have asked us to pray for their intentions.

FURTHER REFLECTION:
“With every fiber of our being, we respond with joy and gratitude, ‘Yes, Lord. We believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who was to come into this world’ (John 11:27).” (Witnesses to the Resurrection, 1 – 2)
