Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko

I was born in 1947 at a Polish farm. I was raised in a good Catholic family and baptised two days after my birth. Although I was physically fragile, I had a strong character. At that time, Poland was suffering under the communist regime. At school, I experienced the influence of a few years under this regime. My religiosity was ridiculed and I was accused by my teacher of praying too much. Thus I kept my intention to join the seminary secret for fear that if it were known the results of my exams would be altered. After graduating, I went to Warsaw to enter the seminary. I was ordained a priest in 1972 at the age of 25. I sustained the Solidarność (Solidarity) movement of workers standing up for their rights. Thus I began a peaceful opposition of the regime. I spoke loudly against the communist regime and defended the evangelical rights of justice, truth and freedom. I was captured by the regime and beaten to death in 1984.