On a rainy Sunday, June 29, 2014, the Bicentennial of the birth of Fr. Peter Semenenko, C.R., several members of the Congregation joined the Parish Community of Dolistowo, Poland, for a solemn Eucharist in the church where he was baptized. At the Mass in the filled church, presided by Archbishop Edward Ozorowski of Bialystok, Polish Provincial Fr. Wesley Spiewak gave a spirited homily, placing the occasion in the context of the Church's celebration of the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul.
Although the celebration took place on a busy day for parish priests, nine Resurrectionists including Fr. Lech Wycichowski of the Ontario-Kentucky Province and Secretary General Fr. Jim Gibson of the USA Province were able to be present, as well as twelve CR Sisters, including their Secretary General Sr. Anna Helena Skalik CR and S. Maria Donata Wołowiec CR, Provincial of the Warsaw Province. Our three novices of the Polish Province as well as two seminarians also ministered at the Eucharist.
The parish in Dolistowo gave a very warm welcome to the Community and placed a painting of a young Fr. Semenenko in the sanctuary which was festively adorned, including the baptismal font at which he was baptized in 1814. After a meal for the two Congregations of the Resurrection who represent the spiritual heritage of Fr. Semenenko, Fr. Spiewak also led a short period of prayer at the small chapel on the property where Peter Semenenko was born. This location was also decorated by the local community, who showed their appreciation for the CR presence in their history by their fervent participation and a small dessert offered to the participants.
Posted on Jun 2014,
