In June
of 1997, Father Joseph came to St. Mary’s Parish, but the road
that led him here was a long and winding one. From a small village
in Poland, Father Joseph was drawn to the priesthood early by the
example of his uncle who was a priest, and also a missionary priest
from St. Michael the Archangel Religious Order.
After graduating from High School, he decided to enter the Michaelite
Religious Order (website http://www.michaelites.ca/london.htm
He spent one year in the Novitiate where he had more time for prayer
and discernment of his vocation. A year later he was sent as an intern
to the Curia of his Religious Community. After almost one year he
was surprised to find out the was one of two students selected to
study in Italy for six years at the University of St. Anselmo in Rome.
His studies completed, Father Joseph was ordained on May 4, 1991,
in Italy, and then returned to Poland to celebrate his first Mass.
Soon after his ordination, Father Joseph was asked if he would go
to Canada.
After studying English at Fanshawe College, Father began parish work
as Associate Pastor at Our Lady of Czestochowa, then to St. Michael’s
in Leamington, where his Italian came in very handy. From June of
1996 to June of 1997 Father Joseph worked as the Associate Pastor
at Pius X in London. In June of 1997 he arrived at St. Mary’s
Church where for one year he served the parish as an associate pastor
and in 1998 was appointed pastor.
When Fr. Joe has some time to unwind, which isn’t often, he
loves to travel, learn languages, read, and play the guitar. His favourite
sports are volleyball, skiing, and of course, soccer. Anyone who knows
him knows that his is Romas’s biggest fan. To see why, visit
www.asroma.it
Being a priest and serving people, Fr. Joseph’s motto is:
For you I am a priest.
With you I am a Christian.
