Read newsletter online fwccenter®verizon.net 2013 Issue IV www.ciszek.org

Message of Hope Father Ciszek­ Father 's return celebrated with mass Restoring Sanity By JOHN E. USALIS to the World By JOHN DEJAK The Saint is a medicine because he is an antidote ....He will generally be found restoring the world to sanity by exaggerating whatever the ... world neglects, which is by no means always the same element. - G.K. Chesterton, St. Thomas Aquinas A growing conviction took hold of my heart: Father Ciszek exemplifies the three qualities that the world needs desperately in the aftermath of the events of September 11th: sense of solidarity; willingness to sacrifice oneself in the service of others; and a simple, solid spirituality. -Fr. Dominic Maruca, S.J., Homily in the Weeks after 9/11

Five decades ago, the Rev. Walter J. Ciszek, S.J., was released Oct. It has been my privilege the past 12, 1963, after 23 years of captivity in the former , and the two years to be doing research into the anniversary was remembered Sunday in his hometown and parish. life and writings of Fr. Ciszek with Fr. During the homily, Monsignor Anthony D. Muntone said Ciszek's cause for Marc Lindeijer, S.J. of the Jesuit Curia sainthood is moving forward in Rome and could advance soon to the next level. in Rome. In the course of this research, The 29th annual Father Walter J. Ciszek Day was celebrated with Mass people have often asked me, "Why in St. Casimir Roman , his native parish, with the Most ought Fr. Ciszek be a saint? How is Rev. John 0. Barres, bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown, he, a Jesuit priest who suffered in the as main celebrant. Concelebrants were Monsignor Muntone and the Rev. in the Soviet Union, relevant to Thomas Sable, S.J., co-postulators for the cause for canonization of Father me?'' Generally, the people who ask Ciszek in the Catholic Church; Monsignor Ronald C. Bocian, pastor of the these questions haven't read With God Roman Catholic churches in Shenandoah and Lost Creek; Monsignor Myron in Russia or He Leadeth Me; but even Grabowsky, pastor of St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church, Shenandoah; for those that have and have drawn and other diocesan priests. inspiration from these books, the same question often arises. How can Fr. A special guest, Dr. Marvin Makinen, attended the Mass for the Ciszek be an example for the house­ anniversary. Makinen, who is a member of the faculty at the University wife and mother of a large family; for of Chicago and is a founding member of the Human Rights Board at the the young seminarian; for the soldier university, returned to America with Father Ciszek as part of the spy swap deployed overseas; for the parent whose between the two countries. adult children have left the faith; or for While traveling in the Soviet Union, Makinen was arrested for espionage continued on page 3 continued on page 5 {_ \ \~\._,/.. By Rev. Thomas J. Sable, S.J. We ask members of the Prayer League and/or the readers of this newsletter to pray for the success of a film project about The gift of divine life that comes from the Trinity is the life of Father Walter Ciszek, that all the financial, legal, and accomplished by the mission of the Son and the mission of technical difficulties may be overcome for the production of a the Holy Spirit, by their salvific sending. There is the visible successful and useful film. mission in the Incarnation of the Son and the corning down DECEASED: Charles Thoman, Thaddeus Zmuda, of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, but there is also the invisible mission of the Son and the Holy Spirit. The interior sending Leila Bachanes of the Son and the Holy Spirit into our souls is accomplished HEALTH: Eleanor Whitney, Edith Meissner, Marie Bianco, by wisdom and charity. Wisdom is the gift of the sanctifying Jodi Radosh knowledge of God, which renders souls conformed to the Son. SPECIAL INTENTIONS: Bishop John Barres, Msgr. Ronald Charity renders souls conformed to the Holy Spirit. Bocian, George and Margaret Homa, Joshua Brito, Tim Haughney, Rev. Tim Mcintire, OSFS, Heather and Phil, Humans and angels who receive the "invisible" mission of the Son and the Holy Spirit are not "mixed" with the Son Bill Bachanes and the Holy Spirit. They remain creatures, but they become MEMORIAL DONATIONS: In Memory of Charles Thoman "divinized" creatures, new creatures who live and act for the req. by Richard and Joan Brinkmann. Father in the radiant power of the Son and the Holy Spirit In Memory of Charles Thoman who have visited them. To act for the Father means to carry req. by Joseph and Mary Ann LoCasale. out the will of the Father, and this does not become easy. We In Memory of Charles Thoman req. by Mary Cavanaugh. must struggle to make progress in virtue, to achieve victory In Memory of Charles Thoman req. by Anonymous. over temptations, to accomplish difficult tasks by charity. This struggle to attain the will of God Father Ciszek discovered in In Memory of Charles Thoman his early days in Russia. req. by Joseph and Samantha Andes. In Memory of Charles Thoman req. by Eleanor Reilley. " ... we would have understood much earlier that our sole In Memory of Charles Thoman purpose at Teplaya-Gora-as indeed in our whole lives-was req. by Walter and Margaret Mack. to do the will of God. Not the will of God as we might wish In Memory of Fran Curry it, or as we might have envisioned it, or as we thought in our - --- req. by Atty. and Mrs. Paul Domalakes. poor human wisdom it ought to be. But rather the will of In Memory of Robert L. Brown God as God envisioned it and revealed it to us each day in req. by Atty. and Mrs. Paul Domalakes. the created situations with which he presented us. His will for us was the twenty-four hours of each day: the people, the For all wlwse names were previously on our list, but who are still in need places, the circumstances he set before us in that time. Those of our prayers; for all tlwse who have requested prayers of the League; were the things God knew were important to him and to us for all prayer league members, for all tlwse who are praying through the at that moment, and those were the things upon which he intercession of Father Walter Ciszek; and for all who need