Jerzy Popiełuszko facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko
Jerzy Popiełuszko
Priest; Martyr
Born	(1947-09-14)14 September 1947 Okopy, near Suchowola, Poland
Died	19 October 1984(1984-10-19) (aged 37) Włocławek, Poland
Venerated in	Roman Catholic Church
Beatified	6 June 2010, Warsaw, Poland by Archbishop Angelo Amato
Feast	19 October
Attributes	Crucifix
Patronage	Solidarity

Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko (born September 14, 1947 – died October 19, 1984) was a brave Polish Catholic priest. He became known for supporting the Solidarity trade union. This group worked against the communist government in Poland. Father Jerzy was killed in 1984 because of his strong beliefs and his work with Solidarity.

The Roman Catholic Church recognizes him as a martyr, which means someone who died for their faith. He was declared "Blessed" by Archbishop Angelo Amato on June 6, 2010. This special event took place in Warsaw, Poland, at Piłsudski Square. His mother, Marianna Popiełuszko, was there. More than 100,000 people came to the outdoor mass in Warsaw. To mark this important day, Poland Post even released a set of stamps.

Early Life and Becoming a Priest

Statue of Jerzy Popiełuszko in Sieradz

Jerzy Popiełuszko was born in a small village called Okopy, near Suchowola, in Poland. After finishing school, he decided to become a priest. He went to the priests' seminary in Warsaw to study.

As a vicar, which is a priest who helps in a parish, he served in churches in Warsaw. He worked with everyday people and also with students.

Supporting Workers and Solidarity

In 1981, Jerzy Popiełuszko joined workers during a big strike at the Warsaw Steelworks. After this, he became very involved with the workers and trade union members of the Solidarity movement. This movement was important because it stood up against the communist government in Poland.

Father Popiełuszko's sermons, which are his religious talks, were often broadcast by Radio Free Europe. This made him famous across Poland. People admired him for his strong and clear messages against the government.

Monuments Honoring Father Popiełuszko

There are two special monuments in Budapest, Hungary, that remember Father Popiełuszko. In 2017, a monument was revealed in the Csepel area of Budapest. It has Father Popiełuszko's famous saying, "defeat evil with good," written in both Polish and Hungarian. In Csepel, there is also a street named after him and a bell tower in his honor.

Also, in 2016, a square in the Óbuda-Békásmegyer district of Budapest was named after Father Popiełuszko. There is a monument there made of stones that look like a rosary. This monument features quotes from Father Popiełuszko.

Images for kids

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  Popiełuszko meeting with workers at the Gdańsk Shipyard

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  Funeral (1984)

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  Tomb of blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko

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  Monument in Suchowola

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  San Bartolomeo all'Isola in Rome, where Popiełuszko is remembered among 20th- and 21st-century martyrs.

See also

In Spanish: Jerzy Popiełuszko para niños