BL. FRANCISZEK DRZEWIECKI, PRIEST AND MARTYR - 10 AUGUST

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN AUGUST

Saints celebrated on the 10th of August

WELCOME!

BLESSED FRANCISZEK DRZEWIECKI, PRIEST AND MARTYR 

⬅️ 108 Martyrs of World War II

Blessed Franciszek Drzewiecki was born to Jan and Rozalia on February 26, 1908. He had four brothers and six sisters. His family was deeply religious. In autumn 1922, he enrolled in the college of Orionist priests in Zduńska Wola. Then he began his studies in philosophy. He graduated in 1931. 

On December 10, 1930, he made his first religious profession. In 1931 he was sent to study in Italy, where he read theology in Venice and Tortona - following a language course. In the years 1933-1934 he completed his novitiate. On August 15, 1934, he made his solemn profession. He was ordained a priest on June 6, 1936 by Bishop Egisto Melchiori. 

After his priestly ordination, he remained in Italy for a while. During that time, he worked in Genoa. In December 1937 he returned to Poland. He became the prefect of the Eucharistic Crusade and taught religion at the college. He organised adoration, taught catechism, and organised religious performances. During the summer holidays of 1939, he was sent to work in Mały Kottolengo and in the parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Włocławek. He always showed zeal and dedication in his work.

Following the outbreak of World War II, he stayed in Włocławek and conducted retreats, organised services and heard confessions. On November 7, 1939, Fr Franciszek was arrested by the Gestapo - along with Fr Henryk Demrych. There were already 43 other priests and seminarians in prison. 

On January 16, 1940, they were transported to a place of isolation - in Ląd.  On December 15, 1940, Fr Franciszek was sent to the Dachau camp as number 22666. He was put to work on a herb plantation. Due to bad frostbite in the limbs, malnutrition and hard physical work, his body was brought to a state of severe exhaustion. Because of his failing health he was sent to Hartheim Castle, near Linz, where he died on August 10, 1942.

Sources: Wikipedia Poland;  https://pl.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franciszek_Drzewiecki

- 📷 https://blog.orione.pl/blogoslawiony-ksiadz-franciszek-drzewiecki-fdp/

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that we who celebrate the anniversary of the death of your holy martyr Franciszek may by his intercession be delivered from all evils that threaten us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.