Hundreds witness Father Pawel Zmija’s first Mass in Poland
By Eileen Jevis, staff writer
Throughout his years in the seminary, serving as deacon and now a priest, there is one factor that Father Pawel Zmija can count on — the support of his family, fellow priests and diocesan community.
That support was evident when 24 members of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Syracuse traveled to Poland in June to witness and celebrate Fr. Pawel’s first Mass at his home parish of Holy Trinity in Katowice, Poland. Approximately 100 relatives and guests joined Fr. Pawel’s family and the congregation for a “deeply reverent and culturally rich” Mass, said Michael Stanistreet, a parishioner of Sacred Heart Basilica.
Reflecting on his ordination in June at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Fr. Pawel said it was a strong and powerful experience. “The presence of so many people during the ceremony lifted my soul,” Fr. Pawel said. “The presence of my mother, Ewa, sister Magdalena and friend Marcin was significant, not only because they participated in the beautiful ceremony, but because it gave me the opportunity to spend time with them during a difficult year due to my father passing away in January.”
Fr. Pawel said he was amazed by the number of priests and deacons who attended his ordination and first Masses. “You can feel the brotherhood of support at such an important moment,” he said. “In those moments, I know I am not alone. I am accompanied by wonderful people without whom I certainly would not be the person I am today.”
Father Andrew Baranski, pastor of the Basilica, and Father Thomas Kobuszewski, pastor emeritus of Transfiguration Church, were among those who traveled to Poland to witness the “splendid event.” “I believe the trip to honor our newly ordained priest was very successful and rich in a spiritual as well as the cultural aspect,” Fr. Baranski said. “For me, the highlight of the trip was celebrating Mass at the altar in front of the Black Madonna icon at the Shrine of our Lady of Czestochowa.”
Father Pawel said he feels great joy when celebrating the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. “The awareness that during the words of consecration, when the bread is transformed to Christ’s body and wine is transformed to Christ’s blood, is amazing. This is new to me and the feeling is hard to describe.” Fr. Pawel also said his most memorable moment in Poland was presiding at the Mass in front of the image of Our Lady of Czestochowa. “I have a special devotion to Mary, Queen of Poland, and I know she is my mother and mother to all priests.”
After Mass, family and friends gathered for a dinner reception and attended evening Vespers with Fr. Pawel and his parish family. During the 10-day trip, the visitors from Syracuse had a full schedule of sightseeing. The group visited the Divine Mercy Shrine and the Shrine of St. John Paul II where Fr. Baranski and Fr. Pawel concelebrated Mass. They also visited Our Lady Queen of Poland Retreat Center, salt mines, museums, basilicas, castles and the Auschwitz concentration camp, to name a few. The trip was a wonderful honor and an experience of a lifetime, Stanistreet said: “It was a blessing to visit Fr. Pawel’s and Fr. Baranski’s home country and learn about the traditions and how their upbringing impacted their lives.”
Karen Galloway, another parishioner of Sacred Heart, was excited that her first international trip was to the home country of her grandparents. “Being able to experience the true culture, food and lifestyle of the Polish people was very fulfilling,” she said. “Fr. Baranski truly captured for us the beauty of the country, its gothic, ornate churches and its customs.”
Upon return of his trip to Poland, Fr. Pawel has begun his ministry as parochial vicar at St. Mary, Mother of Our Savior. He looks forward to this new chapter of his life serving the people of the Utica area. “I know that together with Father Jason Hage, I will be able to meet all the requirements and will learn so much from him,” he said. “I am grateful for the warm and friendly welcome I received from the parishioners at St. Mary, Mother of Our Savior and I am so blessed to have wonderful people around me.”
“With his many gifts and talents, Fr. Pawel will serve the people in the diocese well — in Utica and wherever the Lord sends him throughout his priestly ministry,” added Fr. Baranski. “We will continue to pray for him as he begins his ministry in our diocese.”