our prayers. wanted us to act, not out of any abstract principle or out of any subjective desire to "do the will of God." No, these things, ''For/From the Friends of Walter Ciszek, S.J." the twenty-four hours of this day, were his will; we had to A Publication of the Father Walter Ciszek Prayer League learn to recognize his will in the reality of the situation and Official Organization for the Promotion of the Cause of to act accordingly. We had to learn to look at our daily lives, Canonization of Father Walter Ciszek, S.J. at everything that crossed our path each day, with the eyes of 231 N. Jardin Street God; learning to see his estimate of things, places, and above Shenandoah, PA 17976 all people, recognizing that he had a goal and a purpose in bringing us into contact with these things and these people, Editor: DanielL. Flaherty, S.J. and striving always to do that will- his will-every hour of Executive Editor : Elaine Cusat every day in the situations in which he had placed us. For Staff: Msgr. Anthony D. Muntone, to what other purpose had we been created? For what other Rev. Thomas F. Sable, S.J., . reason had he so arranged it that we should be here, now, this Circulation Manager Sister Doris Burkot, O.S.F. hour, among these people? To what other end had he ordained Business Manager Elaine Cusat our being here, if not to see his will in these situations and to strive to do always what he wanted, the way he wanted it, as he would have done it, for his sake, that he might have the fruit "Friends of Walter Ciszek, S.J." is published four times a year for and the glory?"(He Leadeth Me, chapter 3) friends and contributors to the Father Walter Ciszek Prayer League. Copies mailed from Shenandoah, PA. For a subscription, write: The It sounds so simple when we say it in the Our Father: "Thy Prayer League, 231 N. Jardin Street, Shenandoah, PA 17976. Current will be done .." The struggle, however, to make God's will be cost is $10 a year. Manuscripts should be sent to: Editor, Prayer done on earth as it is in heaven is difficult and we need that League, 231 N. Jardin Street, Shenandoah, PA 17976; please include a stamped, self-addressed return envelope. For changes of address divine visitation that daily comes to the Church because he or problems with your subscription write: Circulation Manager, dwells in us by faith and charity. The Prayer League, 231 N. Jardin Street, Shenandoah, PA 17976. Postmaster, please return undeliverable copies to The Prayer League, 231 N. Jardin Street, Shenandoah, PA 17976. 2 Father Walter Ciszek Prayer League Message of-Hope continued from page 1 and sentenced to eight years in prison, two of which he spent in Vladimir Prison, about half of the time in solitary confinement. "I'd like to welcome you all here as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Father Walter Ciszek returning from Russia to the United States," Barres said at the beginning of Mass. "Our homilist today, Monsignor Anthony Montone, who is co-postulator for Father Ciszek's cause, will talk about Father Walter moments - moments where the circle of God's love and providence all seem to come together. One such example occurs here today. I'd like to welcome Dr. Marvin Makinen and his wonderful wife, Michelle. Dr. Makinen, as we know, met Father Walter on that day on Oct. 12, 1963, and rode Monsignor Myron Grabow sky, right, pastor of St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church with him to the airport and they had a in Shenandoah, uses incense during the panachyda (panakhyda) service during the lifelong friendship from that moment." Father Walter Ciszek Day Mass on Oct. 13 in St. Casimir Roman Catholic Church, Ciszek was born Nov. 4, 1904, in Shenandoah. Assisting with Eastern Christian funeral prayer service was the Rev. Shenandoah. He was ordained in 1937 as Thomas Sable, S.J., left, co-postulator for the cause of canonization of Father Ciszek. the first American Jesuit in the Byzantine Catholic Rite. He secretly entered the Soviet Union in 1939 as a priest and was arrested in 1941 as a Vatican spy. After 23 years as a prisoner in the Soviet Union, he was released and returned to the United States. He died Dec. 8, 1984. His cause for canonization began in the Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic and was later transferred to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown. His cause has reached the stage that it is currently being reviewed in the Vatican. The cause is promoted by the Father Walter Ciszek Prayer League, which is donating $5,000 to the Allentown Diocese to defray expenses associated with the cause. "It is so very nice to be back in Shenandoah," Montone said. "It is just so good to be with you as we gather together to celebrate this holy Mass that is always such a great, heartwarming event for us every year as we pray that this very, very, very exceptional Christian man, this very, very holy priest of God, will someday very soon will be declared a great saint in the Catholic Church." He continued, "I know that we're all very impatient to see that happen very quickly. I'm very often asked, 'When is Father Ciszek going to be made a saint?' I wish I could say 'Next week' or 'Next month,' but you know that I can't say that. I don't know exactly when it will happen, but I do know for sure that it will happen." Read Msgr. Anthony Montone then provided some hopeful news for the cause. Muntone's entire "One thing that I can tell you today is that we're on the homily online threshold of taking another very important step forward in www.ciszek.org the process of having Father Ciszek declared a saint," he said. "It's the step of having Father's great virtue declared heroic. The church requires this in the cause of canonization - a demonstration that the candidate for canonization, a 'Servant of God' as we refer to Father Walter now, that he has lived a life of such virtue, that is so far and beyond and above the ordinary, that it is heroic. We're on the threshold of having that happen. And when that happens, we'll take a step forward. Father Walter, who is now the 'Servant of God,' becomes the 'Venerable Father Walter.' " Students from Trinity Academy sang during the Mass. After the liturgy, a reception was held in the parish hall.

