Blessed Fr. Jerzy Poieluszko
.
The offensive against priests and bishops of the Catholic Church who speak out against social issues such as same-sex marriage and abortion reminds me very much of how it must have been for priests such as Blessed Fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko, the Polish martyr associated with the Solidarity Union. Fr. Jerzy was assassinated by three agents of the Polish Communist Government. The were members of the internal intelligence agency.
.
Fr. Jerzy spoke out against the Communist system, encouraging the people through his homilies with spiritual instruction, as well as moral and ethical teachings opposed to the repressive regime.
.
It seems to me that Blessed Fr. Popieluszko is an excellent model and patron for Catholics - especially priests - who must speak out against the anti-Christian social issues of our times. Today, as in Popieluzko's day, immoral voices tell us religion and politics are not to be mixed. Religious freedom is at stake when priests and bishops are mocked and told they cannot instruct and guide the faithful in matters of faith and morals.
