May the grace and peace of the Risen Lord be with you all on this year's Founders' Day!
From my reading of the “Charism of the Resurrectionists” and from visitations, I have become more aware of the importance of the testimony of the Venerable Servant of God, Fr. Paul Smolikowski. I must admit that I once knew little about his life and work, but now I have come to know and admire his impact on our Congregation.
In the Message for Founders' Day 2019, I wrote: “When I read about the life of the Venerable Servant of God, Fr. Paul Smolikowski, I discover that he truly reflects the spirit of each of our Founders:
- the vision of Bogdan Jański,
- the spirituality of Father Piotr Semenenko, and
- the missionary spirit of Father Hieronim Kajsiewicz.
Indeed, it was and is no exaggeration to call him “the one who was the soul of the Congregation and embodied the entire tradition of the Community.”
I was particularly inspired by his hope, especially in the face of adversity and struggles, and how he nurtured the new life that flows from the resurrection of Jesus. He truly deserves distinction and emphasis among the Resurrectionists who have graced our history and heritage. Therefore, as we celebrate this year's Founders' Day, I share with you a reflection on the life of Father Paul Smolikowski.
As Resurrectionists, we hold the Venerable Servant of God, Fr. Paul Smolikowski, in special esteem, affection, and devotion. The recognition he received from the Holy See elevates him in our eyes, as well as in the eyes of the Catholic community, and allows us to recognize the special quality of his life and ministry.
When I reflect on the many aspects of Father Smolikowski's life, I see how faithfully he listened to God's call and responded with his whole heart. This reminded me of Pope Francis' words in “Amoris Laetitia” (paragraph 137), when he writes:
“It takes time, good time, which consists of patient and attentive listening until the other person has expressed everything they needed to express. It requires an asceticism not to start speaking before the right time comes. Instead of starting to give opinions or advice, one must ensure that I have heard everything the other person needed to say.”
Although the Holy Father speaks of human communication skills, it also applies to our prayer life and our communication with God - speaking and listening. Too often, in human and 'divine' communication, we are more concerned with being heard and listened to than with hearing and listening. 'Hearing' is a function of our ears and mind, while I believe 'listening' is a function of our heart and soul. We 'hear' a lot, but we choose what we 'listen' to. I am sure that each of us can point to moments when this distinction was particularly true for us. I can go to the doctor and 'hear' him tell me to lose (at least) five kilograms, but I may not choose to 'listen' and therefore not change my diet.
On Mount Tabor (Mt 17:1-8), the voice of the Father said to Peter, James, and John, in the company of Moses, Elijah, and Jesus: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.” Our 'listening' as disciples of Jesus and as religious in the Church not only provides inspiration and wisdom but leads us to act in unity with Christ. Just as our human 'listening' is sometimes challenging for us, so too is divine 'listening' not always easy.
In our “Constitutions,” in article 55, we are reminded to follow the example of Mary, our Blessed Mother, because “She teaches us how to listen to the word of God, how to ponder it in our hearts, and how to live according to it.” Just as She attentively 'listened,' so we are called to 'listen,' to ponder and pray, and to respond to God's prompts as She did. Also, in article 64, we are told: “We know that God speaks to us in the depths of our hearts, but to hear His voice, we often need to set aside our activities to listen to Him and converse with Him.” This art of 'listening' comes to us through discipline and the pursuit of silence, to “make our apostolate more fruitful by strengthening our union with Christ” (art. 65).
In the “Charism of the Resurrectionists,” we can see the ability and willingness of so many members of our Community to 'listen' to God, among them Father Paul Smolikowski. It was not only part of their vocational discernment but also their daily life as Resurrectionists. In his life, the words of Henri Nouwen (“Desert Wisdom,” pp. xiv - xvii) echo that to have a “spirit of discipleship” requires a “willingness to listen, learn, and convert.” Father Paul's life and ministry reflected this wisdom as he lived and shared his discipleship in Jesus Christ.