Father Walter Ciszek Prayer League 3 I Raffle Winners

H. and H. Weachock ...... 500.00 Chelsea Zimmerman ...... 250.00 Maureen & Ed Sweeney ...... 100.00 Returned to Prayer League Roseann Katchmaric ...... 50.00 Helen Yutko ...... 25 .00

Dr. Marvin Makinen with Sister Doris

What a magnificent way to spend a glorious fall afternoon ...... sitting in the gorgeous cathedral-like setting of St. Casimir's RC Church ; enjoying the sounds of a choir of Angels; reflecting on the life, trials, sufferings and tribulations of one of God's chosen; joined in promoting the venerable cause of his Sainthood. Kathleen A. Palubinsky, Esq.

Social gathering after Liturgy

4 Father Walter Ciszek Prayer League Restoring Sanity to the World continued from page 1 his sanctity, in my opinion-is his day-to-day sacrifice in the coal miner? Or lawyer? Or bartender? Or student? This being available .tb anyone, anywhere, any time. In this, he is an excellent question and it ought to be asked! truly was an alter Christus-never turning anyone away, always offering a word of encouragement, spending long The above quotes from G.K. Chesterton and Fr. Maruca, hours with a soul in trouble rather than caring about his own are apt in addressing this question. We live in a very dis­ needs. Mothers imitate this when spending long nights with jointed and disordered time. The combination of worldly a crying baby, lawyers can imitate this when taking the time allurements, rapid technological advancement, religious to listen to an unreasonable client, and all of us can imitate indifference, and the decline of marriage and the family Father's self-sacrifice in listening to a very talkative lonely leave many Christians wondering how to live. The public neighbor. Finally, we can imitate Fr. Ciszek by cultivating morality is non-existent and it seems that government at a simple, solid spirituality. Being one with God does not every level is more concerned with not offending-which in require advanced degrees in theology or knowing the niCe­ practice means a practical atheism-than allowing believ­ ties of liturgical matters or even volunteering at your parish, ers to live and teach as Christ would have them. Couple it requires faith and prayer. For this, Fr. Ciszek tells us what this with chronic economic woes, loss of neighborhoods, to do: an ever-increasing individualism, and the humdrum day-to­ day difficulties of living life and trying to maintain virtue, [The faith] is ours to preserve or lose ... [w]e must make it might seem that human persons would be tempted to give it the unspoken principle that guides our every action, the up. This is where Fr. Ciszek comes in. He-both in Russia center of our being and of all that we do each day. It must and in the United States-heroically overcame obstacles become as real for us, as necessary to our lives, as the air of these sorts. In the end, his was a life focused on the we breathe-for without it our lives have no meaning and one thing that keeps everything in perspective: that we are our soul may die. We must constantly work to strengthen it made for God and that He should be our all. As Fr. Ciszek and make it operative in all we do. reminds us: The surest way to do this, I think, is by prayer. In prayer, The upheavals in this world, or in the Church herself, are we speak to God, we ask his help, we seek his pardon or not the end of everything, especially of his love. They can we promise amends, we thank him for favors received. But in fact serve best as signs to remind us of his love and of we cannot pray as if we were talking to empty air; so in the his constancy, to make us tum once more to him and cling very act of praying we unconsciously remind ourselves of to him again when all else that we counted on is overturned the reality and the presence of God, thereby strengthening around us. our belief in him. And that is why, again in my opinion, the Morning Offering is still one of the best practices of Father's was a life lived knowing that no ultimate harm prayer-no matter how old fashioned some may think it. could befall him if he stayed with God. It is this key truth For in it, in the beginning of each day, we accept from God that the world has forgotten and that we neglect in our daily and offer back to him all the prayers, works, and sufferings lives. But it is this truth-which was the hallmark of Father of the day, and so serve to remind ourselves once again of Ciszek's whole life-that will restore our world, as Chester­ his providence and his kingdom. ton says, to sanity. This is good, old-fashioned Catholic spirituality! This is How can everyone practically live out this truth? Father why Fr. Ciszek is a model for all of us wherever we are or Ciszek (via Fr. Maruca) shows us the way. First, a sense of whatever our circumstances. He can help us keep God first solidarity. "Solidarity" is nothing other than seeing other and thus, keep the world sane. Father sums this up, persons as made in the image of God. Fr. Ciszek showed this solidarity with everyone he met-whether it was the Our primary responsibility, then, the main object of all bum who knocked on his door and for whom he fixed a our efforts, must be the transformation of ourselves, of our sandwich; or the young woman who was facing an unin­ hearts and our lives ....What this means in the concrete is tended pregnancy whom he comforted; or the children in that each of us must faithfully fulfill the duties of our daily the Bronx whom he paraded over to the fields of Fordham life ....Whether we are married and taking care of home University for some summer fun, having donned a straw and family, or studying in school, or working in an office hat and a whistle. We can imitate Father's solidarity with or a factory or on a farm, whether we are dedicated to the priestly or religious life, matters little-in whatever we do all people by cultivating it ourselves-helping the mother ' of many children, visiting the elderly, visiting a prisoner, or we must always seek first the kingdom of God. That is, writing a letter to someone. Second, a willingness to sac­ all of our actions of every day must be accepted as from rifice oneself in the service of others. This is nothing other God and referred back to him, must be done in a way that than the daily grind of loving one's neighbor! Fr. Ciszek is fulfills his will, for in this way alone is the kingdom of God an example for everyone in his heroic self-sacrifice. While promoted and spread upon the earth. the sacrifice he offered in risking life and limb in enter- This is Father Ciszek's relevance to our generation, in­ ing Russia to serve others oppressed by the Soviet regime deed it is every saint's relevance to every generation: that he is well known, less well known-and more significant to shows us how to get to God.

