October 19
Jerzy Popiełuszko, priest and martyr (1947–1984)
martyr priest
Polish priest and martyr of communism, Jerzy Popiełuszko defended human dignity and religious freedom without resorting to hatred.
Biography
Chaplain of workers linked to the Solidarity union, he celebrated "masses for the homeland" in Warsaw, where he illuminated the social situation with the Gospel and asked to overcome evil with good. Surveillance and harassed by the regime, he rejected violence and revenge. On October 19, 1984, he was kidnapped by agents of the Ministry of the Interior, beaten and thrown into the Vistula River. His death shocked the country and his testimony sustained peaceful moral resistance.
Practical advice
Respond to an injustice today without insults or revenge, using true and peaceful means.
Example of
FortitudeFaithfulnessSacrifice