Saint Joseph Sebastian Pelczar

Biography

Saint Joseph Sebastian Pelczar, also known as Jozef Sebastian Pelczar, was born on 17 January 1842 in Korczyn bei Krosno, Poland. He was raised in a pious family and showed early signs of devotion to the Catholic faith. After completing his studies in Rzeszów, Pelczar entered the seminary at Przemysl in 1860. He was ordained as a priest on 17 July 1864 and soon after became a parish priest at Sambor. However, his thirst for knowledge and desire to further his education led him to Rome in 1866. There, he studied at the prestigious Collegium Romanum (Gregorian University) and the Institute of Saint Apollinaris (Lateran University), where he excelled in his studies. Pelczar earned a doctorate in theology and became a canon lawyer, showcasing his commitment to intellectual growth. During his time in Rome, Pelczar continued to balance his academic pursuits with pastoral work. He remained involved in parish activities and worked closely with the Saint Vincent de Paul Society. Additionally, he served as the president of the Society for the Education of the People for an impressive 16 years. Pelczar's dedication to education extended beyond these roles as he founded hundreds of libraries, delivered free lectures, authored over a thousand books, and wrote extensively about history, theology, and canon law. He also started a school for servants, recognizing the importance of catering to the needs of all members of society. An advocate for social justice, Pelczar established the Fraternity of Our Lady, Queen of the Polish Crown, in 1891. This fraternity focused on caring for the underprivileged, including the poor, orphans, apprentices, servants, the sick, and the unemployed. Inspired by a devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pelczar co-founded the Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1894, together with Blessed Klara Szczesna. This religious congregation aimed to provide assistance to the sick and young women while promoting devotion to the Sacred Heart. Pelczar's contributions were not limited to his scholarly pursuits and involvement in religious congregations. In 1900, he was appointed as the Bishop of Przemysl, a position he held until his death in 1924. As Bishop, Pelczar made it a priority to visit parishes regularly, support religious orders, and work for the education and formation of priests. He conducted three synods, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration within the Church. Pelczar also encouraged devotions to the Blessed Sacrament, Eucharistic devotions, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the Virgin Mary, believing in their transformative power to deepen spiritual life. Known for his charitable work, Pelczar initiated the construction and restoration of churches, as well as the establishment of nurseries, kitchens, homeless shelters, and schools for the poor. He generously provided tuition assistance to needy seminarians, reflecting his commitment to fostering future leaders of the Church. Pelczar also advocated for the implementation of the social doctrine as espoused in the writings of Pope Leo XIII, recognizing the importance of justice and solidarity in society. Throughout his life, Pelczar left behind an extensive body of work, including books, pastoral letters, sermons, addresses, and prayers. His profound dedication to education, social justice, and spiritual growth earned him recognition as a saintly figure. On 18 February 1989, Pope John Paul II declared Pelczar's heroic virtues, leading to his beatification on 2 June 1991 in Rzeszów, Poland. Finally, on 18 May 2003, Pope John Paul II canonized Saint Joseph Sebastian Pelczar in the Vatican Basilica. Saint Joseph Sebastian Pelczar is the patron saint of the Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. His relics are venerated at Przemysl Cathedral, continuously reminding believers of his inspiring life and profound impact on the Church and society.