Father Walter Ciszek Prayer League 5 An Oetober 13th Impression On Oct 13 as I drove from Northern VA to Father LA, Immaculate C0~ception and be there on Father Walter's Ciszek's Mass my engine light came on in Maryland. birthday, 4 Nov 13. The last day in New Orleans prior to The car seemed to be working fine without any sign of corning home I learned that it was a Jesuit day , 5 Nov when 40 overheating. I thought about Father Ciszek's work as a Jesuit priests were honored for their Sainthood. I look forward mechanic and even recalled an article from a truck driver with anticipatory joy when Father Ciszek's name will be in that in a previous newsletter who was in trouble and called recognized group. on Our Lord and an intercessory prayer to Father Walter. I did just that since I truly desired to be present on this I want to share some thoughts with you on the absolutely wonderful day that was provided for all of Father Walter's special anniversay Mass. I made the next 100 miles+ friends. The warm welcome we all received as we entered safely there and back home the next day. As I parked the the church, the small but symbolic gift, the fellowship was . car near the police station in Shenandoah I recalled Father very evident. I especially enjoyed the homily about Father Walter's description of his youth and the trying times he Walter and to hear about Walter moments. Then after a very gave his parents, especially his own father who went to beautiful and touching mass, to have a delicious late lunch extraordinary steps to guide his son on the right path when was just wonderful, warm and memorable. You all did a he took Father Walter to the police station. Later, I had wonderful job and such a tribute to the man we all believe is a good chuckle because I may have had a Father Walter a saint, he is just waiting for the official title. moment since a police car was behind me after I parked and My husband Ed and I drove 4 hours from Cape May NJ I had no idea this side lot had a one-way sign which I saw and our friends, Colleen and Owen Magurie drove 2 112 only as I walked toward the church. hours from Philadelphia. The four of us have great belief in Father Walter's powers to heal, comfort, enlighten and Walking up the steps and entering the beautiful church strengthen. I thought of ')oy" that has come into my life since I have I want to give you some history on how I personally read both of Father Walter's books , especially He Leadeth came to trust and pray and talk daily to Father Walter. ~1e. I made it there during Eucharistic Adoration and the As I said, we came up to the (FWCD) with another joy I felt upon entering and seeing the faith-filled people, couple who we have known for many years. In fact they were many elderly from near and far whose lives were and are the couple who introduced me to Father Walter, bringing a still being touched by Father Ciszek's virtuous life all copy of his book that was signed by Walter and had been working together for his cause to sainthood. Thanksgiving given to my dearest oldest friend's father, Mr. Devine. I was for my high school friends who are Byzantine and Ukranian in the hospital just diagnosed with a terminal heart condition heritage in the Minersville Area who first introduced me to called IHSS. This condition is also known as "Sudden Death Father Ciszek in the past. The Bemardine Sisters who are Syndrome" it is passed along the family and just recently, medicine stated that Sudden Infant Death (SID) is also cause behind the scenes working for the cause and all the Sisters by the same genetic disorder. who pray in monasteries and schools, as well as lay teachers My doctors were not at all optimistic in fact, they told who nurture the young to live a faith-filled life in today's me to go home and get my affairs in order. I was 46 years world. Bishop Barres, Msgr. Bocian, and all the priests old at the time with 2 teen age children. Today I am 73, have who minister and further the cause by their actions and the had 5 pacemakers!!CD implanted every 4 years, did have joy that extends from the children's choir to the adult choir an episode this past August 8, 20I 3 where my heart did stop I felt like I was closest to heaven. The beautifully decorated for 19 seconds, my Internal Cardiac Defibulator (!CD) gave church and the Blessed Mother Icon with its unique history, me a jolt back to life, but I am sure that Father Walter was all for the greater glory of God. watching over me, and he is not ready for me to meet him in I enjoyed every person's comments while waiting in heaven just yet. Our friends who came with us to Father Walter Ciszek any line at the reception. It was a festive occasion from the Day, my husband Ed & I all prayed together at the Knights of Columbus from Ohio to the beautiful singing of Philadelphia Hospital, 27 years ago, we all asked Father the children's choir to the robust adult voices which always Walter to give me a little more time. I have not missed a put me in "awe". As a young child in our area I truly day talking with Father Walter and thanking him for the couldn't wait for the next song to be sung and to think of many blessings he has given to me personally, my family and those being in union closest to God. I had the privilege of friends. Below is a list of my Father Walter moments. spending this day with family from New Jersey which made My husband went into Acute Kidney Failure 13 years ago, it extra special. near death, he received a Kidney transplant from a woman in My faith education continues to grow and Father Walter Bethlehem, Pa. He has been well for the past 9 years. has helped me to surrender to God. This special anniversary I have had 5 friends all diagnosed with Cancer, all are currently in remission because I prayed to Father Walter. Mass on 13th October continued to when I was pleasantly surprised to see my first Jesuit church in New Orleans, -Marilyn Sweeney

