True freedom comes when we guard our hearts against lies, fear, and compromise, so that the voice of Truth can whisper and be heard.
This saint faced the trials of the day, finding his answers by venturing to the furthest limits of himself, and finding there the only One who can say, “Behold, I am with you always.” From this place, he has made a gift of himself to guide us on our own journeys to the kingdom within where the Lord dwells.
Blessed Jerzy
Proclaiming the truth of human dignity and true freedom
Born into a deeply patriotic farming family in Poland in 1946, Jerzy Popiełuszko had a love for God and country. During his mandatory military service under the Communist regime, his oppressors sought to violate that most sacred place within his heart with cruel indoctrination and atheistic propaganda. His devotion to the Mother of God protected him.
As a priest, he became a chaplain, spiritual father and friend to the steelworkers and a champion for and inspiration to the Solidarity Movement, the peaceful revolution which helped bring about the fall of communism. He boldly proclaimed the truth of human dignity and freedom to the thousands who heard him preach, and for this he was continuously harassed by the government. Father Jerzy forgave his persecutors and even extended hospitality to the secret police who spied on him. He was eventually martyred by the communists in 1984.
The lesson Blessed Jerzy proclaimed with his life was “overcome evil with good.” He did this by guarding his secret core and the presence of the One whom he knew dwelt there. True freedom comes when we guard our hearts against lies, fear, and compromise, so that the voice of Truth can whisper and be heard.
Originally printed in IMPRINT Magazine Spring 2019.
