A fresh look at the figure of Fr Jerzy Popiełuszko in the biography by J. Sosnowska

In a time of uncompromising, ardent and ruthless conflict with the Church, erstwhile spiritual values are frequently marginalized, and freedom of speech is severely restricted, erstwhile we deficiency courageous priests, expressive in defence of Catholic values, the figure of Blessed George Popieluszko shines even more and more brightly today. His steadfast attitude to the sacrifice of his own life, his religion and courage in the defence of fact and justice became an inspiration for millions of Poles. A fascinating book by Jolanta Sosnowska entitled “The Martyr for religion and Solidarity” (White Raven), published on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the martyr's death of Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko, is simply a profoundly moving biography about the life and heroic conflict of a priest who became a symbol of opposition against the communist government in Poland.
The author, known, among others, from the biography of Popes John Paul II (Hetman of Christ) and Benedict XVI (the Mystery of leaving Łódź Piotrowa), presents us not only the past of the life of Fr Popiełuszko, but besides the historical context in which he worked. Following the footsteps of Fr Jerzy Popiełuszko from the early childhood years through the hard choices he had to make as a young priest, the author allows us to stand by him for a while.
In a dreary communist reality, erstwhile many were silent out of fear, Fr Jerzy Popieluszko was not only a clergyman, but besides a steadfast defender of the fact and dignity of all man. He bravely faced persecution with the hope of a better world. With his sermons, full of love for the Homeland and concern for his fellows, he brought encouragement, uniting Poles around common values and goals. His words, full of concern for man and the destiny of the country, became a spark that ignited and inactive ignited hearts, awakening hope for victory.
"He was determined. He said that a priest could not avoid working for the good of the Church and Homeland and hide his heads in the sand erstwhile so many people endure persecution and are in prison. Despite mediocre health, frequent headaches and another ailments, he did not halt his activities," Fr. Theophilus Bogucki, a friend and spiritual father of Fr Jerzy.
Fr Jerzy paid the highest price for it. Jolanta Sosnowska's book describes in item – based on fresh historical studies – the dramatic circumstances that led to his martyrdom. The child, constantly followed and persecuted by the safety Service, knew that his life was in danger, but never gave up preaching the truth. The news that he was brutally murdered in October 1984 shook all of Poland and became a breakthrough in the fight against the communist regime. This evidence of valor and sacrifice, which was expressed in the beatification of Fr Popieluszko, is the central point of this moving, well-written story.
The book published by the White Raven publishing home is not only a tribute to the past, but besides an inspiration for future generations to never quit fighting for religion and justice. Illustrated by numerous, previously unknown photographs (53 photographs of Adam Bujak and 92 archival photographs), the publication makes it possible to realize the epoch and heroism and holiness of Fr Jerzy Popiełuszko. It is simply a compulsory reading for all those wishing to research the past of the life of this extraordinary priest, who became the light of hope for the Polish people.

Jolanta Sosnowska: “The Martyr for religion and Solidarity. Biography illustrated by Blessed Fr Jerzy Popiełuszko’, ed.

Beata Marshal - Wydawnictwo Biały Kruk