6 Father Walter Ciszek Prayer League Father Ciszek's life has deeply impacted my own life 1 My name is Sr. Rita Petrarca and I am an Apostle of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I·was born on August 31, 1940 in New Haven, CT, the oldest of 3 children born to Armand and Rose Petrarca, my parents. I attended elementary and secondary schools taught by the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and their spirit so captivated my heart that on September 1, 1958 I entered their novitiate in Hamden, CT. I professed First Vows on March 2, 1961 and Final Vows on August 22, 1966 and throughout these years I have served as teacher, principal, pastoral associate and member of the leadership team for our prov­ ince, in Connecticut, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. I also had the wonderful experience of a sabbatical year in Rome. I currently minister as the pastoral associate at St. Joseph parish in Shelton, CT. I was a young temporary professed sister when I first heard about Fr. Walter Ciszek. The newspapers were filled with the story of his release from prison after almost 23 years in the Soviet Union, and I remember seeing a picture of him at that time looking out a car window and smiling. His story seemed so remarkable to me at the time. My next contact with Fr. Ciszek was through his book "With God in Russia" published in 1964, and I was fascinated not only by the story of his imprisonment with all its physical hardships, but also by his lack of bitterness and spiritual strength in the midst of all that suffering. I remember thinking how little my own difficulties were in comparison, and his acceptance of suffering gave me inspiration for the little ups and downs of my own life. I was so pleased when his second book "He Leadeth Me" was published in 1973, and it truly became my second Bible in the years to come. I have read it over and over again, especially in times of difficulty and suffering, and I have highlighted and underlined so many excerpts which stand out whenever I need to read them. How did Father's books change me as a person? Fr. Ciszek's life has deeply impacted my own life in helping me to seek always to discover God's Will in every circum­ stance of my life. Seeing his trust that God was always with him, even in the prisons of Russia, has helped me to trust that God is with me too, no matter what the situation. So often in the past when I have been tempted to doubt that, just repeating the phrase "He Leadeth Me" reminds me of that reality as I conjure up images of Fr. Ciszek. How has Fr. Ciszek's life story impact me or my prayer life? I have learned many profound lessons from my repeated readings of Fr. Ciszek's book. Recognizing the importance of letting go of my will, and trusting that the present situation, and even the future, is hidden in God's Will are just two such powerful insights which have brought me an amazing amount of peace. The inner serenity whtth radiates so beautifully from Fr. Ciszek's writings have had a very powerful impact on my life. My prayer life has definitely been affected by this book. From Fr. Ciszek I have learned that prayer is placing myself in the presence of God, no matter where I am, and as I distance myself from the even painful circumstances in which I might find myself, I find the presence of God. There, alone with the Father in the power of prayer, I receive the grace to say "Thy Will Be Done". What is the biggest difference in my day-to-day life which could be related to knowing Fr. Ciszek? The peace that comes from taking up the cross daily with all it brings and seeing it as the will of God. In what way has he drawn me closer to God's heart and mission for the Church? His volunteering to serve in the "Russian missions," his fidelity to carrying out that mission at the cost of his own suffering and imprisonment, and his willingness to continue that mission at the risk of his life, are a very powerful example to me of his dedication to the mission of spreading God's Kingdom and bringing others to the loving Heart of God. The sacrifices he ac­ cepted and willingly endured call me to greater generosity in the little ways I am asked to sacrifice and willingly endure. Do I pray to him? Yes, I do, at times. I've read his book so often he seems very alive and real to me. I also visited his burial place in Wer­ nersville and have prayed to him there. What was the most moving part of the book for me? There are many parts that deeply moved me, but one in particular was when, during the interrogations at Lubianka, worn down, weakened, in turmoil and confusion, he signed the papers confessing that he was a spy. At first, feeling guilty and defeated, he experienced great shame. Then, through his prayer and God's grace he realized that he had been trying to do everything on his own, asking for God's help but really counting on his own strength and ability. This moment of failure became a great grace for Fr. Ciszek as he humbly learned the truth of his total dependence on God. This part moved me because it showed how powerfully God worked through Fr. Ciszek's human weakness. What do I feel are the most outstanding virtues? Fr. Ciszek was a man of great faith, of great courage and great love! Through his suffering he also became a man of great humility. His trust in God's providence and his perfect surrender and acceptance to God's Will were the result of his fidelity to prayer, and this, in tum, brought him to great peace.

