(ANS – Jaciążek) – El Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. local time (UTC+2), the Salesian parish community of St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish in Jaciążek, part of the Warsaw Province of Poland (PLE), gathered to celebrate the beatification of Blessed Fr. Franciszek Miśka—a Salesian priest, martyr of the faith, and one of the nine Salesian martyrs of World War II who were beatified on June 6 in Kraków. From 1931 to 1936, Fr. Miśka served as rector of the major Salesian work in Jaciążek.

The celebration began with the reading of a letter addressed to the parish community by Karol Nawrocki, President of the Republic of Poland. In his message, the president highlighted the inspiring witness of Blessed Fr. Franciszek Miśka, emphasizing his fidelity to God, the Church, and his homeland, as well as the important role martyrs play in shaping the nation’s memory and identity.

The centerpiece of the celebration was a solemn Mass of Thanksgiving, celebrated by Fr. Prof. Jarosław Wąsowicz, SDB, chaplain to the President of the Republic of Poland. The liturgy was attended by numerous parishioners, representatives of local government, delegations from civic organizations, priests from the local deanery, and Salesians from several communities. In his homily, Fr. Wąsowicz presented Blessed Fr. Miśka as a model of unwavering faith, courage, and complete trust in God, even in the face of persecution and death.

Following the Mass, participants gathered for the blessing and unveiling of a commemorative plaque honoring Blessed Fr. Franciszek Miśka. The plaque will serve as a lasting reminder to future generations of parishioners of his heroic witness and the spiritual legacy he left to the Church and the Salesian Congregation.

The celebration continued with the parish’s annual Salesian festival, which featured a patriotic theme. Organizers prepared a full program that combined religious, educational, and patriotic activities. One of the highlights was a quiz on Poland, where participants tested their knowledge of the country’s history, culture, and traditions.

There were also plenty of activities for children and young people, contributing to the joyful atmosphere of a family celebration. Guests enjoyed generously prepared meals and homemade desserts provided by local Rural Housewives’ Associations and village councils from throughout the parish. The traditional regional cuisine created opportunities for fellowship, conversation, and strengthening relationships within the local community.

The entire celebration was marked by both reverence and warmth. It was a day of prayer, gratitude, and community that will remain in the memories of all who participated. As they gave thanks to God for the beatification of Blessed Fr. Franciszek Miśka, parishioners also prayed for his intercession for families, young people, their homeland, and for new priestly and religious vocations.

The celebration served as a powerful witness to the community’s living faith and its enduring commitment to the religious, patriotic, and Salesian values that have shaped the life of St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish in Jaciążek for many years.

Source: Salesians of PLE