Father Popieluszko was ordained a priest in 1972. Following the imposition of Martial law in Poland in 1982, Father Jerzy organized spiritual and material support for political prisoners and their families. His homilies were broadcast throughout Poland on Radio Free Europe, encouraging the promotion of human dignity and non-violent resistance.
“Father Popieluszko was a priest who evolved into a powerful voice for the Polish people and nation. We gather tonight with the Holy relic of Father Jerzy Popieluszko to remain close to him, to ask his intercession, and draw inspiration and courage from him, so that we too might be witnesses to the truth, messengers of freedom, and promoters of human dignity,” said Bishop Robert Brennan during his homily.
On October 19, 1984, Father Popieluszko was murdered by members of the Polish Security Service. On June 6, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed him a martyr of the Catholic Church and he was beatified.
Bishop Brennan has visited both the tomb of Blessed Jerzy Popielusko and the Museum of Blessed Jerzy Popieluszko during visits to Warsaw, Poland.