Father Walter Ciszek Prayer League 7 When I was eleven, my father survived three heart Father Ciszek and Me attacks, and when he recovered, the doctors suggested By MICHAEL W. TUCCITTO we move to a wari'ner climate, so off to Florida we went. The echo of Loretta's encouraging voice kept Fr. Walter Life is full of coincidences, or as Fr. Ciszek said on in my prayers, and after some time went by, I remember occasion, "full of God's Providence". By the time I was my mother telling me of Loretta's happiness and joy in born in September, 1941, he was already a Soviet pris­ the receiving of the post card from Fr. Walter from Siberia oner locked in Lubyanka, the NKVD high security prison telling the family he was indeed alive and well, and work­ in Moscow. Seven months later, in March, 1942, his ing as a mechanic. I remember the picture she showed us niece, Theresa, was born, joining her sister, Marie, who of his "grave" that the Soviets sent to try to convince the had been born a year or two before me. Theresa's mom, family he was not in Soviet custody, but had died, as just, Loretta, Fr. Ciszek's sister, and my mom, Helen, were "another casualty of war." Still we prayed, and prayed friends, new mothers that lived across the street from each more than ever in thanksgiving and for his return to the · other in Hartford, Connecticut. My mom's uncle, Joseph United States, his homeland. Piorkowski, and his family lived in Shenandoah, Pa. With I joined the US Air Force on October 16, 1959. I was that much in common, it was easy for two Polish Catholic stationed near Fairbanks, Alaska. When the plane taking girls living on a border street between Italian and Polish me there landed, it was November, and already -37 below neighborhoods to become really good friends. At one end zero. That first winter was one of the coldest on record, of the block was the White Eagle Hall, the Polish Home temperatures dropping to -68 and even -80 in some places. that broadcast and Gene Wisniewski Polkas, and Sts. Cyril It snowed over 250 inches before the gauge broke. I re­ and Methodius, the Polish Roman Catholic Church and member thinking that this cold had already passed through school. At the other end was Front Street, and what would Siberia, where it was probably colder, and the people be called today, "Little Italy." there, including Fr. Walter, who in all truth didn't have "Tereska" and I were oblivious newborns, and at the the comfort and warmth we had and could come home to same time, unknown to the whole family, Uncle Walter after a day's work. They really suffered in the cold. We was locked in solitary confinement, hidden from the world endured because we knew when we would eventually in an underground cell of Stalin's prison for spies. A go home, back to the lower 48 of the United States after priest and a spy? His journey from that darkness into the finishing our tours of duty. The cold, the dark-as-night light of freedom was intr9d~d to me at about age seven winter days, the loneliness of being away from family and in the morning preparations for Sunday Mass at Immacu­ friends, the isolation and desolation of the freezing white­ late Conception Catholic Church. "Make sure you say ness of the wilderness tundra all bore heavily on mind and prayers for Fr. Walter, " Loretta would say every Sunday soul. Yet, we were able to freely go to Mass, go to Con­ before we walked to Mass, when I had slept over for just fession and receive the Eucharist without worry or fear that Saturday night, or for a few days. On those other of reprisal and punishment. Those parts of Fr. Ciszek's nights we said prayers for Fr. Walter before going to sleep. books dealing with the dangers he and others experienced When the Nazis had attacked Poland, Fr. Walter had just accomplishing these same cherished things under stress disappeared from the world. There was no communication and in spite of the pure danger made me appreciate on a at all, and without any notice of his death, or proof of life, deeper level the priestly dedication, sacrifice and courage we prayed for him to be safe and well, and to come back of "Uncle Walter." to us. Our Faith told us it was up to God, when! In more recent times, in 2001, I was diagnosed with As we grew older, our families would drive together, "Hairy-cell" leukemia, a form of Lymphoma, considered traveling to Shenandoah for short holidays and for fam­ stage 4, because it involves the bone marrow. I prayed. ily celebrations. We stayed in each other's family homes, Friends and relatives prayed. I said a few prayers to Fr. and enjoyed big Polish family dinners together. We kids Walter for courage and strength, along with St. Peregrine played in the coal piles and went to Church, because for healing. I received the chemo therapy, and was back at this was just an extension of our homes in Connecticut. work within a month. Thank you, Lord! In 2003, I had a "Shenando" was home, too! Wherever we were, Loretta's small lump in my neck and was diagnosed with a form of voice would be heard saying, "Don't forget to pray for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, and prepared for and received Fr. Walter." And, if we visited Sister Evangeline or Sister the chemo therapy. So, I said to Fr. Walter, without pre­ Conrad, we heard it from them, too. Sister Evangeline suming too much, that if my prayers for him had been of painted a picture of a lone Stag standing on a hill crest. any value, could he please look out for me a little? I fully She gave it to my mother, and thinking about it now, I realize that the tools and medicines my doctors would kind of feel that it represented Fr. Walter, alone, looking at use would have their effect, but I was in God's hands, us, strong and secure in the feeling that we were safe, but and what would be, would be wholly dependent on God's Sister, also knew that Fr. Walter was strong and secure in Mercy and Will. "Not my will, but the will of my Father his faith and in the Lord's hands, just like the stag. continued on page 9