In my reading, I found three particular moments in Father Paul's life that revealed to me his ability and willingness to 'listen':
- the call to serve on missions in Bulgaria and Ukraine;
- his service and leadership at the Pontifical Polish College
- his leadership abilities as Superior General.
In 1874, when Superior General Fr. Piotr Semenenko asked Fr. Paul to serve on the mission in Bulgaria, it had been in existence for eight years. A year after his perpetual vows (March 5) and priestly ordination (April 15), he distinguished himself in religious and priestly life. Having received ordination in the Eastern rite, he was well-prepared to serve in Eastern rite Catholic communities. In Adrianople, at the school for students, he taught Latin and the Eastern rite, developed an educational method that quickly gained the attention and admiration of many in the Congregation, as well as among the people in Bulgaria. In his history of the Congregation, Fr. Jan Iwicki writes, “From the very beginning, the goal of Resurrectionist education was to prepare Catholic lay leaders for the renewal of society: to become acquainted with the realities of the world, various social problems, and to face them with a sense of duty and dedication” (“Charism of the Resurrectionists,” Volume I, p. 466). Unfortunately, Fr. Paul's methods often brought him into conflict with the local superior, Fr. Tomasz Brzeski, who did not share his vision. Despite political and economic challenges, the Resurrectionists continued to serve the pastoral and educational needs of the Bulgarians.
In 1882, after eight years in Bulgaria, Father Paul was asked by Superior General Father Piotr Semenenko to share his pedagogical knowledge in Lviv, Ukraine, at a boarding school and seminary. During this time, he contributed to the final draft of the Constitutions, which were to be approved by the Holy See. He continued to serve there until 1892, although in January 1887, he was elected as a General Councilor under Superior General Father Walerian Przewłocki.
Father Paul accepted these obediences to serve in Bulgaria and Ukraine, 'listening' not only to the voice of his superiors but also to the voice of God, who called him to share his talents with these Eastern rite communities, to which he felt called at the beginning of his Resurrectionist formation. Despite strong ties and commitments in Bulgaria, he willingly and freely accepted the task in Ukraine. Father Paul sought above all to fulfill God's will, presented to him by his superiors, and did so with joy and zeal. His 'listening' was challenging for him but also brought many graces and blessings, as he made a significant contribution to the Congregation's ministry in Bulgaria and Ukraine.
On March 8, 1866, Pope Pius IX asked the Resurrectionists to establish the Pontifical Polish College in Rome. It was accepted by Superior General Józef Hube. It was the fruit of many long discussions at various levels in Italy and Poland, and even early fundraising initiatives. Thus, the dream of Bogdan Jański, who wrote in 1837 that: “In Rome, there should be a Polish college for ecclesiastical students modeled on the English and German colleges” (“Charism of the Resurrectionists,” Volume I, p. 261), was fulfilled.
The first rector of the College was Father Piotr Semenenko, followed by Father Karol Grabowski in 1882, and Father Antoni Lechert in 1888. In 1892, Father Paul was appointed rector. This ministry was not easy, initially facing various voices against the role of the Congregation from the Russian ambassador and some church figures in Rome and Poland. Throughout the seventy-two years of Resurrectionist leadership and ministry, there were constant complaints about seminarians, lack of support from some Polish bishops, and - despite international preaching initiatives for the College by many Resurrectionists and donations from Houses - constant financial burdens. However, the support of the Holy See, starting with Pope Pius IX, was consistent for this Resurrectionist service to the Polish Church. Bishops of the two major dioceses: Bishop of Krakow Jan Puzyna and Archbishop of Lviv Bilczewski wrote in defense of the Resurrectionists: “We wish the Fathers to remain in their leadership of the college. You, who from its very foundation have served the Homeland. So many good results have come from this college that we cannot ask for more. We can never forget how many difficulties the Congregation has endured and continues to endure in continuing the administration of the college. We do not see major shortcomings in the management of the college, especially in matters concerning spiritual formation” (“Charism of the Resurrectionists,” Volume II, p. 185). Despite the Congregation's efforts to improve staff, strengthen the formation program, greater selection in student recruitment, building relationships with students and the Polish hierarchy, it often seemed never enough. Within the Congregation, there were often voices that the ministry should be abandoned, including sometimes even from Father Paul.
