Fr. Paweł Rytel-Andrianik, Fr. Jakub Ostrożański
Readiness for Service
Asked about his first feelings after the announcement of his nomination, Bishop Chudzio pointed primarily to the joy resulting from the trust of Leo XIV: „The Holy Father saw that I belong to that group of people he can always count on and even in unexpected situations assign specific tasks to”– said the new coadjutor of the Diocese of Rzeszów, emphasizing that this joy is accompanied by „an awareness of my own imperfection”.
Gratitude and Hope
Bishop Chudzio expressed his gratitude to the entire Archdiocese of Przemyśl, Archbishop Adam Szal, and the entire Przemyśl presbyterate, noting that his new mission will take place within the Przemyśl metropolis.
Speaking about his new tasks, Bishop Krzysztof emphasized that he undertakes them with the hope that „God will bless and grant His graces”, and he sees the coadjutor’s ministry primarily as support for the current Bishop of Rzeszów, Jan Wątroba: „I would like to tell the diocesan bishop that I am ready to help and support him in everything he assigns to me and what will be part of my duties”.
Ties with the Rzeszów Diocese
In an interview with Vatican News, Bishop Chudzio indicated that it was in the Rzeszów diocese that he took his first pastoral steps, hence this diocese is „dear and close” to his heart. He also emphasized his ties with the Rzeszów bishops: „I think with great respect and gratitude of Bishop Kazimierz Górny, the first Bishop of Rzeszów, who always showed me kindness even as a priest. Similarly, I am grateful to Bishop Senior Edward, who was my professor in the seminary. My gratitude for them is great”.
Message for Priests and Diocesans
Asked about the first words he would like to address to his future diocese, Bishop Chudzio emphasized that he sees closeness to priests as an important part of his mission: „Priests are for the people of God, but they also need support and care. I set it as an important task to be with them and try to respond to their needs”. The new coadjutor assures the faithful of the Rzeszów diocese of his prayers while also asking for theirs: „I am aware of my weakness, sinfulness, and imperfection, but I also have confidence that the prayers of the faithful make pastors capable of fulfilling what is necessary for the Church”.