8 Father Walter Ciszek Prayer League continued from page !J in heaven be done." After a time, I went into remission. In 2005, I found a golfba1i-sized lump hiding behind my beard below my chin. "Here we go again," I said. Surgery and chemo, the same routine! By this time, I made my phone calls, and my "prayer team", led by my wife Mari and our boys, went into action, again. I prayed for Fr. Walter to stick with me. I thought to myself, that God is giving me these gifts, these circumstances of life which serve His purpose, and urge the soul to seek Him, acknowledging ever more clearly that He is our Hope, Comfort and our Refuge. I went into remis­ sion. Thank you, God. So, it was not really a surprise in 2008, that I received another visit from Mr. Lymphoma. This time, it was not localized, but spread out in various lymph centers in my joints. The same "routine" of chemo was prescribed, and, I received my share. I thanked God for putting Fr. Walter in my life, and all the angels and saints that have been my help and support throughout my life. I have been upbeat and accepting of all these gifts I have received during these times. From the beginning, I have not had the kinds of side effects from chemo that others have experienced. I lost almost no hair, and even after radiation, I was pretty much reaction free. I've had worse sore throats from colds. I have been in remission since 2008, but, just so I wouldn't become overconfident, in 2011, I had open heart surgery to replace an aortic valve. So, here I am, closing in on 72, blessed with life. Theresa and I have been friends our whole lives. We have raised our separate families in Connecticut and Florida, respectively, but the sound of her mother's voice, saying, "Pray for Fr. Walter, don't forget," is in our ears, our minds, our hearts, and will be forever. Even though Mari and I have visited and prayed to Our Lady at Fatima and Lourdes, and joined the Pilgrims of the Camino at Santiago de Compostela, Spain and Ignatius's Montserrat near Barcelona, Spain, and even visited Shenandoah for a Fr. Ciszek Memorial celebration, I am in awe of the Grace and Blessings I have received from being a part of the Fr. Ciszek family and the life and joy his presence in our lives has brought to all those who have sought to know him and find comfort in his words and prayers. It is 50 years since Fr. Walter came home. We still pray for him, and by his holy example, he leadeth us!

At the Byzantine Carmelites' Holy Annunciation Monastery at Sugarloaf, PA, I purchased WITH GOD IN RUSSIA by Father Walter J. Ciszek. This was about eight years ago. Ever since reading . it, I have become increasingly interested in his spirituality. Currently, I am studying his other book, HE LEADETH ME. The annual Father Walter Ciszek Day is a real delight for me.

Recently, I was graced with the opportunity to visit his grave at Wernersville, PA. Two of my best friends who are my prayer partners afforded me this gift. Marty Kielbasa (the little guy with the I felt his presence there. Also, glasses )along with five of his fellow I feel his presence in my home Knights, who represent Immaculate as I pray to him and for his Brochures Heart of Mary Church ofAustintown, canonization. His picture is on Pastors and Prayer as well as Monsignor Mears Council my refrigerator and many other League Members #3930 of the Knights of Columbus places in my home. I tell of his drove 300 miles to Shenandoah to heroic virtue to all who will listen. Father Walter brochures or attend the anniversary and then drove Happy the day Father Walter is prayer cards are available to back to Ohio that same evening. Four canonized! be placed in church vestibules of them were in full regalia for the event to serve as an honor guard. They Sara A. McNelis if so desired. considered it both an honor and a privilege to participate.

Father Walter Ciszek Prayer League 9 Pennsylvania Artist Honors Father Walter Ciszek and God By LOUISE ROCHON