However, the Fathers not only 'listened' to voices of dissatisfaction or supporters but above all 'listened' to the voice of God, who called them to continue this important ministry for the Church in Poland. Subsequent General Chapters supported this ministry, despite calls to abandon what often seemed like thankless work. Despite the personal costs he incurred trying to 'steer this ship,' Father Paul remained faithful to this ministry throughout his rectorship. His priestly example touched the lives of many students, most of whom eventually came to appreciate the Resurrectionists' ministry, including members of the Polish hierarchy, such as Archbishop Józef Weber.
Father Paul Smolikowski served in various roles on the General Council: he was elected as a councilor at the XI Chapter (1887), then as Superior General consecutively at the XII (1893), XIII (1895), and XIV (1901) Chapters, as General Secretary at the XV (1905) Chapter, and as a councilor at the XVI (1911) Chapter. He was an exemplary religious and man of prayer. His extraordinary talents, revealed in many ministries within the Congregation, made his candidacy an example of solid and mature leadership. Once again, Father Paul not only 'listened' to his supporters but above all to the voice of God, who endowed him with talent and blessing to take on these roles in the Congregation. Father Paul wanted to be a good steward.
During his tenure as Superior General, Father Paul held many roles: he edited the writings of Father Piotr Semenenko and gave presentations about them, engaged in the formation and teaching of Resurrectionist seminarians at the Roman House, continued the mission (living and working) at the Pontifical Polish College, and also managed the day-to-day affairs of the growing Congregation. Father Paul 'listened,' at great personal cost, to all the voices that called him to serve and respond to the important needs that arose in the Congregation. I cannot imagine how he did it!
Unfortunately, with the announcement of the Apostolic Constitution “Conditae a Christo” in 1900, a serious revision of the Constitutions began to adapt them to the Vatican document. Father Paul not only 'listened' to the voice of the Holy See but unfortunately also to the manipulations of Father Władysław Marszałkiewicz (“Charism of the Resurrectionists,” Volume II, p. 2), which led to “misinterpretation and misunderstanding” (ibid. 136), resulting in rebellion among a large part of the Congregation. Despite Father Paul's intentions to 'listen' and remain faithful to the Holy See, the newly revised Constitutions were perceived by many Resurrectionists as a “skeleton of the Rule” (ibid., p. 211). 'Listening' to the voices of his trusted brothers, Father Paul resigned as Superior General to bring about healing and reconciliation among them. As a true sign of his 'listening' to God, Father Paul showed no bitterness or desire for revenge but rather remained open to any service in and for the Congregation.
Father Paul Smolikowski faithfully 'listened' to the voice of God throughout his life and ministry. Despite the sacrifices and sufferings that this response sometimes brought him, he always placed God's will and the good of the Congregation above his own interests, comfort, or status. Humility reigned in his heart, and truth on his lips. I believe that especially in the face of difficulties and suffering, including harsh and sometimes cruel treatment by some brothers, his hope and trust in God remained strong. This testimony of Father Paul further supports and inspires the cause of his beatification and canonization by the Church, recognizing his heroic virtues, exemplary life, and generous service.
Perhaps each of us can relate to some of these realities - availability for new ministry, a call to service, faithful 'listening' with ear and heart, leading to a generous response. All these elements, I believe, are visible in all three areas presented in this letter. Our challenge, as we celebrate the life and ministry of the Resurrectionist par excellence, Father Paul Smolikowski, is to follow his example of 'listening' and responding to the voice of God and the needs of the Church and the world.”
May God bless you, my brothers in the Risen Lord!
Fr. Paul S. Voisin, C.R.