"Do you have any thing that could be a gift item to I hadn't commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Father Walter made a mold Ciszek's return from captivity?" I cast a variety of small in ten years pewter figures, which I attach to anthracite coal bases. so I enlisted Considering that Father Ciszek was originally from the help of my Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, a town with a rich heritage of son who has a coal mining, a coal-crafted item would be appropriate. much steadier hand needed to The pewter casting process that I implement uses cut the pewter eight-inch diameter rubber molds. Pewter, heated to ~00 flow lines in degrees is poured into the mold that has been placed m a the mold. He spin caster machine, which works like the spin cycle on a was gracious clothes washer. The speed of the spin, correct temperature and worked with me many hours, three different days to of the pewter, how fast it is poured from the ladle into the make a successful mold. It took three attempts to get it mold, and the pressure applied to the plate holding the right after solving numerous problems in the process. ~h~ mold in place are all factors that determine the quality of final mold gave me 15 consistently, so I only had to spm 1t the finished piece. After the figures are snipped out of 35 times. Once I knew I could produce the crosses needed, the mold, all sharp edges and mold lines are removed by I went to work on the coal. grinding or hand-filing and then polished in a tumbler of teel shot. The finished piece has a silver-like shine which The pewter cross was one inch tall so the coal base will mellow in time to a soft gray patina. needed to be approximately the same size. I "pick" my own coal once a year at the Stockton Coal Company just The pewter piece I crafted for Father Ciszek's 50th outside of Hazleton Pa. My husband helps by driving his Anniversary was a simple cross. The cross represents great truck to be weighed at the entrance of the coal yard. After suffering and a greater hope through our crucified Lord. registering his vehicle, we are allowed to collect whatever This hope sustained Father Ciszek throughout 23 years of size coal we want from the hundreds of 10 feet high coal captivity in a Soviet prison and shone through his life as a piles on the property. As you leave, the vehicle is re­ true Servant of God. weighed to determine how many pounds of coal you are I knew nothing about Father Ciszek when asked purchasing. to make 500 of these crosses on coal, but from what I We have fun searching for the nicest shaped, best have learned about him, I am sure he would have been quality coal and load up as many five- gallon buckets can pleased that any remembrance of him would lead people's fit in the truck. I choose coal from the size of a tennis thoughts to the cross. ball to softball size that is shiny even when it's dirty. I really enjoyed the challenge of making this gift item, Occasionally I find some "peacock" or "rainbow" coal that although, there were moments where the project seemed is colored with areas of blue, purple, green, gold and is overwhelming. At first, I could only make three at a time really beautiful. from a model mold that I had adapted from a necklace to After washing the coal, I break it into the size needed a solid figure. It quickly became clear that I would have to with a hammer and chisel, and then use a belt sander to make a new mold of multiple crosses to be able tp supply smooth out sharp edges to make a level base. I wash it the 500. I made sure to start working on the order (due in again before attaching the pewter piece with epoxy mixed early October) in mid-August so that if I couldn't make with finely ground coal. The coal is such fine quality no a new mold, I could let them know, and they would have further treatment is needed to enhance its natural shine. time to find an alternate gift. All of the coal cracking and grinding produces a lot of coal dust. Even though I cover myself, complete with face shield and dust mask, I end up wearing a lot of coal Very peacful and spiritual event. We thought dust too! I managed my work sessions in 100 units, from that Father Ciszek was with us. casting, filing, polishing pewter, to cracking, cleaning Nancy Gilgannon and son Randy coal pieces, assembling pewter on coal and packaging. I

continued on page 12

10 Father Walter Ciszek Prayer League Celebrate one of God's greatest gifts to us:

Celebrate one of God's greatest gifts to us: hope. By looking at Scripture, Church teachings and the examples of inspirational figures, you will come to a deeper understanding of how hope is necessary in the life of a disciple. Hope brings healing in the face of pain, strength in moments of temptation comfort in the midst of sorrow, and clarity in times of doubt. Practice this most vital virtue today. Father Philip Bochanski is a Catholic priest and a member of the Philadelphia Congregation of the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri. He received his M.A. In Theology from StCharles Borromeo Seminary. Father Bochanski has published several books and articles on spirituality and history and serves as a peer reviewer for the Linacre Quarterly, the journal of the Catholic Medical Association. He is the co-author and editor of Our Faith-Filled Heritage: The Church of Philadelphia Bicentennial as a Diocese and the Wonderful Works of God: A Sesquicentennial History of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany.

PA Artist continued from page 10 told myself, "If I can just get this 100 done, I'll get everything done in time." Everything was on schedule until pewter cross met coal. I was having a hard time getting them to set straight. A leaning cross would never do, but most either leaned or fell over completely. A couple days of trial and error on the first 100 pieces, and it all came together with the idea of setting them up against Styrofoam bowls. The coal fit under the edge, which held the cross straight. I still had some that had to be reset each time 20 to 30 lined up around their bowls, but that was a great improvement over the beginning. This is a very time intensive craft that I often refer to as a "hobby that got out of hand." I really enjoy doing it and thinking about whom else might eventually enjoy these small pieces of coal art too. It was humbling to hear that the crosses on coal meant more than could be expressed in words by those who received them. I do not profit a great deal monetarily with what I do, but knowing how appreciated these crosses are makes it all worthwhile and truly beyond words to me. I live by the verse found in Saint Paul's letter to the Colossians 3:22. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men .. .it is the Lord Christ you are serving." To Him be all glory given. Title 12: Total Surrender to God's Will. Father Walter Ciszek

Contact Father Walter Ciszek Prayer League to arrange a speaker at your church, school or group.

Father Walter Ciszek continues to impact spiritual encouragement for me. He is a beacon of perseverance, tolerance, and hope. The Mass on 13 October 2013 provided joys of shared faith for his inspiration and promotion to sainthood. Dr. Vi Supon

Father Walter Ciszek Prayer League 11